Tawassul

Tawassul is an Arabic term that broadly translates to seeking nearness or a means of approaching something. In an Islamic context, it refers to the practice of using a means to draw closer to Allah. This can involve various actions and intentions recognized by different schools of Islamic thought.

One common form of tawassul involves supplicating to Allah directly, but with the intention of drawing near to Him through righteous deeds that one has performed. For example, a person might ask Allah to fulfill a need by saying, "O Allah, I ask you by my love for the Prophet (peace be upon him) to grant me..." or "O Allah, I ask you by my belief in you to ease my situation." The emphasis here is on the sincerity of the deed or attribute as a means of seeking Allah's favor.

Another interpretation of tawassul involves seeking intercession. This can include asking righteous individuals, such as prophets or saints, to supplicate to Allah on one's behalf. The key principle for those who permit this form of tawassul is that the ultimate power to grant a request lies with Allah alone, and the intercessor is merely a means through which the supplication is presented.

However, the permissibility and specific methods of tawassul are a subject of scholarly debate within Islam. Some scholars restrict tawassul to supplications made directly to Allah, emphasizing the importance of seeking Him without intermediaries. Others permit seeking nearness through righteous deeds, devotion, and, in certain interpretations, the supplications of righteous individuals. The underlying intention and theological understanding of Allah's sovereignty are central to these discussions.