the object one desires. It is more specific than al-waṣīlah, for it carries the added sense of earnest longing. The Almighty says: “Seek the means of approach to Him” (Q 5:35). In truth, the waseelah that leads to Allah Most High is to keep to His path through righteous deeds and worship, to pursue the noble virtues of the Sacred Law. It is akin to drawing near, and the wāṣil is the one who yearns for Allah.”

The eminent scholar Ibn Jarir transmits this meaning as well, citing the poet who said:
When the tale-bearers fall silent, our union returns,
And harmony is restored between us—together with the means that join us.

There is also another sense of waseelah: a rank, nearness, and lofty station with the King. In the hadith the highest station in Paradise bears this name. The Prophet ﷺ said: “When you hear the muezzin, repeat what he says; then invoke blessings upon me, for whoever invokes one blessing upon me, Allah will bless him tenfold. Thereafter ask Allah to grant me al-Waseelah, for it is a station in Paradise that befits none but one servant of Allah, and I hope to be that servant. Whoever asks that I be granted al-Waseelah will be entitled to my intercession.” 1

It is clear that these last two meanings are closely linked to the original sense of the word, yet they are not the focus of our present inquiry.