Islamic Concept of Intercession

On the Last Day everyone will be seized by a great awe, and, hence, nothing will remain except the sound caused by people’s steps or whispers of conversation in subdued voices. The word hams used in the Arabic text of the verse 20:108 signifies a low, faint sound such as a whisper, or of the movement of steps, or of speaking in a subdued voice, or the movement of the camels.

The Last Day will be so awesome that no one will dare utter a single word let alone intercede on anyone else’s behalf. Only those who enjoy God’s permission to speak will be able to intercede and to say a good word for those for whom they have been permitted to intercede.

These points are emphasised at several different places in the Qur'an and in quite unambiguous terms. For example, there is: ‘Who is there who might intercede with Him save with His leave?’ (2:255). The same idea is stated elsewhere: ‘That Day the Spirit and the angels will stand forth in ranks and none shall speak except any who is permitted by the Merciful, and he will say what is right’ (78:38). At the same time the Qur'an also says: ‘They offer no intercession except for those with whose intercession He is pleased and who stand in awe out of fear for Him’ (21:28). Likewise it is said: ‘How numerous are the angels in the heavens! Their intercession will avail nothing until Allah permits it and in favour of whomsoever He wills and is pleased’ (53:26).