If we pay careful attention to the literal meaning of intercession then we can know its Islamic connotations because the word “Shafaat” is derived from “Shafa” which means to merge something into something similar. The term, “to merge something into its own kind” makes it clear that they both must have some similarities and compatibilities though they may have some differences too.

On the basis of this arguments the Qura’nic meaning of “shafaat’ is that a sinner because of some kinds of good deeds can adopt some similarities with the saints and chosen ones of God and they in turn out of their benevolence take him to completion and glory and then request God to forgive him.

The second statement attaches the salvation and intercession to a powerful entity that helps the weak ones to achieve perfection and glory.

From the ancient times there has always been the issue of forgiveness or salvation of the sinners and it may be that thousands of years ago the well to do and powerful people used to intercede with the authority ( God?) for their forgiveness and salvation.

There is a vast and clear difference between the intercession prevalent among the people of this world and between the divine religions and logic of Qura’nic intercession.

The intercession is the human society most probably done by the person who had some reputation and authority in society and the one benefiting from the intercession would be one who was dependent on the former in any way. This was why this intercession was accepted for the sinner so that the authority and power of that person could be used in the future.

The kings used to accept the intercession of his ministers and close ones at times just to enhance their status and that they can be used in the future. In the same way the intercessors used to consider their personal relations with the one they helped and not because of their personal talent or capacity.

Since God is all giving and above all needs so intercession before him is of another manner and the intercessors in His court consider the capacity and the good talents and deeds of the one they are about to help and whether it may be agreeable to God and will then intercede.

The answer to some ignorant objectors becomes clear who consider intercession as the favoring of sinners and giving him false hopes. The meaning of intercession in the divine laws is to reform and educate and are based on the person’s talent and capacity but the intercession in human society has other factors including the close relationship with the sinner and his dependence on the intercessor. The intercession with God is educative but the intercession in this worldly society often results in repeated daring in sins.

The above verses are the living example of our contention because they prescribe positive signs in the ones requiring intercessions together with capacity and talent though this may be due to some few good deeds.