A comparative Study of Intercession in the Al-Manar and Tasnim Interpretations

Intercession is a doctrinal principle and one of the most important theological issues in Shiite and Sunni Muslims. Although the principle of intercession is clearly stated in the Qur'an and the intercession of the Friends of God in the hereafter has been accepted by Muslim commentators (Shiites and Sunnis), some believe that intercession is God's deed and His right, therefore, requesting others to do God's deed is polytheism. The commentators of Al-Manar interpretation (Mohammad Abduh and Rashid Reza) have raised some doubts about this issue. The Shiite commentators, including the author of Tasnim interpretation, Ayatollah Javadi Amoli, have tried to answer these doubts using verses and narrative-theological evidence. Intercession is not a change in the divine will, but rather a reasonable deed permitted by Him based on rational reasons. Given the controversialness of intercession among Muslims, it is necessary to take it into consideration. This research aims to study these two perspectives comparatively. First, the doubts about intercession have been addressed. Then, based on Tasnim's interpretation, the Qur'an, and rational and narrative reasons, the doubts have been answered. Relying on library resources, this research has used descriptive-analytical method.