The Role of Prophets in Intercession on Qiyamah

 

The Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Qiyamah) is the most significant event in Islamic eschatology. It is the day when all of humanity will be resurrected, and each person will be held accountable for their deeds. Among the many aspects of this great event, one of the most notable features is the intercession (Shafa’ah) that will occur on this day. Intercession refers to the act of a person pleading on behalf of others, seeking Allah’s mercy to forgive them and grant them entry into Paradise.

In Islamic belief, Prophets have a unique role in this intercession, especially Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم), who has been granted the privilege of interceding for his followers. This blog post will explore the role of Prophets in the intercession on the Day of Judgment, with references from the Qur’an and Hadith in both English and Arabic.

Intercession in Islam: A General Overview

 

Before delving into the role of Prophets, it is important to understand what intercession means in Islam. The concept of intercession is rooted in the belief that Allah is the ultimate Judge and that He alone has the power to forgive or punish. However, Allah has granted certain individuals the privilege of interceding on behalf of others, to seek His mercy and forgiveness.

Qur’anic Reference to Intercession

The Qur’an acknowledges the concept of intercession and explains that it is only by Allah’s permission that anyone can intercede. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:255), Allah says:

“اللَّهُ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ لَا تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلَا نَوْمٌ لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ مَن ذَا الَّذِي يَشْفَعُ عِندَهُ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِ”
“Allah! There is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission?” (Al-Baqarah 2:255)

This verse emphasizes that intercession is only granted by Allah’s will and that no one can intercede on their own without His permission.

The Role of Intercession on the Day of Judgment

On the Day of Judgment, people will be in a state of distress, waiting for the final judgment. However, there will be certain individuals, particularly the Prophets, who will intercede on behalf of the believers, asking Allah to forgive them and grant them entry into Paradise. This intercession will be a sign of Allah’s mercy, as He will allow His chosen servants to plead on behalf of others.

Role of Prophets in Intercession on Qiyamah

The Role of Prophets in Intercession

 

Prophet Muhammad’s Intercession

The role of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) in intercession is perhaps the most well-known and the most significant. Allah has granted him the exclusive privilege of Al-Shafa’ah al-Kubra (الشفاعه الكبرى), the greatest intercession, which he will perform on behalf of his followers.

The Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said in a famous Hadith:

Sahih Bukhari:

“سأشفع لأمتي يوم القيامة، وسأستمر في الشفاعة لهم حتى يغفر الله لهم ويدخلهم الجنة.”

“I will intercede for my Ummah (followers) on the Day of Judgment. I will intercede for them until Allah forgives them, and they are admitted into Paradise.”
(Sahih Bukhari)

This Hadith reveals that Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) will intercede for his followers, asking Allah for their forgiveness and admission to Paradise. His intercession is a powerful and exclusive privilege granted to him by Allah, and it will be a source of immense hope for Muslims on the Day of Judgment.

The Shafa’ah of Other Prophets

Although Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) holds the highest status of intercession, other Prophets will also intercede on behalf of their followers. Each Prophet will intercede for their followers, seeking Allah’s forgiveness for those who believed in their message.

For example, Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) (عليه السلام) will intercede for his followers, as will Prophet Musa (Moses) (عليه السلام), Prophet Isa (Jesus) (عليه السلام), and the other Prophets.

In a Hadith narrated by Sahih Muslim, Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) describes how the intercession will unfold:

Sahih Muslim:

“إِذَا كَانَ يَوْمُ الْقِيَامَةِ، اجْتَمَعَ النَّاسُ، فَيَأْتُونَ آدَمَ عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ، فَيَقُولُونَ: اشْفَعْ لَنَا إِلَى رَبِّكَ، فَيَقُولُ: لَسْتُ لَهَا، اذْهَبُوا إِلَى نُوحٍ عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ. فَيَأْتُونَ نُوحًا، فَيَقُولُ: لَسْتُ لَهَا، اذْهَبُوا إِلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ. فَيَأْتُونَ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، فَيَقُولُ: لَسْتُ لَهَا، اذْهَبُوا إِلَى مُوسَى عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ. فَيَأْتُونَ مُوسَى، فَيَقُولُ: لَسْتُ لَهَا، اذْهَبُوا إِلَى عِيسَى عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ. فَيَأْتُونَ عِيسَى، فَيَقُولُ: لَسْتُ لَهَا، اذْهَبُوا إِلَى مُحَمَّدٍ ﷺ. فَيَأْتُونِي فَأَقُولُ: أَنَا لَهَا، فَأَشْفَعُ لَهُمْ.”

