Chapter: One must not seek intercession with Allah before His creatures

Jubayr ibn Muṭʿim (Allah be pleased with him) reported: A Bedouin came to the Prophet ﷺ and said, “Messenger of Allah, people are worn out, the dependants are hungry, and wealth has perished. So ask your Lord to send us rain, for we seek Allah’s intercession with you and your intercession with Allah.” The Prophet ﷺ exclaimed, “Glory be to Allah! Glory be to Allah!” and he continued glorifying Him until his companions could read the anger on their faces. He then said, “Woe to you! Do you know Who Allah is? Allah’s majesty is far greater than that; it is not permissible to seek intercession with Allah before any of His creation.” He then mentioned the remainder of the report. Related by Abū Dāwūd. (1)

Relevance of this chapter to the Book of Monotheism: It clarifies the prohibition of seeking intercession with Allah before His creation, for such a practice diminishes His lordship and undermines the servant’s monotheism. The intercessor always pleads with one higher than himself, whereas Allah—exalted is He—is above all and none is higher than Him.

Biographical note: Jubayr is Jubayr ibn Muṭʿim ibn ʿAdī ibn Nawfal ibn ʿAbd Manāf al-Qurashī, one of the eminent men of Quraysh. He accepted Islam before the Conquest and died in 57 AH (Allah be pleased with him).

nuhikat (نُهِكت): with a ḍammah on the nūn, meaning “they have been worn down and weakened.”