Table of contents
Meaning of Wasilah
Wasilah means medium, intermediary, cause, support, and help. From the Quran, Hadith, and sayings of the scholars, seeking intercession (tawassul) is a proven concept, and denying it is something that no true believer can imagine. In reality, Wasilah is when a person presents a beloved act or a pious individual as an intermediary before Allah for the acceptance of their prayers and the fulfillment of their needs. By the blessing of this close individual to Allah, the sinful person’s prayer is more likely to be accepted, and Allah, the Lord of Glory, fulfills their need through the barakah (blessing) of His beloved servant.
Read More: The Sufi Saints and Their Teachings
Wasilah (Tawassul) in the Light of the Quran
(1) Allah says: ﴿وَكَانُوْا مِنْ قَبْلُ يَسْتَفْتِحُوْنَ۠ عَلَى الَّذِيْنَ كَفَرُوْا١ۖۚ فَلَمَّا جَآءَهُمْ مَّا عَرَفُوْا كَفَرُوْا بِهٖ١ٞ فَلَعْنَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَى الْكٰفِرِيْنَ ([1])
“And before that, they sought victory over the disbelievers through the means of this Prophet, but when he came to them, they rejected him. So the curse of Allah is upon the disbelievers!”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:89)
(2) The Lord Almighty says:
﴿اُولٰٓىِٕكَ الَّذِيْنَ يَدْعُوْنَ يَبْتَغُوْنَ اِلٰى رَبِّهِمُ الْوَسِيْلَةَ اَيُّهُمْ اَقْرَبُ وَ يَرْجُوْنَ رَحْمَتَهٗ وَ يَخَافُوْنَ عَذَابَهٗ ١ؕ اِنَّ عَذَابَ رَبِّكَ كَانَ مَحْذُوْرًا﴾([1])
“Those whom they invoke, themselves seek the means of access to their Lord as to which of them will be nearest to Him, and they hope for His mercy and fear His punishment. Verily, the punishment of your Lord is something to be feared.”
(Surah Al-Isra 17:57)
(3) Allah says:
﴿يٰۤاَيُّهَا الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللّٰهَ وَ ابْتَغُوْۤا اِلَيْهِ الْوَسِيْلَةَ﴾([1])
“O you who believe! Fear Allah and seek a means to Him.”
(Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:35)
(4) Allah says:
﴿وَلَوْ اَنَّهُمْ اِذْ ظَّلَمُوْۤا اَنْفُسَهُمْ جَآءُوْكَ فَاسْتَغْفَرُوا اللّٰهَ وَ اسْتَغْفَرَ لَهُمُ الرَّسُوْلُ لَوَجَدُوا اللّٰهَ تَوَّابًا رَّحِيْمًا﴾([1])
“And if they, when they wronged themselves, had come to you (O Muhammad) and asked forgiveness of Allah, and the Messenger had asked forgiveness for them, they would have found Allah accepting of repentance and merciful.”
(Surah An-Nisa 4:64)
Wasilah (Tawassul) in the Light of the Hadith
«لما اقترف آدمُ الخطيئةَ، قال: يا ربِّ أسألكَ بحقِّ محمدٍ لما غفرتَ لي! فقال اللهُ e: يا آدمُ! وكيف عرفتَ محمداً ولم أخْلُقْه؟ قال: لأنّك يا ربِّ! لمّا خلقتَني بيدكَ ونفختَ فيَّ من روحِك، رفعتُ رأسي فرأيتُ علَى قوائمِ العرشِ مكتوباً: “لا إله إلّا اللهُ محمدٌ رسولُ الله” فعلمتُ أنّك لم تُضِف إلى اسمِك إلّا أحبَّ الخَلقِ إليك، فقال الله e: صدقتَ يا آدمُ! إنّه لأحبُّ الخَلقِ إليَّ، وإذْ سألتَني بحقِّه فقد غفرتُ لك، ولولا محمدٌ ما خلقتُكَ!»([1]).
([1]) “دلائل النبوّة” جُماع أبواب وفود العرب إلى رسول الله g، باب ما جاء في تحدث رسول الله g بنعمة …إلخ، 5/488، 489. “مستدرك الحاكم” كتاب تواريخ المتقدمين، ر: 4228، ٤/1583. قال الحاكم: “هذا حديثٌ صحيحُ الإسناد”.
