لَّا يَمْلِكُونَ ٱلشَّفَٰعَةَ إِلَّا مَنِ ٱتَّخَذَ عِندَ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ عَهْدًا
2:49; 20:110; 21:29; 34:24; 39:45; 43:87; 53:27; 74:49.
Important Words:
الشفاعة (intercession) is derived fromشفع which means, he provided a thing, which was alone with another, or he joined up a single thing with another, so as to make it one of a pair or couple. According to Imam Raghib الشفع signifies the adjoining of a thing to its like; thus the word has the significance of likeness or similarity also. Thus الشفاعة has come to mean interceding or praying for a person on the ground that he is connected with the intercessor or is like or similar to him (Aqrab, Lane & Mufradat).
Commentary:
الشفاعة (intercession) is governed by the following four conditions:
1. He who intercedes has a special connection with the person (or Being) with whom he wishes to intercede and enjoys his special favour, for without such connection he dare not intercede nor can intercession be fruitful.
2. The person for whom intercession is to be made must have a true and real connection with the intercessor, for none would think of interceding for a person unless the latter is specially connected with him.
3. The person in whose favour intercession is sought must generally deserve the description of a good person and must be one who has made an honest effort to win the pleasure of God (21:29). If he ever happens to fall into sin, it is in a moment of weakness. A wicked man cannot enjoy true and real connection with a holy person.
4. Intercession can only be made with God’s express permission (2:256; 10:4).
For a detailed note on الشفاعة see 2:49.
It may be noted that of all prophets and messengers of God the Holy Prophet alone will be granted permission to intercede on the Last Day.
2:49; 20:100; 21:29; 34:24; 39:45; 43:87; 53:27; 74:49.