The Order Established by the Creator
The entire system of the universe is built on mediation. This is a fundamental principle laid down by the Supreme Creator.
For example, a child is born through parents, light reaches us through the sun, recovery comes through doctors and medicine and hunger is satisfied through food. Although Allah ﷻ is able to do all this directly, without any consequences or causes, He established this order of things to demonstrates to us certain laws of the universe.
However, there are times when the Almighty acts outside these laws - this is a miracle. For example, Allah ﷻ created the prophet Isa (Jesus) without the participation of his father, thus demonstrating His unlimited power.
Just as the principle of mediation operates in all aspects of life, it is also present in the spiritual path. Allah ﷻ sent prophets and messengers to guide people to the true path, while leaving people with the right to choose. Through the angel Jibril, the Almighty transmitted the Divine Scriptures. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ became the link between humanity and the Truth. Thus, mediation is an integral part of the universe and religion.
Allah ﷻ commands in the Koran to seek ways to draw closer to Him, “O you who believe! Fear [the punishment] of Allah ﷻ [and do not torment His slaves], and seek the means of drawing closer to Him and strive hard in His way that you may achieve success [both in earthly life and in the eternal life].” (Sura Al-Maida, ayah 35).
Mediation in Islam
There are many examples of tawassul (mediation) in religion. Even objects associated with the Prophet ﷺ, by the will of Allah ﷻ, have brought blessing (barakat). This is confirmed by reliable hadiths.
Using water after the Prophet’s ablution
It is reported that Abu Juhayfa said, “Once, when the Messenger of God ﷺ came out to us at midday, they brought him water for ablution, and after he performed it, the people began to take the remaining [after ablution] water and wipe themselves with it...” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari).
Keeping the Hair of the Messenger of God ﷺ
It is narrated from Anas ibn Malik that the Messenger of God ﷺ came to Mina, collected some pebbles there and threw them, then went to his place of stay in Mina and sacrificed an animal. Then he said to the barber: “Take [shave]” – and pointed to the right side of his head, then to the left. Then he began to distribute them (the blessed hair) to the people.” (Narrated by Muslim).
In the version from Hafsa it says: “…Then he shaved the hair from the right side of his head and distributed one hair, two hairs to the people. Then he shaved the hair from the left side of his head and did the same with it”, i.e., he distributed it to the people so that they would receive the blessing (barakat) of the Prophet ﷺ. (Narrated by Muslim).
These hadiths prove that even inanimate objects can bring blessings by the will of Allah ﷻ. If the things that the Prophet ﷺ came into contact with could bring benefits, what can we say about people who dedicated their lives to spreading and protecting Islam?
Transmission of knowledge and spiritual continuity
Mediation is manifested not only through objects but also through the continuity of knowledge. Let us recall who the Companions are: these were people who personally saw the Prophet ﷺ and swore allegiance to him. It was not enough for them to simply accept Islam - they sought to become his disciples and learn from him directly.
This chain of spiritual heritage has been preserved for centuries and continues to this day through spiritual mentors, tariqa sheikhs. Today, spiritual mentors are the very same mentors who lead people to the pleasure of Allah ﷻ, just as the Prophet ﷺ led his companions. This is the living tradition of Islam, its heart and axis.
Mistakes of modern sectarians
Some modern sects, such as Wahhabism, deny tabarruk (seeking blessings through holy places and objects), tawassul (mediation) and spiritual continuity.
Those who deny tawassul just need to think: if the whole world is built on mediation, why should the spiritual path be an exception?
Our ancestors passed on pure Islam from generation to generation. Our task is to preserve and continue this tradition so as not to lose touch with the true Islam that has reached us through the Prophet ﷺ, his companions and righteous followers.
