Shafā‘ah

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Affirmed only by Allah's permission, for those He is pleased with — sought from Him alone. Includes the Greatest Intercession (al-‘Uẓmā) granted to the Prophet ﷺ for relief at the Standing, and his intercession for sinners of his Ummah. Seeking intercession from the dead is shirk.

termPage.pronunciation sha-FĀ-‘ah

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From شفع (shaf‘), meaning 'pair, even number.' The intercessor 'pairs' his request with the petitioner's need before the One who has authority.

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'Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission?' (al-Baqarah 2:255)

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Two conditions for intercession: Allah's permission for the intercessor, and His pleasure with the one interceded for. The mushrik fails the second condition — hence shirk nullifies eligibility for intercession.

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Some seek intercession by calling upon the Prophet ﷺ or saints in their graves. This is shirk. The proper way is to ask Allah directly for the Prophet's ﷺ intercession (e.g. in the du‘ā' after the adhān).

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After hearing the adhān, say the legislated du‘ā' asking Allah to grant the Prophet ﷺ al-Wasīlah and al-Faḍīlah — and his intercession on your behalf will be deserved.

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