An Overview of the Characteristics of Ahl al-Sunnah wa-al Jama’ah (Part 9)
Shafa’a (Intercession)
From the perspective of Ahl al-Sunnah wa-al Jama’ah, Allah will allow His righteous servants—prophets and the pious—to intercede for Muslims who have committed major sins, helping to save them from the punishment of the Day of Judgment.
There are two types of Shafa’a:
1. The Great Intercession: This is specific to the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), who will intercede for people to be freed from the fear and uncertainty of detention on the Day of Judgment. Allah accepts his supplication, as mentioned in the Qur’an: «عَسَى أَنْ يَبْعَثَكَ رَبُّكَ مَقَامًا مَحْمُودًا» Translation: “May Allah bring you to a praiseworthy position (the position of great intercession).”
2. Intercession for Sinners: On the Day of the Judgement, the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and some of Allah’s close servants will intercede for certain sinners. The Holy Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: “My intercession will be for the sinners of my nation.”
By this definition, intercession is carried out under three conditions:
1. With Allah’s Permission: «مَنْ ذَا الَّذِي يَشْفَعُ عِنْدَهُ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِ» Translation: “Who can intercede before Him except with His permission?”
2. What is Requested Must be Acceptable: «يَوْمَئِذٍ لَا تَنْفَعُ الشَّفَاعَةُ إِلَّا مَنْ أَذِنَ لَهُ الرَّحْمَنُ وَرَضِيَ لَهُ قَوْلًا» Translation: “On that day, intercession will not benefit, except the intercession of someone whom the Merciful Allah allows and whose speech He approves.”
3. Allah Must be Pleased with the Person for Whom Intercession is Sought: «وَلَا يَشْفَعُونَ إِلَّا لِمَنِ ارْتَضَى» Translation: “They never intercede for anyone except for those whom they know Allah is pleased with.”
Ahl al-Bayt of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
The Ahl al-Bayt of the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s prayers and peace be upon him) are distinguished by their virtues due to their close relationship with him. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: “I leave two precious things among you: the first is the Book of Allah, in which there is guidance and light; therefore, cling to the Qur’an and adhere to it. The second is my family; I recommend you to Allah concerning my family.”
It is also mentioned in the book “Al-Aqeedah al-Tahawiyah,” which is one of the most reliable religious sources of Ahl al-Sunnah wa-al Jama’ah: “And whoever speaks well of the Sahaba of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), their chaste wives free from any impurities, and their holy children, is a believer.”
Thus, citing numerous hadiths and narrations that express the virtues and merits of the Ahl al-Bayt, showing love and respect for the Ahl al-Bayt of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is emphasized as a necessary duty among Ahl al-Sunnah wa-al Jama’ah.
Sahaba of the Prophet (PBUH)
Ahl al-Sunnah wa-al Jama’ah believe that the Sahaba of the Holy Prophet (may Allah’s prayers and peace be upon him) are not infallible and do not accuse them of immorality. They may have made mistakes like anyone else, but upon recognizing these errors, they repented, and Allah Almighty forgave them. Thus, despite their mistakes, they are not regarded as transgressors.
It is also stated in “Al-Aqeedah al-Tahawiyah”: “And we love the Sahaba of the Prophet of Allah (may Allah’s prayers and peace be upon him); we do not exaggerate our love for any of them, nor do we harbor hatred for any. We do not appreciate those who regard them as enemies and remember them only for their goodness.”
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