What Does Islam Teach About Tawassul? Understanding the Meaning of Intercession 

In moments of hardship, grief, or yearning, many Muslims turn to Allah (swt) with deep humility, seeking closeness through the remembrance of the righteous.  

But what exactly is tawassul, and how does it fit within the Islamic tradition? 

Tawassul, often translated as intercession or seeking nearness through a means, is a practice rooted in devotion and sincerity.  

It is not about replacing Allah (swt) but about reaching Him through those whom He loves. 

“O you who believe! Guard yourselves against displeasing Allah, seek means to come nearer to Him, and struggle in His way so that you might be successful.” (Quran 5:35) 

The values behind tawassul, devotion, love of the righteous, and reliance on divine mercy, are deeply reflected in the mission of The Zahra Trust. 

What Is Tawassul? 

Tawassul means seeking nearness to Allah (swt) through a beloved means. 

This is often through the duas, status, or remembrance of righteous individuals, such as the Prophets, the Ahlulbayt (as), or pious believers. 

It is the practice of honouring the will of Allah (swt) through sincere prayer and faith, something we strive for every single day. 

Is Tawassul in the Quran and Sunnah? 

1. Prophet Yusuf’s brothers 

They asked their father, Prophet Ya’qub (as), to intercede: 

 “They said, ‘O our father! Ask Allah for the forgiveness of our sins for us; surely we were sinners.’” (Quran 12:97) 

And he replied: 

“He said, ‘I will soon ask my Lord to forgive you; He surely is the Forgiving, the Merciful.’” (Quran 12:98) 

2. During the Prophet’s (saww) lifetime 

It was common for companions to ask the Prophet (saww) to pray on their behalf.  

It has also been recorded of the well-known story of how a blind man came to the Prophet (saww) asking for healing. .  

The Prophet (saww) instructed the blind man first to recite the following: 

“O’ Allah! I beseech You and turn my attention towards You by the status of Your Prophet, the Prophet of Mercy…” 

Then afterwards, taught him a dua to make tawassul through him: 

“O Muhammad! I turn towards my Lord through you for my needs, fulfill me…” 

The man was cured, not by the Prophet (saww) himself, but by Allah’s (swt) mercy. 

Why Has Tawassul Been Practiced Throughout History? 

Muslims across generations, scholars, mystics, and the common faithful, have practiced tawassul as a sign of: 

• Humility: Recognising our need for help and guidance. 

• Respect: Honouring those who devoted their lives to Allah (swt). 

• Hope: Trusting that Allah (swt) responds through the intercession of those close to Him. 

Whether through asking for the intercession of the Prophet (saww), invoking the names of Lady Fatima (sa) or Imam Hussain (as) in prayer, tawassul is an act of love and longing for divine nearness. 

Why Tawassul Matters Today 

In today’s world, filled with uncertainty, loss, and isolation, tawassul offers believers a powerful spiritual connection.  

It reminds us: 

• We are never alone in our prayers. 

• The righteous continue to inspire us and intercede for us by Allah’s (swt) permission. 

• Mercy is always near, especially when we call on Allah (swt) through those He loves. 

It’s important to remember: tawassul is not worship, nor is it belief in an intermediary instead of Allah (swt).  

It is about turning to Allah (swt) through a beloved means; with sincerity and trust. 

The values behind tawassul, devotion, love of the righteous, and reliance on divine mercy, are deeply reflected in the mission of The Zahra Trust.  

In serving others with dignity, compassion, and sincerity, we echo the teachings of those we revere and seek nearness to Allah (swt) through. 

Tawassul is a gift from our tradition, a bridge between hearts and the Divine. 

FAQ