Moses said:

“Knowledge of them is with my Lord in a Record. My Lord neither errs nor forgets.”

There are many such examples. Thus, “intercession” is a verbal noun that necessarily involves both an intercessor and someone on whose behalf intercession is made. It encompasses the intercession of every intercessor and every intercession made on someone’s behalf. Hence, when He says:

“On that Day, intercession will be of no benefit,”

He negates both kinds: intercession by intercessors and intercession on behalf of sinners. His words,

“except one to whom the Most Merciful gives permission,”

encompass both categories: intercessors to whom the Most Merciful gives permission and whose words He approves, and those on whose behalf intercession is made, to whom the Most Merciful gives permission and whose words He approves.

Intercession benefits the one on whose behalf it is made by delivering him from punishment. It also benefits the intercessor: his intercession is accepted, he is honoured by its acceptance, and he is rewarded for it. On that Day, intercession will benefit neither an intercessor nor someone on whose behalf it is made,

“except one to whom the Most Merciful gives permission and who speaks rightly.”

This category—those who are granted permission and whose words are approved—comprises those who benefit from intercession. This accords with all the other verses. Sometimes He makes His permission a condition for intercession, as in His words:

“Who is there that can intercede with Him except by His permission?”

At other times, He makes bearing witness to the truth a condition, as in His words:

“Nor is power possessed by those who