We are the Gates of God. We are the medium for His people. He who approaches Him through us is brought near Him. He who seeks our intercession is interceded for. He who seeks His favours through us is favoured by Him. He who turns away from us goes astray.
– Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq
The purpose of this article is two-fold: first, to explain the metaphysics and philosophy of praying to God through supplication or petitionary prayer (du‘a’) and secondly, to explain the metaphysical and Qur’anic basis for seeking the help and blessings of the Imam of the Time and intercessors in general – the Prophets, the Shi‘i Imams, the Sufi saints (awliya’) etc.
More Ya Ali Madad: The Rationale for Praying to God and Calling upon the Imams in Prayer | Ismaili Gnosis.
Earlier:
- “Recite the Name of your Lord”
- Esoteric Significance of Nawruz in Ismaili Islam
- The Esoteric Symbolism of the Number 40: Observing 40 Days of Prayer after Imam Shah Karim’s Passing
- Video: Dr. Khalil Andani (@KhalilAndani) Discusses Ismaili Views of Jesus with Rev. Jonathan Stewart
- The Seats of the Ismaili Imamat: From Medina to Lisbon (632-2018) | Ismaili Gnosis
- Concept of Zakat in Islam and Ismailism
- World of Faith: The Imam’s Da‘is and the Ismaili Da‘wah | Ismaili Gnosis
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