What is the shafah in islam? How many types of shafah are there? What is the definition of shafa in islam?
The act of meditating for someone else’s distress or helping them move to a higher position is called “shafāʿah (intercession).” Shafāʿah means that the prophets and those who have high ranks in the sight of Allah pray and ask Allah so that the sins of the believers who have sinned are forgiven, and those who do not have sins, can be promoted to higher ranks.
On the Day of Judgment, when there will be no intercession for the disbelievers and hypocrites, Muhammad (saw), other prophets, and Allah’s chosen servants will be able to intercede for sinful believers. In this regard, evidence comes from the Book and the Sunnah. In the Qur’an, the following is stated regarding intercession, “Allah knows what is before them, and what is behind them, and they offer no intercession except for those who are acceptable, and they stand in awe and reverence of His (Glory).”[1], “On that Day shall no intercession avail except for those for whom permission has been granted by (Allah) Most Gracious and whose word is acceptable to Him.”[2], and “…Who is there can intercede in His presence except as He permits?…”[3] The Prophet said, “My intercession will be for those of my people who have committed major sins.”[4]
The Prophet also has a general and comprehensive intercession. This is called “shafā‘ah al-‘uẓmā’ (the greatest intercession)”. This intercession of the Messenger of Allah is also called “maqām-i maḥmūd (praised station)” in the Qur’an.[5]
Accordingly, messengers, prophets, friends of Allah, martyrs, and some scholars will be able to intercede for certain people who committed major sins. Moreover, those who fully complied with the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (saw) will be worthy of his intercession.
[1] Al-Anbiya, 21: 28.
[2] Ṭa Ha, 20: 109.
[3] Al-Baqara, 2: 255.
[4] Abu Dawūd, Sunnah, 21; al-Tirmidhī, Qiyamah, 11; Ibn Maja, Zuhd, 37.
[5] Al-’Isrā, 17: 79. See for shafā‘ah al-‘uẓmā’, al-Bukhari, Zakāt, 52.
Source: Basic Islamic Principles (ʿilmi ḥāl) According to the Four Sunni Schools With Evidence From The Sources of Islamic Law, Prof. Hamdi Döndüren, Erkam Publications