The word · Belief
الشَّفَاعَة
Shafa'ah
Intercession: one person asking Allah on behalf of another, and only by Allah's permission.
Also written · Shafaat · Shafa'at · Shafaa'ah · Shifaah · Shafaa · Intercession · Intercession of the Prophet · Maqam Mahmud · Shafa'at e Rasool
The meaning
What Shafa'ah means in Islam
The Qur'an denies intercession that works like influence over a king, and affirms it with permission: who is there that can intercede with Him except by His leave (Qur'an 2:255). The greatest instance is the Maqam Mahmud, the praised station, where the Prophet peace be upon him asks for the standing to be relieved and the judgement to begin. Angels, prophets, martyrs and even a person's own children are described as interceding. Asking Allah to grant you the Prophet's intercession is agreed upon; addressing the deceased directly is where positions divide.
Evidence · Qur’an · Stated directly in the Qur’an
Read beside it
Words that sit beside it
- HisabThe reckoning: each person shown their record and questioned about the life they were given.الحِسَاب
- HawdThe Prophet's pool, where his community drinks before entering Paradise and never thirsts again.الحَوْض
- TawassulApproaching Allah through a means, such as His names, your own good deeds, or a living person's du'a.التَّوَسُّل
- IstighathahCalling for help, and the disputed question of whom a Muslim may call on when it is not Allah.الاِسْتِغَاثَة
- JannahParadise: the garden of lasting delight prepared for the believers, where nothing is lost or spoiled.الجَنَّة
More from Belief
- Adhab al-QabrThe punishment or ease a person meets in the grave, before the Day of Judgement arrives.عَذَابُ القَبْر
- Asma wa SifatAllah's names and attributes, affirmed as He described them, without denial and without resemblance to creation.الأَسْمَاءُ وَالصِّفَات
- ImanFaith: belief in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and the decree.الإِيمَان
- KutubThe scriptures Allah revealed, belief in them being one of the six articles of faith.الكُتُب
- NubuwwahProphethood: Allah choosing certain men to receive revelation and deliver it, ending with Muhammad, peace be upon him.النُّبُوَّة
- ShaytanA devil: any rebellious jinn, and with the definite article, Iblis himself.الشَّيْطَان