No Intercession on the Day of Judgment

Salam,

No intercession on the Day of Judgment

There is a common belief that the prophet Muhammad and other pious people can intercede on their behalf to God on the Day of Judgment. The Quran teaches believers that what they do in this world is entirely for the good or the evil of their own soul and none can help them except God on the Day of Judgment.

“To God belongs all intercession, His is the Dominion of the heavens and the earth, and to Him you shall return. (Surah 39:44)

And fear the Day when no soul will stand in stead of another, nor shall intercession be accepted for it, nor shall reparation be taken from it, nor shall they be helped. (Surah 2:48)

The Prophet Muhammad was told by God that he is not responsible for the evils that others do and he is only a Warner and a Giver of glad tidings to those who believe.

Most certainly, We have sent you ( O Muhammad) with the truth to give glad tidings and to warn, you will not be accountable for the inhabitants of Hell. (Surah 2:119)

And extent your kindness to those who follow you of the believers; but if they disobey you, then say: “Surely I am free of what you do.” (Surah 26:215-216)


Although none can intercede on the Day of Judgment, prophets can intercede for the living when they were alive in this world. There are many examples prophets pray for the forgiveness of their people who do wrongs when they were alive and below are some examples by the Prophet Muhammad and the Prophet Jacob over his sons:

It was by God’s Mercy that you ( O Muhammad) were kind to them, had you been harsh and hard of heart, they would have dispersed from around you, so pardon them and pray for forgiveness for them, and consult them in the matter and when you reach a decision, place your trust in God, and surely God loves those who put their trust in Him. (Surah 3:159)

And We had not sent any apostle but to be obeyed in accordance with the Will of God. If they had only, when they were unjust to themselves, come unto you (O Muhammad) and asked God’s forgiveness, and the apostle had ask forgiveness for them, they would have found God indeed Oft Returning, Most Merciful. (Surah 4:64)

They said: “O our father! Ask for us forgiveness for our sins, for we were truly at fault.” He (Jacob) said: “Soon will I ask my Lord for forgiveness for you; for He is indeed Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Surah 12:97-98)


Although intercession on the Day of Judgment is solely for God there are evidences in the Quran He allow some angels to intercede but with His permission. But God warns before hand the kind of intercession should be that which is acceptable to Him.

And how many angels in the heavens, their intercession will avail nothing except after God had given leave for whom He pleases and that he is acceptable to Him. (Surah 53:26)

He knows what is before them and what is behind them, and they offer no intercession except for those who are acceptable, and they tremble for fear of Him. (Surah 21:28)

Whoever intercedes with a good cause becomes a partner therein. And whoever intercedes with an evil intercession shall receive the like of it, and God keeps strict watch over all things. (Surah 4:85)


Ultimately intercession other than God is futile and we are left to answer to God on behalf of our own soul and the Prophet can do nothing to help your soul.

And fear the Day when no soul will stand in stead of another, nor will reparation be accepted from it, nor will intercession benefit it, nor will they be helped. (Surah 2:123)

And warn with it those who fear that they shall be gathered to their Lord; except for Him they have no protector not intercessor: that they guard against evil. And do not turn away those who call upon their Lord in the morning and in the evening, they only desire His pleasure, neither are you (O Muhammad) accountable for them, nor are they accountable for you in anything. So if you turn them away you be of the unjust. (Surah 6:51-52)


Asar