Imam Hakim and Imam Bayhaqi
(1) Imam Hakim in “Al-Mustadrak” and Imam Bayhaqi in “Dala’il an-Nubuwwah” narrate from Umar ibn Khattab (RA) that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“When Adam committed the mistake (by eating from the forbidden tree), he said: O Lord, I ask You by the right of Muhammad to forgive me. Allah said: O Adam, how do you know of Muhammad when I have not yet created him? Adam said: O Lord, when You created me with Your Hand and breathed into me of Your Spirit, I raised my head and saw on the pillars of the Throne written: ‘There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.’ I knew that You would not place next to Your Name anyone but the one who is most beloved to You. Allah said: You have spoken the truth, O Adam! Indeed, he is the most beloved to Me. So ask by his right, and I have forgiven you. If it were not for Muhammad, I would not have created you.”
Many scholars of high rank, commentators, and hadith scholars have mentioned this incident and these words of tawassul in their books. Imam Ahmad bin Muhammad Qastalani mentioned it in “Mawahib al-Ladunniyah,” and Imam Zarqani confirmed it in his commentary. Imam Ibn Jawzi mentioned it in “Al-Wafa bi Ahwal al-Mustafa,” and Imam Bayhaqi also mentioned it in “Dala’il an-Nubuwwah.” Ashraf Ali Thanwi (a Deobandi Wahhabi scholar) began the second chapter of his book “Nashr al-Tayyib” with this very narration.
Mustadrak al-Hakim
(2) In “Mustadrak al-Hakim,” it is narrated by Ibn Abbas (RA) that the Jews of Khaybar used to fight against the Ghatafan tribe. Whenever they faced them in battle, they would lose. Then they prayed this supplication while attacking again:
“O Allah! We ask You by the right of that unlettered Prophet whom You promised to send in the end times to help us.”
Ibn Abbas (RA) said that whenever they faced the enemy, they would recite this supplication, and they defeated the Ghatafan tribe. But when the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was sent, they rejected him. Regarding this, Allah revealed:
“And they used to ask for victory over the disbelievers by means of him, but when he came to them, they disbelieved in him.”
Permissibility of tawassul (seeking intercession) even after Dead
- The Narration of Hazrat Uthman bin Hunaif: In this incident, a person repeatedly approached Hazrat Uthman ibn Affan (may Allah be pleased with him) regarding a need, but Hazrat Uthman did not pay attention to him. The man then met Hazrat Uthman bin Hunaif (may Allah be pleased with him) and complained. Hazrat Uthman bin Hunaif advised him: “Go to the place of ablution, perform ablution, then go to the mosque and offer two units of prayer. Then say these words: ‘O Allah, I ask You and turn to You through Your Prophet, Muhammad, the Prophet of Mercy. O Muhammad, I turn to my Lord through you so that my need may be fulfilled.’ Then mention your need.”
The man followed this advice. After doing so, when he returned to Hazrat Uthman ibn Affan, the gatekeeper took him by the hand and brought him inside. Hazrat Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) seated him on the throne and asked, “What is your need?” The man stated his need, and Hazrat Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) fulfilled it. Then Hazrat Uthman said, “If you have any future needs, come to us.” The man thanked Hazrat Uthman bin Hunaif and said, “May Allah reward you! Earlier, Hazrat Uthman did not pay attention to my need, but after your recommendation, it was fulfilled.” Hazrat Uthman bin Hunaif responded, “By Allah, I did not speak to him. However, I was once in the presence of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), when a blind man came and complained about his blindness. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) advised him to be patient. The man replied, ‘O Messenger of Allah! I do not have anyone to guide me and I am greatly troubled.’ The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) told him to go and perform ablution, then offer two units of prayer and make this same supplication. By Allah, we had not even finished the gathering when the blind man returned, and it was as if he had never been blind.”
- Narration of Hazrat Anas (may Allah be pleased with him): During times of drought, Hazrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) would pray for rain through the intercession of Hazrat Abbas, the uncle of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Hazrat Umar would say, “O Allah, we used to seek rain through the intercession of our Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and You would send us rain. Now we seek rain through the intercession of the uncle of our Prophet, so send rain upon us.” Hazrat Anas reported that after this supplication, they were blessed with rain.
