Hadith Text & Reference

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "My intercession will be for those of my people who have committed major sins."

Source: Sunan Abi Dawud 4739 | Book: Model Behavior of the Prophet (Kitab Al-Sunnah)

Meaning & Context

This noble hadith addresses the profound mercy of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the scope of his intercession (shafa'ah) on the Day of Judgment. It specifically clarifies that his intercession will benefit those believers who committed major sins (kaba'ir) but died upon tawhid (Islamic monotheism).

The "major sins" refer to grave offenses like unlawful killing, adultery, consuming intoxicants, and other prohibited acts explicitly warned against in the Quran and Sunnah. This intercession does not extend to polytheists (mushrikeen) or those who died upon disbelief.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam Al-Tahawi explains that this hadith demonstrates Allah's infinite mercy through His Prophet's intercession. While major sins warrant punishment, the believer's faith protects them from eternal damnation. The Prophet's intercession will rescue such sinners from Hellfire or reduce their punishment.

Ibn Kathir notes this intercession is granted only to monotheists who maintained the foundation of faith despite their sins. This aligns with Quranic verses describing intercession being granted by Allah's permission to those He approves.

Scholars emphasize that this should not lead to complacency regarding sins, but rather increase hope in Allah's mercy while maintaining fear of His punishment - the balanced state of the believer's heart.

Theological Significance

This hadith establishes important Aqeedah principles: the reality of the Prophet's intercession, Allah's mercy overriding His wrath for certain sinners, and the distinction between major sins and disbelief. It comforts believers who falter while affirming that faith remains the fundamental criterion for salvation.

The specification "my people" (ummati) refers specifically to the Muslim nation, highlighting the special status of the Prophet's followers compared to previous nations regarding intercession.