WHO WILL BE DENIED INTERCESSION (SHAFA'AT)?

[Taqavi]

Which groups are denied intercession (Shafa'at) in the traditions?

 

Intercession in Islamic culture means seeking assistance from the Saints of Allah (Awliya Allah) in the presence of Allah Almighty for the forgiveness of sins. This concept is not an unfounded "backdoor deal," but rather the mediation of personalities who are at the peak of divine proximity. Since intercession is established upon "Allah’s permission" and "His pleasure," it is natural that it does not encompass those who have practically chosen the path of rebellion and destroyed the bridges behind them for returning to Allah. Therefore, the denial of intercession in the traditions is, in fact, a warning to return to the path of servitude to Allah.

In narrational sources, the denial of intercession for specific groups has been mentioned for educational and essential reasons:

Those who consider light/trivial Prayer (Mustakhifin bi al-Salah): In a narration from Imam Sadiq (AS), it is stated that our intercession does not reach the one who considers prayer trivial.[1] Considering prayer trivial means breaking the bond of connection with Allah; one who ignores the main pillar of religion has practically excluded themselves from the circle of those eligible for intercession.

Deniers and Rejectors of Intercession: According to traditions, whoever denies the very principle of intercession will not attain it. [2] This is due to hostility towards the truth and insistence on misguidance; for intercession is a proven principle in the Book and the Sunnah, and denying it indicates inner hypocrisy or arrogant ignorance.

Those without Spiritual Affinity (Disbelievers): Intercession means conveying "the prepared" to the destination, not transforming "the corrupted" into "the righteous." Numerous narrations indicate that if a person has lost their faith through polytheism, hypocrisy, or persistence in major sins, they do not benefit from intercession due to the lack of necessary capacity. In reality, intercession applies to someone who has a particle of faith remaining in their heart and is only involved in slips, not to someone who has positioned themselves on the opposing front of the truth. [3]

The Oppressor is Denied Intercession: The Holy Quran says about the oppressors: "For the wrongdoers, there is no friend of kindness nor an intercessor to be obeyed." [4]

Furthermore, the Noble Prophet (SAW) has stated regarding oppressors and the denial of their intercession as follows: "My intercession is for those of my Ummah who have committed major sins, except for polytheism and oppression (which are two obstacles to intercession)." [5]

The Enemies of the Household of the Prophet (SAW) are Denied Intercession: Imam Sadiq (AS) says regarding the denial of intercession for this group in a narration: "If all the close angels and all the sent messengers intercede for a Nasibi (i.e., someone who is an enemy of the household of the Prophet (SAW)), their intercession will not be accepted." [6]

Those Who Harass the Children of the Messenger of Allah (SAW) are Denied Intercession: This group will also not benefit from intercession, just as the Honorable Prophet of Islam (SAW) explicitly stated this point: "When I take the position of intercession, I will intercede for the sinners of my Ummah, and Allah will accept my intercession. By Allah, I will not intercede for those who have harassed my lineage and children." [7]

Conclusion:

Intercession in Islam is not an unconditional privilege, but rather for those who still have a relationship with faith and servitude and are capable of returning. Therefore, the denial of intercession from certain groups in the traditions is both an educational warning and shows that intercession only applies to individuals who have retained the ground for accepting divine mercy within themselves.

It should be noted that in the traditions, other obstacles and factors are also mentioned that can deprive a person of the scope of intercession; but in this writing, only the most important and some of the most significant ones were mentioned, and a comprehensive review of all cases requires broader research into the collection of verses and narrations related to intercession.

 

 

 

 

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[1] . Al-Kafi, Sheikh Al-Kulayni, Vol. 3, p. 270.

[2] . Bihar al-Anwar, Allamah Al-Majlisi, Vol. 8, p. 58.

[3] . Al-Khasa'il, Sheikh Al-Saduq, Vol. 2, p. 355 / Manshur-e Javid, Subhani, Sheikh Jafar, Vol. 8, p. 427.

[4] . Al-Ghafir: 18 «مَا لِلظَّالِمِينَ مِنْ حَمِيمٍ وَلَا شَفِيعٍ يُطَاعُ»

[5] . Al-Khasa'il, Sheikh Al-Saduq, Vol. 2, p. 355.

[6] . Al-Mahasan, Al-Barqi, Abu Ja'far, Vol. 1, p. 184.

[7] . Al-Amali, Sheikh Al-Saduq, p. 370.