10.4 The Definition of Intercession (الشفاعة) Technically and Linguistically

Dear brother student, since those that defend shirk through this obscurity claim that their turning to the saints and the righteous for the purpose of supplication, seeking aid, expecting from them and seeking aid due to their eminent statuses and the intercession awarded them, particularly what has been established regarding the intercession of Prophet Muhammad PBUH. Since the matter is as such it befits us to offer a definition of intercession (الشفاعة) both linguistically and technically.

Linguistic Definition of Intercession (الشفاعة)

Intercession (الشفاعة) is linguistically defined as Ibn Faris said:
“Sheen Fa and ‘Ayn is the correct origin that means to compare two things. From this is to intercede as the opposite of oppression.”

Intercession (الشفع): addition

10.4 The Definition of Intercession (الشفاعة) Technically and Linguistically

Intercession (الشفاعة): means and request. It is said to intercede the oppressed from numbers: is to make him a husband. It is also said: a camel that is shafoo’ is that from which two bags of milk are obtained from one milking.
A sheep that is shaafi’ (accompanied) is that which is joined by its son.

The interceded (المشَفَّع): is he whose intercession is accepted and the (المشفع) is he who accepts intercession.

From what has been discussed it is clear that intercession (الشفاعة) in language means: to merge with for his aid and the intercession (الشفاعة) means to merge two things and to compare between them. It is derived from intercession which is the opposite of oppression. It is divided into three factors:

   1. Intercessor (شافع): the intermediary who requests intercession for another. He is also called (شفيعاً).
       If his intercession is accepted then he becomes (مشفَّع) ‘interceded’.

10.4 The Definition of Intercession (الشفاعة) Technically and Linguistically

   2. The interceded for (مشفوع له): is the requester of intercession and who benefits from the intercession.

   3. The granter of intercession (مشفوع إليه): is He to whom intercession is requested, if he accepts
       it then he become al-Mushaffi (مشفع).

Technical Definition of Intercession (الشفاعة)

Ibn Atheer-may Allah show him mercy-defines intercession (الشفاعة) in his words: “It is to request pardoning of sins and crimes.”

10.4 The Definition of Intercession (الشفاعة) Technically and Linguistically

This is equalled by the definitions of al-Shareef al-Jurjaani and al-Saffaareeni-may Allah show him mercy:
“Requesting goodness for another.”

If we contemplate these definitions we notice that the first definition encapsulates intercession (الشفاعة) in the attainment of benefit whilst the second definition encapsulates it in warding off harm. Both definitions are not comprehensive. The truth is that requesting intercession (الشفاعة) is not confined to both perspectives but sometimes involves one of them whilst at other times involves the other. The preferred definition to intercession (الشفاعة) is: “intercession for another by procuring benefit and averting harm.”