The concept of Wasila (intercession or seeking means) has been a subject of discussion among Muslim scholars for centuries. In Islamic theology, وسیلہ قرآن و حدیث کی روشنی میں refers to seeking nearness to Allah through legitimate means as guided by the Quran and Hadith. Many believers seek clarity on whether using Wasila is permissible and what limits Islam sets regarding this practice. In this article, we will explore وسیلہ قرآن و حدیث کی روشنی میں with references from classical scholarship, Quranic verses, Prophetic traditions, and Fatwa QA-based explanations.
Understanding the Meaning of Wasila
The Arabic word Wasila (وسیلہ) means “a means of approach” or “a way of seeking nearness.” In the context of Islam, it refers to the permissible ways a believer can seek closeness to Allah. Scholars classify Wasila into different forms:
- Wasila through good deeds (such as prayer, charity, fasting)
- Wasila through the names and attributes of Allah
- Wasila through supplication of a righteous person (alive)
- Controversial form: Wasila through the Prophets or saints after their passing
Thus, when we study وسیلہ قرآن و حدیث کی روشنی میں, the focus is on identifying which of these forms are authentic according to Islamic sources.
Quranic Evidence on Wasila
The Quran explicitly encourages believers to seek Wasila. Allah says:
“O you who believe! Fear Allah and seek Wasila to Him, and strive hard in His cause that you may be successful.”
(Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:35)
This verse is central in the discussion of وسیلہ قرآن و حدیث کی روشنی میں. It establishes that Allah has commanded believers to adopt Wasila. Scholars explain that Wasila here means righteous deeds, supplications, and seeking closeness to Allah through means that He has approved.
Another relevant verse is from Surah Nisa (4:64):
“If they had only, when they were unjust to themselves, come unto you and asked forgiveness of Allah, and the Messenger had asked forgiveness for them, they would have found Allah indeed Oft-returning, Most Merciful.”
This verse shows that during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammadﷺ, the companions sought Wasila through him by asking for his intercession and du‘a.
Hadith Evidence on Wasila
The Hadith literature provides more insights into وسیلہ قرآن و حدیث کی روشنی میں. A famous narration is the Hadith of the blind man. A companion who was blind came to the Prophetﷺ and requested healing. The Prophetﷺ instructed him to pray:
“O Allah, I ask You and turn to You through Your Prophet Muhammad, the Prophet of mercy. O Muhammad, I seek your intercession with my Lord for my need, that it may be fulfilled.”
(Reported in Tirmidhi, Ahmad, and others)
The blind man’s sight was restored after this supplication. Scholars present this as proof that Wasila through the Prophetﷺ is permissible.
Another narration is about the practice of Sayyiduna Umar (RA). During the drought, Umar would not directly ask through the Prophetﷺ after his passing. Instead, he would ask Allah through the supplication of Abbas (RA), the uncle of the Prophetﷺ, saying: “O Allah, we used to ask You for rain through the Prophetﷺ, and You granted it. Now we ask You through the uncle of the Prophetﷺ.” This indicates that Wasila, through living righteous people, is also valid.
Scholarly Opinions and Fatwa QA
Islamic jurists and scholars have given detailed Fatwas on وسیلہ قرآن و حدیث کی روشنی میں. The majority of Sunni scholars, especially from the Hanafi, Shafi‘i, and Maliki schools, allow Wasila as long as it does not involve Shirk (associating partners with Allah). They differentiate between permissible Wasila and innovative practices.
- Permissible: Seeking Wasila through good deeds, Allah’s names, du‘a of living righteous persons, and the Prophet Muhammadﷺ.
- Impermissible: Believing that someone other than Allah independently fulfills needs or grants forgiveness.
Contemporary Fatwa QA platforms also emphasize this balance. They affirm thatوسیلہ قرآن و حدیث کی روشنی میں is allowed when it reflects the believer’s reliance on Allah alone, while using Prophets or pious personalities as a means of intercession.
Addressing Common Misunderstandings
Many misunderstand Wasila and confuse it with Shirk. However, the difference lies in belief. If a Muslim believes that a saint or Prophet independently fulfills needs, this contradicts Tawheed. But if one believes that Allah alone grants benefits, and Wasila is simply a respectful means of seeking nearness, it is permissible.
Another confusion arises from cultural practices. Some communities exaggerate Wasila to the point of turning it into a ritual beyond Islamic boundaries. Hence, Fatwa QA centers repeatedly advise Muslims to adhere strictly to the Quran and Hadith while practicing Wasila.
Practical Guidelines for Muslims
To practice وسیلہ قرآن و حدیث کی روشنی میں correctly:
- Always maintain the belief that Allah is the only source of help.
- Use Wasila through good deeds such as Salah, fasting, and charity.
- Use Wasila through the names and attributes of Allah (e.g., Ar-Rahman, Al-Ghaffar).
- It is permissible to seek du‘a from righteous individuals.
- Respectfully send blessings (Salawat) on the Prophetﷺ and ask Allah to accept prayers through his intercession.
- Avoid cultural innovations that the Quran or Hadith does not support.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the concept of وسیلہ قرآن و حدیث کی روشنی میں holds a significant place in Islamic teachings. The Quran commands believers to seek Wasila, and the Hadith provides practical examples of how the companions practiced it.
Fatwa QA explanations confirm that Wasila is permissible when it aligns with Tawheed and avoids Shirk. Muslims should approach this practice with sincerity, humility, and adherence to the authentic teachings of Islam.
