Subject: [Masjid Tucson] Submission weekly reminder

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Peace be upon you,

Some traditional Muslims have been taught to praise and bless the prophet Muhammad, believing that he will reward their devotion by interceding on their behalf on the Day of Judgment. God has clarified for us in Quran that there is no intercession (Quran  2:48, 2:123, 2:254; 6:51, 6:70, 6:94; 7:53, 7:188; 10:3, etc.). The prophets, messengers, saints, etc. cannot intercede on behalf of anyone with God (9:114, 11:45-46, 39:3), not even if it were their family.

God tells us in Quran:

       No Intercession*
[Quran 2:254] O you who believe, you shall give to charity from the provisions we have given to you, before a day comes where there is no trade, no nepotism, and no intercession. The disbelievers are the unjust.
  *2:254 One of Satan's clever tricks is attributing the power of intercession to powerless human idols such as Jesus and Muhammad (Appendix 8).

[Quran 11:45-46] Noah implored his Lord: "My Lord, my son is a member of my family, and Your promise is the truth. You are the wisest of the wise." He said, "O Noah, he is not of your family. It is unrighteous to ask Me for something you do not know ...

Intercession demonstrates dependency on other than God, no matter how good the intention. Believing that someone independent of God is in a position to help you (such as a boss, colleague, family member or friend) is falling for Satan's trick. We have the example of Joseph:

[Quran 12:42] He then said to the one to be saved "Remember me at your lord." Thus, the devil caused him to forget his Lord, and, consequently, he remained in prison a few more years. 

To summarize, we must seek help from and depend upon God Alone (1:5, 6:17, 8:17, 10:107, 22:15). We must also be aware of the warning in Quran: [43:62] Let not the devil repel you; he is your most ardent enemy.


References:
The Myth of Intercession, http://www.masjidtucson.org/quran/appendices/appendix8.html
Why Praising Muhammad is Wrong, http://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/SP/2011/jan/page1.html
Role of the Prophet Muhammad, http://www.masjidtucson.org/quran/appendices/appendix12.html


Peace.