Interceding for a Good Cause


Allah said, "Whosoever intercedes for a good cause will have the reward thereof." [Soorah an-Nisa (4): 85]

Ibn Katheer (rahimahullah) said, "Whoever intercedes to fulfill a matter that produces Khayr (all that which is good and righteous), he (or she) will gain a reward for it." Also, Mujahid said, "This Ayah was revealed with regards people's interceding on behalf of each other. When one intercedes on behalf of his brother, and when his intercession is accepted, he will gain two rewards, one for the Khayr that his brother has received, for which he was the reason, and one reward similar to the reward of those in authority, or the reward of the person who has received, accepted and then fulfilled the intercession.

Abu Baradah Ibn Abi Baradah said, "Abu Baradah, my grandfather, informed me that his father, Abu Musa, said that the Prophet said, "The believer to the believer is like the building which parts support each other," he then joined between his fingers.

Further, the Prophet was once sitting down, when a man came asking for his need to be fulfilled. The Prophet then turned his face towards us, saying, 'Intercede, and you will gain the reward, and Allah will then decide what He will by the tongue of his Messenger." [Saheeh al-Bukharee]

This Hadeeth means, "If someone asks me for a certain need, intercede with me on his behalf, for you will gain a reward for this. Then, Allah wills what His Messenger will decide (and then do) with regards to fulfilling this need, for this is entirely tied to Allah's will."

Also, Ibn Hajar commented, "This Hadeeth encourages working the good deeds and bringing about the Khayr any way one can. It also encourages interceding with the authorities to relieve hardships, and encourages helping the weak. This is because not everyone is able to reach the authorities, or is able to meet those in authority, or is able to express his need, so that those in authority understand his need. This is why the Messenger of Allah did not hide (inside his home or a palace, so that ordinary Muslims can approach him at any time for their needs)."