INTERCESSION (SHAFA'AT) A FORM OF DISCRIMINATION

[Taqavi]

Is Intercession (Shafa'at) a Form of Discrimination Among Allah’s Servants?

 

One of the significant questions regarding intercession is: If Allah is Just, why should some individuals be forgiven through intercession while others do not possess such an privilege? The apparent surface of this question suggests that intercession might be a form of discrimination or an exception to divine law. However, a closer examination of the concept of intercession reveals that this perception stems from a misunderstanding of its true nature. In the Islamic perspective, intercession does not mean setting aside justice; rather, it represents the manifestation of Divine Mercy alongside Justice.

Divine justice dictates that no one should be subjected to reward or punishment without cause or merit. However, it must be noted that "merit" is not always uniform or on the same level. Human beings differ in terms of faith, deeds, intentions, their relationship with the Truth, and the extent of their disconnection or connection with Allah. Intercession in such a system is not for everyone and not absolute; rather, it is for a group whose bond with Allah has not been completely severed and who, in the essence of their faith or in certain aspects of their virtue and capability, have retained the potential for mercy.[1] Consequently, intercession is not a blind and indiscriminate gift; rather, it is a wise consideration for servants who, despite being tainted, still possess the capacity for return and purification.

On the other hand, intercession only occurs with Allah’s permission. [2] This point is crucial because it demonstrates that the intercessor does not act independently of Allah, and there is no arbitrary privilege involved. In reality, intercession is Divine Mercy flowing through His chosen servants. Just as in the worldly realm of causes, Allah manages affairs through causes and intermediaries, [3] in the spiritual system, intercession is one of the Divine causes. Therefore, the existence of an intermediary does not negate justice; rather, it is a sign of order, wisdom, and the expansiveness of Allah’s mercy.

If it is said that intercession is a form of discrimination, the response is that unjust discrimination occurs when a difference is made between two completely equal individuals without reason. However, such equality does not exist in the case of intercession. Those who fall under the scope of intercession are those who have, in some way, remained on the path of Truth, have not completely lost their faith, or at least retain the capability for return. [4] In contrast, those who have deliberately closed the path of Truth, harbored enmity against Allah and the Truth, or have no connection with faith and guidance, do not fundamentally fall within the realm of intercession. [5] Thus, intercession is not an unmerited privilege, but a response proportionate to the spiritual state of individuals.

Furthermore, intercession has an educational role within religious logic. When a person knows that the path of return is not closed and that Divine Mercy is extended through His saints, they do not fall into despair and find motivation for self-reform. This hope, if understood correctly, does not encourage sin or embolden the person; rather, it saves them from complete downfall. [6] Therefore, intercession is not only not contrary to justice, but alongside justice, it is a manifestation of Divine Mercy, wisdom, and upbringing.

Therefore, intercession has no conflict with Divine Justice, because it does not violate the law; rather, it is actualized within the framework of Divine law and by Allah’s permission. Unjust discrimination occurs when differences are made among individuals without criteria or merit; whereas intercession is based on faith, connection with the Truth, and the capacity for Divine Mercy. Thus, intercession is not only not unjust, but it is a sign that Allah, alongside Justice, has opened the door of Mercy for His servants.

Conclusion:

Intercession does not contradict Divine Justice. In Islamic logic, intercession does not mean arbitrary and unregulated interference in human destiny; rather, it signifies the flow of Allah’s mercy through a specific pathway and within defined conditions. Divine justice means that every individual receives reward or punishment based on their faith, actions, intentions, and merits. Intercession is one of the mechanisms that actualize this system, not a violation of it. Therefore, intercession is not "unjust discrimination," because it is not unconditional; rather, those who benefit from it are those who have, beforehand, maintained a connection with faith, Wilayah (spiritual authority/guardianship), and the path of guidance.

 

 

 

 

---

[1] . Bihar al-Anwar, Allamah Majlisi, Vol. 8, p. 34.

[2] . Ibid, p. 31.

[3] . Mawahib al-Rahman fi Tafsir al-Qur'an, Al-Musawi Sabzevari, Sayyid Abdul-A'la, Vol. 1, p. 267. «فإنه تعالى أبى أن تجري الأمور إلّا بأسبابها»

[4] . Al-I'tiqadat, Sheikh Saduq, p. 66. «اعتقادنا في الشفاعة أنّها لمن ارتضى اللّه دينه من أهل الكبائر و الصغائر...»

[5] . Ibid p. 66 «و الشفاعة لا تكون لأهل الشك و الشرك، و لا لأهل الكفر و الجحود، بل تكون للمذنبين من أهل التوحيد».

[6] . Al-Mizan fi Tafsir al-Qur'an, Allamah Tabatabai, Vol. 1, p. 165.