| Answer: The Holy Qur’ān
negates the idea of intercession by any one on the Day of Judgment merely on
the ground of the status the recipients of the intercession occupy in this
world or a particular race or religious group they belong to. It variously
charges the Jews of unjustly deeming themselves worthy of high reward
because of their being chosen people of Allah. Almost the same beliefs have
found place among most Muslims today. They deem being adherent to the
religion of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sws) sufficient for their eternal
success in the Hereafter. This is supported by the belief of the
intercession by the Holy Prophet (sws) on the Day.
This kind of belief and
ideas have not place in the Holy Qur’ān. It says:
O Children of Israel!
Remember My favor wherewith I favored you and how I preferred you to [all]
creatures. And guard yourselves against a day when no soul will in aught
avail another, nor will intercession be accepted from it, nor will
compensation be received from it, nor will they be helped. (2:47-8)
At another place, it says
that there would be no intercession except if God wills. No body will dare
intercede except when the Almighty honors him with that. This it should be
noted must be in accordance with the principle of justice and the wisdom of
God. His mercy will not obstruct His justice. Another thing that should be
appreciated is that no body will dare speak in favor of the evil people.
2:255 reads:
Allah! There is no God
save Him, the Alive, the Eternal. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him.
Unto Him belongs whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the
earth. Who is he that intercedes with Him save by His leave? (2:225)
The following verse leads
to the above-mentioned principle.
[A reward] from the Lord
of the heavens and the earth and all that lies between them; the most
Gracious – there is no one who has the authority to speak on His behalf. On
the Day when Gabriel and the angels will stand arrayed [before Him]. [The
Day] when only they will speak whom the most Gracious allows and who speak
the truth. That Day [O People!] is sure to come; therefore, now whoever
wishes can make his abode towards his Lord. We have forewarned you of an
imminent doom on the Day when a man will see all that he has sent forward,
and the unbeliever will cry: O would that I were dust! (78:37-40)
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