The Guiding Light — Page 342
S u rah al-Baqarah, Verse 255-258 342 Firstly , he must have a special connection with the being or person with whom he wishes to intercede, for without such connection none dare intercede nor can intercession be fruitful. Secondly , he must also have a special connection with the person for whom he intercedes, because none can think of interceding for a person unless he is specially connected with the latter and is akin or similar to him. In religious terminology ﺷﻔﺎﻋﺔ ( shaf a ‘a h ) means intercession with God by a holy man for a sinful person. Here too the twofold connection referred to above is essential. • The holy person who intercedes with God must have a special connection with Him, enjoying His special favour and being very near and dear to Him. • On the other hand, he should also have a real connection with the person on whose behalf he wishes to intercede; for without such connection he cannot be properly moved to intercede nor can his intercession carry much weight with God. In fact, the intercessor, on the essential basis of the afore- mentioned double connection, approaches God saying, as it were, “My God, I come to Thee with a special request,