- Narration of Hazrat Anas regarding Fatimah bint Asad’s burial: When Hazrat Fatimah bint Asad, the aunt of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), passed away, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) personally participated in her burial. He prayed: “O Allah, You are the one who gives life and death. You are the Living, who never dies. Forgive my mother, Fatimah bint Asad. Teach her the correct answers to the questioning in the grave and make her entry spacious, by the right of Your Prophet and the Prophets who came before me. Surely, You are the Most Merciful of the merciful.”
- The Incident of Seeking Rain through the Prophet’s Grave: When the people of Madinah faced a severe drought, they approached Hazrat Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) and complained. She advised them, “Visit the grave of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), open a window from the grave to the sky, so that there is no barrier between it and the heavens.” They did as she instructed, and soon after, they were blessed with rain, which caused the earth to flourish with greenery, and the camels became fat. This year was thereafter known as the “Year of Abundance.”
- Imam Abu Hanifa’s Poem: In his famous poem, Imam Abu Hanifa (may Allah have mercy upon him) seeks intercession from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and presents his poverty and need, saying: “O my master! Be my intercessor in my dire need, For I am impoverished in this world, in need of your wealth. O the most generous of creation, O the treasure of grace, Bestow upon me from your generosity and be pleased with me!”
- Narration of Imam Malik and the Caliph Abu Ja’far Mansur: The Caliph Abu Ja’far Mansur once asked Imam Malik if he should face the Qibla (direction of prayer) when supplicating at the Prophet’s grave, or should he face the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Imam Malik replied, “Why would you turn away from him when he is your intercessor and the intercessor of your father Adam on the Day of Judgment? Rather, face him and seek his intercession, for Allah will accept his intercession for you.” Imam Malik referenced the verse, “If they had only, when they wronged themselves, come to you (O Prophet) and asked Allah’s forgiveness, and the Messenger had asked forgiveness for them, they would have found Allah to be Accepting of Repentance and Merciful” (Surah An-Nisa 4:64).
- Imam Shafi’i’s Practice: Imam Shafi’i would visit the grave of Imam Abu Hanifa when in Baghdad, and seek blessings through him. He would say, “Whenever I have a need, I pray two units of prayer, visit the grave of Abu Hanifa, and ask Allah there, and my need is swiftly fulfilled.”
Wasilah (Tawassul) in Light of the Statements of Scholars
- Imam al-A’zam Abu Hanifa (may Allah be pleased with him), in his famous eulogy, “Qasida al-Nu’maniyya,” seeks intercession and help from the Prophet (peace be upon him) and says:
- (1) “O my Master! Be my intercessor in my need! I am poor among creation, waiting for Your richness!” (2) “O most generous of all, O treasure of wealth! Bestow upon me from Your generosity and be pleased with me through Your pleasure!” (3) “O Messenger of Allah! I have hope in Your generosity and giving, and among creation, Abu Hanifa has no one but You!”
- Imam Malik, one of the prominent scholars among the four Imams of Fiqh, has a significant position. Qadi ‘Iyad al-Maliki reports that once, Caliph Abu Ja’far al-Mansur visited Madina and asked Imam Malik: “O Abu Abdullah! When visiting the Prophet (peace be upon him), should I face the Qiblah while praying or should I face the Prophet (peace be upon him)?” Imam Malik replied:
- “How can you turn your face away from him? While he is your means (Wasilah) and your father Adam’s means to Allah on the Day of Judgment! Instead, face him and seek intercession through him, and Allah will accept his intercession for you! Allah says: ‘And if they wronged themselves…’ [Surah An-Nisa: 64].”
- Imam Ibn Hajar al-Makki states that it has always been the practice of scholars to visit the grave of Imam Abu Hanifa and seek intercession through him. He mentions that Imam al-Shafi’i, when in Baghdad, would visit the grave of Imam Abu Hanifa and make him a means (Wasilah) in his prayers.
