Intercession
Definition
Intercession (Arabic: شفاع / Shafa’ah; Turkish: Şefaat) refers to the act of seeking assistance from a spiritual intermediary to obtain divine help. It involves intercessors making a plea on someone else’s behalf. This religious practice is widely discussed and sometimes contested within different sects and interpretations of Islam.
Etymology
The term Shafa’ah (شفاع) originates from the Arabic root ش ف ع (Sh-F-A), which means to pair or intercede.
Intercession in Islamic Theology
In conservative Islamic thought, particularly within Sunni Islam, the most accepted viewpoint is that intercession is exclusive to the Prophet Muhammad. On the Day of Judgment, intercession (known as al-Shafa’ah al-Kubra) by the Prophet Muhammad is widely acknowledged. The Qur’an mentions the intercession by prophets and angels only by the permission of God (Qur’an 2:255, 21:28). Fundamentally, it is believed that all believers have direct access to God (Tawhid), emphasizing no intermediaries between humans and the Divine.
Views in Sufism and Popular Practice
Sufism, alongside many folk practices within the larger Islamic tradition, embraces the notion of intercession by saints or Sufi masters. Devotees frequently request the blessings and interventions of these holy individuals, believing in their spiritual proximity to God.
Controversies and Reform Movements
Reformist movements within Islam, such as Salafism and Wahhabism, strongly oppose the idea of intercession by anyone other than Prophet Muhammad. These movements regard the practice as an innovation (Bid’ah) and a challenge to the fundamental monotheistic principles of Islam.
References in Rituals
A specific prayer, Salat al-Hajah (Prayer of Need), sometimes involves asking for intercession to address personal concerns or requirements. The range of practices integrating intercession varies significantly across different sects and cultural contexts.
Takeaways
- Exclusive to the Prophet: In conservative Islamic beliefs, intercession is predominantly reserved for the Prophet Muhammad.
- Sufi Practices: Many Sufi and folk practices embrace intercessions by saints and holy persons.
- Opposition by Reformists: Reform movements view intercession beyond the Prophet Muhammad as un-Islamic and a departure from true monotheism.
- Variety in Practices: Rituals like Salat al-Hajah are one instance where intercession is invoked.
Conclusion
Intercession is a multi-faceted concept in Islam, interpreted differently across various theological and cultural landscapes. While conservative interpretations confine it to the Prophet Muhammad, Sufi traditions and popular Islam often feature wider acceptance of saintly intercession. Contrarily, reform movements steadfastly reject extended forms of intercession, insisting on unmediated direct worship and supplication to God.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Intercession and Religion in Muslim World” by Suad Al-Sabah
- “Mystical Dimensions of Islam” by Annemarie Schimmel
- “Islamic Theology and Philosophy” by William Montgomery Watt
- “The Cambridge Companion to Classical Islamic Theology” edited by Tim Winter
This dictionary entry on Intercession provides insights and understanding into a debated yet central subject in various Islamic interpretations and practices.
