Adam’s intermediation through the Beloved Prophet şallAllāhu álayhi wa sallam

The process of intermediation through the Beloved Prophet şallAllāhu álayhi wa sallam is a continuous process and changes in fashion have never been able to hobble its popularity and effectiveness among the Muslims. It existed before his creation and during his physical life and it has continued to exist after his worldly demise and will continue to be popular and effective in future. It was Adam’s practice to offer the Beloved Prophet şallAllāhu álayhi wa sallam as intermediary to Allâh for the forgiveness of his lapses. When he chose the Beloved Prophet şallAllāhu álayhi wa sallam as his intermediator, Allâh condoned his act of disobedience. What could be a greater example of the immediate effectiveness of mediation when it is channelized through the Beloved Prophet şallAllāhu álayhi wa sallam?

at-Tabarânī, al-Bayhaqī, Ibn al-Mundhir and as-Suyūtī narrated this tradition through ‘Umar bin al-Khattāb and ‘Alī that the Beloved Prophet şallAllāhu álayhi wa sallam said,

Adam was just about to repent for his act of disobedience that he suddenly recalled in his state of anxiety that he had seen lā ilāha illallāhu Muhammad-ur-rasūlullāh (there is no god but Allâh, Muhammad is Allâh’s Messenger) inscribed on the Throne at the time of his birth.” It obviously meant that the distinction the Beloved Prophet şallAllāhu álayhi wa sallam possesses is denied to others. That is the reason his name was inscribed along with Allâh’s Own name. At this, he added these words of intermediation to his prayer for divine forgiveness:

(O Allâh) I beg Your forgiveness through the mediation of Muhammad şallAllāhu álayhi wa sallam.

The tradition related by Ibn Ul-Mundhir has the following words:

O Allâh, I beg Your forgiveness through Your beloved and most honoured servant Muhammad and through his distinction You have blessed him with.[1]

By the addition of these words of intermediation, the Prophet Adam’s 'alayhis salam repentance was accepted immediately.

Allâh said, “In fact, Muhammad is the most beloved of all My creatures. Since you have intermediated your petition through him, I have granted it. And were it not for Muhammad, I would not have created you.”

At-Tabarânī further adds that Allâh said,

“He is the Last Prophet among your children.”

Imâm al-Hâkim has phrased the tradition in these words:

Narrated by ‘Umar bin al-Khattāb:

Allâh’s Messenger şallAllāhu álayhi wa sallam said:

When Adam committed the error, he submitted (to Allâh): O Lord, I beg You to forgive me through the mediation of Muhammad. Then Allâh said: O Adam! How did you recognize Muhammad as I have not created him yet? He replied: O Lord, when You created me with Your divine hand and breathed Your soul into me, I raised my head and saw ‘lā ilāha illallāhu Muhammad-ur-rasūlullāh (there is no god but Allâh, Muhammad is Allâh’s Messenger)’ inscribed on each pillar of the Throne. I discovered that with Your name, the name of only such a person can be associated who is Your most beloved of all the creatures. At this Allâh said: O Adam, you have said it correctly. Of all the creatures I love him the most. Now when you offered your prayer through his mediation, I forgave you. And if Muhammad were not there, I would not have created even you.[2]

Footnotes:

[1] as-Suyūtī cites in ad-Durr Ul-Manthūr (1:60).

[2] Related by al-Hâkim in al-Mustadrak (2:615).