- Regarding the blessings of this grave, he shares his personal experience: “Know that scholars and those in need have always visited the grave of Imam Abu Hanifa and sought their needs through his intercession, and they have been successful. Among them is Imam al-Shafi’i, who, when in Baghdad, visited the grave of Imam Abu Hanifa and said: ‘Indeed, I seek blessings from Abu Hanifa, and I come to his grave. Whenever I have a need, I pray two rak’ahs, come to his grave, and ask Allah there, and my need is fulfilled quickly.
Conclusion:
The permissibility of seeking intercession through the pious and the Prophets, both during their lifetime and after their passing, is established through the Quran, Hadith, and the sayings of scholars. Considering this as shirk or innovation is unjust and leads one to misguidance.
([1]) Quran 2:89.
([2]) Quran 17:57.
([3]) Quran 5:35.
([4]) Quran 4:64.
([5]) “Dala’il an-Nubuwwah” (Signs of Prophethood), The Chapter of the Tribes of Arabs Delegating to the Prophet (peace be upon him), Vol. 5, pp. 488-489. “Mustadrak Al-Hakim” in the Book of History, Hadith no. 4228, Vol. 4, p. 1583. Al-Hakim said: “This is an authentic Hadith with a sound chain of transmission.”
([6]) “Sharh al-Zurqani ala al-Mawahib” (Commentary on Al-Mawahib al-Laduniyya), The First Chapter: On Allah’s Honoring of His Prophet (peace be upon him), Vol. 1, pp. 119-120.
([7]) “Al-Wafa bi Ahwal al-Mustafa” (The Loyalty in Describing the Conditions of the Chosen One), The First Chapter on the Mention of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from the Time of Adam (peace be upon him), Vol. 1, pp. 67-68.
([8]) “Nashr al-Tib fi Dhikr al-Nabi al-Habib” (The Spread of Fragrance in Mention of the Beloved Prophet), Second Chapter, pp. 10-11.
([9]) Quran 2:89.
([10]) “Mustadrak Al-Hakim” in the Book of Tafsir (Exegesis), Hadith no. 3042, Vol. 3, p. 1142.
([11]) “Al-Mu’jam al-Kabir” (The Great Compilation), The Chapter on Those Named Uthman, What Uthman bin Hunayf Narrated, Hadith no. 8311, Vol. 9, p. 31.
([12]) “Sahih al-Bukhari” in the Chapters on Rain Prayers (Istisqa), Chapter on People Asking the Imam to Pray for Rain in Times of Drought, Hadith no. 1010, p. 162.
([13]) “Al-Mu’jam al-Kabir” (The Great Compilation), Chapter on Fatimah bint Asad bin Hashim, the Mother of Ali ibn Abi Talib, Hadith no. 871, Vol. 24, p. 352.
([14]) “Sunan al-Darimi” in the Introduction, Chapter on the Honors Allah Granted His Prophet (peace be upon him) After His Death, Hadith no. 92, Vol. 1, p. 56.
([15]) “Al-Mustatraf fi Kulli Fann Mustazraf” (The Choice in Every Refined Art), Chapter 42 on Praise, Gratitude, and Appreciation, Section 1 on Praise and Gratitude, pp. 242-243.
([16]) Quran 4:64.
([17]) “Al-Shifa bi Ta’rif Huquq al-Mustafa” (The Cure by Defining the Rights of the Chosen One), Part 2, Chapter 3, Section, Vol. 2, pp. 26-27.
([18]) “Al-Khayrat al-Hisan” (The Good Deeds), Chapter 35 on the Etiquette of the Imams Toward the Prophet (peace be upon him) After His Death, p. 72.
([19]) Published by Dar Al-Basha’ir, Damascus. Its Urdu translation has been published by “Jam’iyyat Isha’at Ahl as-Sunnah,” Karachi.
([20]) The Urdu translation of this book, “Wasilah Dala’il ki Roshni mein” (The Means in Light of the Evidences), has been translated by Maulana Iftikhar Ahmed Misbahi, and published by “Al-Majma’ Al-Islami,” Mubarakpur, Azamgarh.
([21]) Published by Maktaba-tul-Madina, Karachi.
([22]) Published by Dar Qurtuba, Beirut.
([23]) Published by Qadri Publishing House, Lahore.
([24]) Published by Sunni Publications, Delhi.
([25]) Published by Ridawi Book House, Bhiwandi, Mumbai.
([26]) Published by Kazmi Publications, Multan.