Does the Intercession of Saints Affect Prayers Being Heard
Question
Title: Does the Intercession of Saints Affect Prayers Being Heard Question: Allah tells us that we need no holy man to intercede on our behalf because he is the only all knowing and doesn't need to be informed about anyone or anything. However there are followers of Ahmad Reza Khan Brelvi who say that because we are sinners therefore Allah will not accept our dua's. He will only accept it if a holy man intercedes on one's behalf. How can a saint have a better chance compared to a normal person? Doesn't this go against Allah attribute which is justice? Walakumusalam Answer: Islam is a personal religion. Every individual has the same access to God as the next person. There is no status of hierarchy that makes one man or woman higher than the other. The ones close to God are those who have faith and commit good deeds. Only God knows who has attained this level, no one can judge another person and say he cannot reach out to his Lord because he is stained with sin. The fact of the matter is that we tend to be either too harsh on ourselves over frivolities or take too lightly what is serious. This can mislead us either way as to how we should conduct ourselves, which may in turn have us seeking auxiliary assistance. That is why God has developed an entire system for us to follow so that we may purify ourselves and repent. God is in no need of a mediator between Himself and his creation. Besides, the people whom are holy in Islam are the Prophets because they were ordained so by the Lord. On whose authority is the status of "holy" bestowed on these "holy men" and saints whom supposedly have special access to God? This concept is alien to Islam. There are no saints, no "holy men," nothing of the sorts. God hears our prayers and forgives us as He pleases. Do they not know that God accepts the repentance of His servants and takes their alms, and that God is the Forgiving One, the Merciful? ( Al Tawbah 9:104) Say: "O my Servants who have transgressed against their souls! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah: for Allah forgives all sins: for He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. ( Al Zumar 39:53) And He it is Who accepts repentance from His slaves, and forgives sins, and He knows what you do. ( Al Shura 42:25) So glorify the Praises of your Lord, and ask for His Forgiveness. Verily, He is the One Who accepts the repentance and forgives. ( Al Nasr 110:3) If God accepts the repentance of His servants what is left for these saints to do? I therefore, completely agree with you that the Qur'an is absolutely explicit that we need no intermediaries. Muslims do not need saints or holy men; we have Allah (swt) the Infinitely Merciful, Eternally Compassionate. I hope I have clarified the issue. God knows best. Ronnie Hassan January 27, 2004
Answer
Title: Does the Intercession of Saints Affect Prayers Being Heard Question: Allah tells us that we need no holy man to intercede on our behalf because he is the only all knowing and doesn't need to be informed about anyone or anything. However there are followers of Ahmad Reza Khan Brelvi who say that because we are sinners therefore Allah will not accept our dua's. He will only accept it if a holy man intercedes on one's behalf. How can a saint have a better chance compared to a normal person? Doesn't this go against Allah attribute which is justice? Walakumusalam Answer: Islam is a personal religion. Every individual has the same access to God as the next person. There is no status of hierarchy that makes one man or woman higher than the other. The ones close to God are those who have faith and commit good deeds. Only God knows who has attained this level, no one can judge another person and say he cannot reach out to his Lord because he is stained with sin. The fact of the matter is that we tend to be either too harsh on ourselves over frivolities or take too lightly what is serious. This can mislead us either way as to how we should conduct ourselves, which may in turn have us seeking auxiliary assistance. That is why God has developed an entire system for us to follow so that we may purify ourselves and repent. God is in no need of a mediator between Himself and his creation. Besides, the people whom are holy in Islam are the Prophets because they were ordained so by the Lord. On whose authority is the status of "holy" bestowed on these "holy men" and saints whom supposedly have special access to God? This concept is alien to Islam. There are no saints, no "holy men," nothing of the sorts. God hears our prayers and forgives us as He pleases. Do they not know that God accepts the repentance of His servants and takes their alms, and that God is the Forgiving One, the Merciful? ( Al Tawbah 9:104) Say: "O my Servants who have transgressed against their souls! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah: for Allah forgives all sins: for He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. ( Al Zumar 39:53) And He it is Who accepts repentance from His slaves, and forgives sins, and He knows what you do. ( Al Shura 42:25) So glorify the Praises of your Lord, and ask for His Forgiveness. Verily, He is the One Who accepts the repentance and forgives. ( Al Nasr 110:3) If God accepts the repentance of His servants what is left for these saints to do? I therefore, completely agree with you that the Qur'an is absolutely explicit that we need no intermediaries. Muslims do not need saints or holy men; we have Allah (swt) the Infinitely Merciful, Eternally Compassionate. I hope I have clarified the issue. God knows best. Ronnie Hassan January 27, 2004
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