Usrah@Masat

Introduction

Linguistic Definition: That act which brings you closer to another object.

O you who have believed, fear Allah and seek the means [of nearness] to Him and strive in His cause that you may succeed. (Surah al-Maidah 5:35)

People often use the verse above to justify using a wali/imam/shaykh/righteous person to get closer to Allah.

Contrary to that, Ibn Jareer said in his Tafseer (interpretation) of the above verse: “And to seek to draw nearer to Him by doing good actions and by pleasing Him.”

He didn’t say that we have to seek saints to get closer to Allah now did he?

Two Conditions of a Valid Tawassul

1.   Must be prescribed by the Quran and the Sunna (the teachings of Prophet Muhammad PBUH).

2.   Must use the correct means.

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Introduction

Meaning: Asking an intermediary to press or support one’s request to another. The keyword here is “intermediary”. Shafa’ah is also known as intercession.

Types: Worldly and Spiritual

Worldly Shafa’ah

1.   It is allowed as long as you’re interceding in that which is good.

2.   For example, you ask a friend of yours to recommend you to your friend’s boss because you’re applying for a job there. Here, you are using your friend as an intermediary.

Whoever intercedes in good, he is rewarded for it. Whoever intercedes with a harmful intercession, he will bear its burden. Indeed Allah is able to do anything. (Surah an-Nisa’ 4:85)

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