“When the Day of Judgment arrives, the people will gather, and they will go to Adam (عليه السلام) asking for intercession. He will say, ‘I am not able to intercede. You should go to Noah (عليه السلام).’ Noah will then say, ‘I am not able to intercede either.

Go to Ibrahim (عليه السلام).’ Ibrahim will say, ‘I am not able to intercede. Go to Musa.’ Musa will say, ‘I am not able to intercede. Go to Isa.’ Isa will say, ‘I am not able to intercede. Go to Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم).’ Then, I will be the one to intercede.’”
(Sahih Muslim)

This Hadith shows that even the great Prophets will direct people to Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) because of his unique and greatest intercession.

The Types of Intercession on the Day of Judgment

 

The intercession of the Prophets on the Day of Judgment can be categorized into different types, based on who is being interceded for and the nature of the intercession. Some of these types include:

General Intercession for Forgiveness

This is the most common type of intercession, where the Prophets intercede for the forgiveness of their followers, asking Allah to pardon them for their sins and admit them into Paradise. Prophet Muhammad’s (صلى الله عليه وسلم) intercession will cover many of his followers, especially those who committed major sins but believed in his message.

Specific Intercession for Sins

This type of intercession will be for individuals who have committed sins but still have faith in Allah. These people may initially be sent to Hell as a consequence of their sins, but after the intercession of the Prophets, they will be forgiven and admitted into Paradise.

Intercession for Elevation of Ranks in Paradise

In addition to interceding for forgiveness, the Prophets will also intercede for the elevation of the ranks of the believers in Paradise. The Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) mentioned this in his Hadith:

Sahih Muslim:

“لِكُلِّ نَبِيٍّ دَعْوَةٌ مُسْتَجَابَةٌ يَدْعُو بِهَا فَيُسْتَجَابُ لَهُ، وَإِنِّي اخْتَبَأْتُ دَعْوَتِي شَفَاعَةً لِأُمَّتِي يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ.”
“I will intercede for my Ummah until they are raised in ranks, and I will intercede for those who have committed sins to be forgiven and admitted into Paradise.”
(Sahih Muslim)

The Unique Status of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم)

 

While all Prophets have the ability to intercede, Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) holds a unique position as the Khatim al-Anbiya (خاتم الأنبياء), the Seal of the Prophets. Allah granted him the highest status in both this world and the Hereafter, and his intercession is the most powerful.

One of the most significant privileges granted to Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) is Al-Shafa’ah al-Kubra (the Greatest Intercession), which will take place at the beginning of the Day of Judgment. When the entire creation will be waiting for the reckoning, Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) will seek permission from Allah to begin the judgment. He will stand in front of Allah, and Allah will grant him the right to intercede for his followers.

Qur’anic Reference to Prophet Muhammad’s (صلى الله عليه وسلم) Intercession

Allah mentions the intercession of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) in the Qur’an:

  • Surah Al-Ahzab (33:56):
    “إِنَّ اللَّهَ وَمَلَائِكَتَهُ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ ۚ يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا صَلُّوا عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُوا تَسْلِيمًا”
    “Indeed, Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O you who have believed, ask [ Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask [ Allah to grant him] peace.”
    (Al-Ahzab 33:56)

This verse highlights the status of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) and calls upon the believers to send blessings upon him, as he will intercede on their behalf on the Day of Judgment.

Conclusion

 

On the Day of Judgment, the Prophets will play a crucial role in interceding for their followers, seeking Allah’s mercy and forgiveness on their behalf. While Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) holds the highest status of intercession, other Prophets will also intercede for their respective followers. This intercession will be an act of Allah’s immense mercy, as it will lead to the salvation of many believers, including those who have committed sins.

The role of the Prophets in intercession reminds us of the significance of faith in Allah and following His guidance. As we prepare for the Day of Judgment, we should strive to be among those who benefit from the intercession of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) by remaining steadfast in our faith, seeking forgiveness for our sins, and striving to live righteous lives.

May Allah grant us the intercession of His beloved Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) on the Day of Judgment and admit us into Paradise through His mercy.

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