Tawassul in View of Quran
That is why in some rituals of the Night of Qadr, Tawassul has been recommended along with repentance and seeking forgiveness.
Tawassul is a key concept that has been emphasized in supplication. In Twassul we seek the intercession of a pious person so that God will accept our repentance. Hence, one of the rituals of the Night of Qadr is swearing on the sublime status of Ahl-ul-Bayt (AS) to seek God’s forgiveness.
But does the Quran approve of such a concept?
We read in verse 35 of Surah Al-Ma'idah, "O you who believe! be careful of (your duty to) Allah and seek means of nearness to Him and strive hard in His way that you may be successful”.
The meaning of Tawassul is getting close to someone or something out of devotion and attachment.
In this verse, the word Waseela (means) has a broad meaning and includes everything that helps one get closer to God.
Imam Ali (AS) in a Hadith has referred to faith in God and the Holy Prophet (PBUH), Jihad on the path of God, the phrase La Ilaha Illa Allah (there is no God but Allah), prayers, Zakat, fasting in Ramadan, Hajj, Silat al-Rahim (associating with relatives), and giving alms as things Tawassul to which is necessary.
It is clearly deduced from verses of the Quran that seeking the intercession of pious people before God and asking something from God for their sake is not forbidden and has no contradiction with Tawheed (monotheism).
“His sons said: ‘Father, ask forgiveness for our sins. We have indeed been sinners.’” (Surah Yusuf, verse 97)
Based on this verse, requesting someone else to ask for God’s forgiveness for us not only does not run counter to Tawheed but is a way to reach God’s favor. Otherwise, how could Prophet Yaqub (Job) accept his sons’ request for Tawassul? This shows that Twassul to Awliya (saints of God) is acceptable and opposing it is an indication of ignorance about the Quran or presence of wrong prejudices that impede one’s path to the truth of the Quran’s teachings.
Emphasis on Tawassul is also important in that it directs the faithful to paying attention to selection of a leader and guide on the path of getting closer to God.
“We did not send any Messengers for any reason other than to be obeyed because of the will of God. If they ever do injustice to themselves and come to you (Muhammad) asking for God's forgiveness and if the Messenger also was to ask God to forgive them, they would certainly find God All-forgiving and All-merciful”. (Surah An-Nisa, verse 64)
This verse clearly says that going to messengers of God and seeking their intercession to ask for God’s forgiveness is effective and brings about God’s mercy and acceptance of repentance.
Of course, this requires one to be ready for repentance and worthy of God’s acceptance of his repentance.
