A Comparative Study of Ibn Taymiyyah and Wahhabi Views on Seeking Intercession

The present study undertakes a comparative examination of Ibn Taymiyyah’s views and those of Wahhabism on the issue of seeking intercession (shafa‘ah). Both perspectives are explained, with attention to their points of agreement and divergence.
The findings show that Ibn Taymiyyah and Wahhabis agree on the permissibility of seeking intercession from the living, as well as the legitimacy of requesting intercession on the Day of Judgment. However, a stark difference emerges concerning intercession sought from the deceased. Ibn Taymiyyah regards this as a religious innovation (bid‘ah), whereas Wahhabis categorize it as major polytheism (shirk akbar), which expels a person from the fold of Islam.
This sharp contrast demonstrates that Wahhabism significantly departs from Ibn Taymiyyah’s position on this issue. Therefore, it underscores the need to reconsider prevailing assumptions about the alignment of Wahhabi thought with Ibn Taymiyyah’s doctrines.