The Permissibility and Reward of Making Recommendations in Permissible Matters

Author: Dr. Muhammad Zia-ur-Rahman Azmi (رحمہ اللہ)

Chapter: The Recommendation of Permissible Intercession​

Quranic Guidance on Intercession​

Allah Says:
“Whoever intercedes for a good cause will have a share in its reward, and whoever intercedes for an evil cause will have a share of its burden. And Allah is ever, over all things, a Keeper.”
(Surah An-Nisa, 4:85)

This verse emphasizes the importance of recommending good deeds, as such intercession earns the intercessor a share in the resulting reward, while interceding for evil deeds incurs a share of the sin.

Hadiths on the Virtue of Intercession​

1. Encouragement to Intercede for Good Causes
✿ «عن ابي موسى، قال كان النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم، إذا اتاه طالب الحاجة اقبل على جلسائه فقال اشفعوا فلتؤجروا، وليقض الله على لسان نبيه ما احب .» [متفق عليه: رواه البخاري 6028، ومسلم 2627. واللفظ لمسلم]

Translation: Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrated that when a needy person came to the Prophet (ﷺ), he would turn to his companions and say: “Intercede (on his behalf) so that you may be rewarded, and Allah will decree through His Prophet (ﷺ) whatever He wills.”

2. The Reward of Intercession
✿ «عن معاوية بن ابي سفيان :” اشفعوا تؤجروا، فإني لاريد الامر فاؤخره كيما تشفعوا فتؤجروا، فإن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، قال: اشفعوا تؤجروا.» [صحيح: رواه أبو داود 5132، والنسائي فى الكبرى 2349]

Translation: Mu’awiyah bin Abi Sufyan (رضی اللہ عنہما) narrated that he said: “Intercede, and you will be rewarded. Indeed, I sometimes delay a matter so that you may intercede and thereby earn a reward, for the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Intercede, and you will be rewarded.’”

Key Lessons from the Quran and Hadith​

1. Permissibility of Intercession:
   
   • Intercession in permissible matters, such as helping the needy, resolving disputes, or facilitating opportunities, is encouraged in Islam.
2. Interceding as an Act of Worship:
   
   • Recommending good causes earns the intercessor a share in the reward, making it an act of worship and charity.
3. Prohibition of Evil Intercession:
   
   • Intercession in matters involving sin or harm is forbidden, as it incurs a share of the burden of the sin.
4. Facilitating Goodness for Others:
   
   • By encouraging intercession, Islam promotes a culture of mutual support and cooperation in the community.

Practical Guidelines for Intercession​

1. Ensure Permissibility:
   
   • Verify that the matter for which intercession is being made is halal and does not involve injustice or harm.
2. Intend to Earn Reward:
   
   • Approach intercession with sincerity and the intention to please Allah and support fellow Muslims.
3. Avoid Self-Interest:
   
   • Intercede selflessly, without seeking personal gain or favor.
4. Promote Justice and Fairness:
   
   • Use intercession as a tool to facilitate justice and fairness, ensuring no harm is caused to others.

Conclusion​

Interceding for good causes is a noble and rewarding act in Islam. It reflects a believer’s commitment to supporting others and promoting righteousness in the community. By interceding in permissible matters, one earns the dual benefit of pleasing Allah and strengthening social bonds. Conversely, interceding for sinful or harmful purposes is forbidden, highlighting Islam’s emphasis on justice and morality.