Wasila (intercession or means of seeking closeness to Allah) is a significant topic in Islamic theology. Some question whether it is permissible to seek wasila through prophets, saints, or righteous individuals. In this article, we will examine the concept of wasila in light of the Quran and Hadith to determine its legitimacy in Islam.
Wasila in the Quran
The Quran explicitly encourages believers to seek means (wasila) to get closer to Allah. Allah says:
"O you who have believed, fear Allah and seek the means [wasila] to Him and strive in His cause that you may succeed." (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:35)
This verse establishes that seeking wasila is not only permissible but encouraged. It signifies that believers should adopt lawful means to seek nearness to Allah, which can include supplications, righteous deeds, and intercession through the pious.
Another verse that highlights intercession is:
"Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission?" (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:255)
This confirms that intercession is only possible with Allah’s permission. It does not negate the concept but rather affirms it under divine authorization.
Wasila in the Hadith
Hadith literature provides numerous instances where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself encouraged seeking wasila.
- Intercession Through the Prophet (PBUH) in Supplication: A blind man approached the Prophet (PBUH) and requested a prayer for his eyesight. The Prophet (PBUH) instructed him:
"Go and perform ablution, pray two rak’ahs, and say: O Allah, I ask You and turn to You through Your Prophet Muhammad, the Prophet of mercy." (Tirmidhi, 3578)
The man did as instructed, and his eyesight was restored. This Hadith is clear evidence of seeking intercession through the Prophet (PBUH).
- Intercession on the Day of Judgment: The Prophet (PBUH) said:
"My intercession will be for those among my Ummah who committed major sins." (Tirmidhi, 2435)
This Hadith affirms that the Prophet (PBUH) will intercede for believers on the Day of Judgment, demonstrating the validity of wasila.
- Seeking Wasila Through the Righteous After the Prophet’s Demise: During the Caliphate of Umar (RA), when there was a drought, he sought rain by making dua through Abbas (RA), the uncle of the Prophet (PBUH), saying:
"O Allah, we used to seek intercession through Your Prophet (PBUH), and You granted us rain. Now we seek intercession through the uncle of our Prophet, so grant us rain." (Bukhari, 1010)
This shows that the Sahaba (companions) practiced wasila even after the Prophet’s passing.
Types of Permissible Wasila
Islamic scholars categorize wasila into different types:
- Wasila Through Good Deeds: Performing righteous acts and asking Allah for acceptance.
- Wasila Through the Names and Attributes of Allah: Calling upon Allah using His beautiful names.
- Wasila Through the Prophet (PBUH) and Pious People: Seeking Allah’s help through the love and status of the Prophet and righteous individuals, as proven in authentic Hadiths.
Conclusion
From the Quranic verses and authentic Hadiths, it is evident that wasila (وسیلہ کا ثبوت )is a valid concept in Islam. However, it must be done in a manner that aligns with the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) and does not lead to shirk (associating partners with Allah). Seeking intercession through the Prophet (PBUH) and righteous individuals, as practiced by the companions, is permissible and beneficial.
May Allah guide us all to the right understanding of His religion. Ameen.
