Intercession in Shia Islam

Abstract

Intercession is one of the stations of the Hereafter, as it is a glimmer of hope and a thread of expectation, a window to divine mercy opened by Allah Almighty's grace towards His disobedient servants, so that they do not fall into despair and lose the compass of hope. This prevents them from persisting in disobedience and continuing in tyranny. Intercession has conditions that should be met by both the intercessor and the one for whom intercession is sought, as clarified in the blessed verses and noble narrations. Intercession only entails lifting the punishment after its due, not elevating the ranks of the one for whom intercession is made. Its place is in the Hereafter, just as repentance is sought by the servant in the worldly life. The reason for granting intercession is the same reason for opening the door of repentance to His servants.