Tawassul (seeking recourse) entails imploring assistance from someone or something to attain a desired objective. In the theological context, this practice possesses a specific semantic scope and is manifested in various forms. Occasionally, tawassul is directed at the status and right (ḥaqq) of a person before God. At other times, it involves requesting those proximate to God to pray on one’s behalf, meaning they are entreated to supplicate for the fulfillment of an individual’s need. Furthermore, tawassul can be formulated as a direct request to these esteemed figures, imploring them to act as intermediaries for the realization and fulfillment of the need. This practice occupies a prominent position in Islamic, particularly Shiʿi, piety and praxis. This theological issue is applicable both during the earthly lives of these revered figures and during their existence in the intermediary realm (Barzakh). Adopting an intra-denominational perspective, a fundamental question arises: which specific form of tawassul did the Ahl al-Bayt (ʿa) actually recommend? Employing an analytical-textual method, the present article addresses this inquiry. According to the findings of this research, the Ahl al-Bayt (ʿa) primarily recommended tawassul through their right and status. Direct tawassul to them, while not irrational, was scarcely recommended by them, and such a procedure is rarely observed in the conduct (sīra) of their contemporary Shiʿa.
Faryab, M. (2025). Seeking Recourse (Tawassul) to the Souls of the Imams (ʿa) in the Light of the Qur’an and Hadith: Rational or Recommended?. New Theological Teachings, 5(1), 33-54. doi: 10.22034/ntt.2025.840
MLA
Faryab, M. . "Seeking Recourse (Tawassul) to the Souls of the Imams (ʿa) in the Light of the Qur’an and Hadith: Rational or Recommended?", New Theological Teachings, 5, 1, 2025, 33-54. doi: 10.22034/ntt.2025.840
HARVARD
Faryab, M. (2025). 'Seeking Recourse (Tawassul) to the Souls of the Imams (ʿa) in the Light of the Qur’an and Hadith: Rational or Recommended?', New Theological Teachings, 5(1), pp. 33-54. doi: 10.22034/ntt.2025.840
CHICAGO
M. Faryab, "Seeking Recourse (Tawassul) to the Souls of the Imams (ʿa) in the Light of the Qur’an and Hadith: Rational or Recommended?," New Theological Teachings, 5 1 (2025): 33-54, doi: 10.22034/ntt.2025.840
VANCOUVER
Faryab, M. Seeking Recourse (Tawassul) to the Souls of the Imams (ʿa) in the Light of the Qur’an and Hadith: Rational or Recommended?. New Theological Teachings, 2025; 5(1): 33-54. doi: 10.22034/ntt.2025.840
)