Sharh Kitab Qaida Jalila fi al-Tawassul wa al-Wasila
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- Sharh Kitab Qaida Jalila fi al-Tawassul wa al-Wasila
Sharh Kitab Qaida Jalila fi al-Tawassul wa al-Wasila ("Explanation of the Book 'A Sublime Principle Regarding Supplicatory Means and Intercession'") is a theological commentary by contemporary scholar Nasir al-Aql on the classical treatise Qāʿidah Jalīlah fī al-Tawassul wa-al-Wasīlah by Ibn Taymiyyah (d. 728 AH / 1328 CE), focusing on Islamic creed concerning intercession and drawing near to God.
Subject Matter and Scope
The commentary expounds Ibn Taymiyyah's text regarding the definition and boundaries of wasilah (the means of drawing near to Allah) and tawassul (seeking a means of approach). It explains that the legislated wasilah enjoined in the Quran consists of drawing closer to God through prescribed worship, supplication, faith in the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and following his Sunnah both inwardly and outwardly.
The work details the categories of permissible tawassul, including seeking the supplication of the Prophet ﷺ during his earthly lifetime and requesting supplication from a living righteous person, treating this as mutual aid in righteousness rather than supplicating intermediaries or seeking blessing through physical essences. Al-Aql also addresses theological misconceptions and practices deemed innovated (bid'ah), such as invoking created beings after their death or seeking mediation through personal essences and statuses.
Method and Analysis
In his commentary, al-Aql reads and elucidates the original treatise section by section, clarifying key creedal issues:
- Status and Rank of the Prophet ﷺ: The commentary affirms the consensus that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ possesses the greatest rank (jāh) and the supreme intercession (al-shafāʿah al-ʿuẓmā) before Allah, clarifying that affirming his rank does not permit attributing divine attributes to him or supplicating him alongside God.
- Conditions and Impediments to Intercession: It examines the scriptural prerequisites for intercession (shafāʿah), noting that benefit from intercession and prayers is contingent upon divine permission and is blocked by disbelief (kufr), citing scriptural evidences including the prohibition of seeking forgiveness for deceased disbelievers.
- Responses to Opposing Views: Al-Aql highlights how Ibn Taymiyyah countered the claims of opposing theological groups regarding the creed of Ahl al-Sunnah, demonstrating that rejecting illicit forms of mediation is intended to preserve monotheism and uphold proper veneration of the Prophet ﷺ rather than diminish his standing.
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