Man has always been impatient - hurrying up things despite knowing that things move when it is there time to move. This is also true when someone in distress calls on to God to redress his grievance but when the distress is not gone hurriedly, many the distressed usually turn to holy men for prayers and even intercession. This is due to lack of faith in one's Creator and His wisdom to resolve issues as He thinks the best.
Yet many a men, even many Muslims, especially in certain cultural or traditional contexts, seek the help of holy men (saints, pious individuals, or religious leaders) for intercession or deliverance in times of need. We see such people flocking the tombs of saints, making supplications at their graves, or asking for their intercession with Allah, believing that these individuals have a special connection with Allah. This practice has been a part of some Muslim cultures, especially in parts of South Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East.
However, in Islamic monotheism (Tawhid), belief in the oneness of Allah is central. The Qur'an and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasize that all deliverance, guidance, and mercy ultimately come from Allah alone. The reliance on intermediaries, such as holy men, for deliverance or intercession, is a topic of theological debate in the Muslim community, and many scholars believe it is contrary to the pure worship of Allah.
With this premise, let us refer to the 64th verse of Surah 6. An'am in which Allah asks men if they have any doubt about His Divinity and deliverance. This verse should open eyes of those Muslims, specially of Indian sub continent, who find others than Allah as their deliverers or Mushkil Kusha " مشکل کشا ":
قُلِ اللّٰهُ يُنَجِّيۡكُمۡ مِّنۡهَا وَمِنۡ كُلِّ كَرۡبٍ ثُمَّ اَنۡـتُمۡ تُشۡرِكُوۡنَ
(6:64) Say: "It is Allah alone Who delivers you from this and from every distress, and yet you associate others with Allah in His divinity."
In fact this verse is a follow-up of the immediately earlier verse:
(6:63) Ask them (O Muhammad!): 'Who is it that delivers you from dangers in the deep darkness of the land and the sea, and to whom do you call in humility and in the secrecy of your hearts? To whom do you pray: "If He will but save us from this distress, we shall most certainly be among the thankful?"
The verses above in simple explanation mean that God alone possesses all power and authority, and has full control over the things which cause either benefit or harm to men, and that He alone holds the reins of their destiny are facts to which there is ample testimony in man's own being. For instance, whenever man is faced with a really hard time, and when the resources upon which he normally fails back seem to fail him, he instinctively turns to God. In spite of such a clear sign, people set up partners to God without any shred of evidence that anyone other than God has any share in His power and authority. Or simply put: No human being—no matter how pious or revered—has the power to alter the divine plan or to provide deliverance except by the will of Allah.
Now let us go in some detail explaining the above quoted verse:
Divine Control over Deliverance: The verse emphasizes that Allah is the ultimate planner, meaning that deliverance, help, or mercy is ultimately in His hands. Turning to anyone else, even if they are perceived as holy or righteous, can be seen as a misunderstanding of Allah's exclusive power. While holy men might pray for others or offer guidance, the belief in their ability to bring deliverance on their own is at odds with the teaching that only Allah has complete control over all outcomes.
Allah's Plan is Superior: The verse speaks of how people might plot and plan, but Allah’s plan will always prevail. This teaches that reliance on human intermediaries, instead of relying on Allah, is a form of trusting in human schemes rather than the divine plan. The verse is a reminder that Allah's wisdom and power surpass all others. Therefore, one should place their trust in Allah alone and seek His help directly, as He is the ultimate source of strength, guidance, and deliverance.
The Problem of Shirk (Associating Partners with Allah): In Islam, associating anyone with Allah in terms of worship or seeking deliverance is known as shirk, and it is considered one of the gravest sins. Turning to holy men for deliverance could be seen as a form of shirk if it involves asking them to intervene in a way that is believed to bypass Allah’s will or power. This goes against the concept of Tawhid, the belief in the oneness of Allah, which emphasizes that only Allah should be relied upon for help and deliverance.
Intercession in Islam: While it is true that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) can intercede on behalf of his followers on the Day of Judgment, this intercession is not to be misunderstood as a form of relying on the Prophet for direct deliverance in this life. Muslims are encouraged to make their supplications directly to Allah and to seek His mercy, while understanding that any intercession is by Allah’s permission alone. This reflects the idea that the ultimate control remains with Allah.
The Implications of the verse
The verse highlights that Allah is the best planner and the ultimate controller of all things. It serves as a reminder that Muslims should place their trust in Allah alone for deliverance and guidance, rather than turning to holy men or intermediaries. While respect for pious individuals is important in Islam, relying on them for deliverance or supplicating them as though they have independent power to change Allah's will goes against the fundamental principles of Tawhid. The verse encourages believers to seek Allah's help directly, trusting in His perfect plan and wisdom.
- Direct Access to Allah’s Mercy: The verse emphasizes that Allah's mercy and forgiveness are directly accessible to the believer. There is no need to turn to anyone else, such as holy men, for this mercy or forgiveness. The person who repents can do so directly to Allah without the need for intermediaries. Allah is close and always ready to forgive those who sincerely seek His mercy, regardless of their past sins.
- No Need for Intermediaries in Repentance: The verse makes it clear that those who repent and correct themselves will find Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and guidance. There is no need for intermediaries, such as holy men, to facilitate this process. The Muslim's relationship with Allah is personal and direct. Repentance and deliverance come from Allah alone, and it is a direct appeal to Him, not to anyone else.
- Misplaced Reliance on Intermediaries: Seeking deliverance through holy men can be seen as an indirect approach to Allah. While respecting pious individuals is encouraged in Islam, believing that they have the power to intercede independently of Allah goes against the principle of Tawhid, the belief in the oneness of Allah. The Qur'an stresses that no one shares Allah’s power, especially when it comes to forgiveness and mercy.
- Shifting Focus from Allah to Intermediaries: When people seek deliverance from holy men, they may inadvertently shift their focus away from the direct mercy of Allah, which is readily available to them. The verse stresses that Allah has decreed mercy upon Himself, and all believers must turn to Him, especially when seeking forgiveness and deliverance from difficulties. This verse challenges the notion that a human intermediary has a unique ability to grant mercy or deliverance.
This verse thus reinforces the Islamic principle that Allah alone provides forgiveness, guidance, and mercy. It encourages believers to seek Allah’s help directly and not rely on intermediaries, such as holy men or saints, to bring about deliverance. The verse serves as a reminder that repentance and mercy are direct from Allah, and there is no need for anyone to stand between a believer and their Creator. Turning to Allah directly, in sincerity and humility, is the proper course, and it is through this connection that deliverance is granted.
This verse inadvertently cautions the believers to avert any chances of committing Shirk and rely only on the help of Allah and be always contended and believe that whatever the circumstances may be, one has to be patient and supplicate only to Allah to ease out one's sufferings and distress.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
You may read more posts on similar theme in our series of posts related to: Compiled verses from Qur'an on specific subjects: Faith in Allah
For more Selected Verses, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. You may also refer to our Reference Pages and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.
An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of the Qur'ān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.
In addition, references of other sources which have been explored have also been given above. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.
Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.
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