Clarification on "We" in Qur'an 15:92-93 and the Question of Authority
A reader raised the question:
"How can the WE in 15:92-93 refer to God’s Agents when the agents have no authority to intercede on Judgment Day in accordance with 2:123 and 2:254?"
This question assumes that 15:92-93 speaks about intercession, but a careful reading of the text shows that it refers to divine judgment and accountability, not intercession.
1.What Does 15:92-93 Actually Say?
"By your Lord, We shall question them all, about their deeds." (Qur'an 15:92-93)
This verse states that people will be questioned about their actions, reinforcing the concept of divine justice. It does not mention intercession at all.
2. Understanding the "We" in This Context
As discussed in our previous lecture, the Qur'anic "We" often includes both Ellah and the agents through whom He executes His will.
Judgment Day involves angels, messengers, and divine commands being carried out. For example, the Qur'an says that angels will bear witness and execute God's decree:
"And the Book (of deeds) will be placed, and you will see the guilty fearful of what is in it... and the Messengers and the witnesses will be brought forward..." (39:69-70)
The angels are part of the process of judgment, yet the authority ultimately belongs to Ellah.
3. Intercession vs. Judgment
The question also references 2:123 and 2:254, which state that no one can intercede unless permitted by Ellah:
"And be conscious of a Day when no soul will avail another in the least, nor will compensation be accepted from it, nor will intercession benefit it, nor will they be helped." (2:123)
"O you who have believed, spend from that which We have provided for you before there comes a Day in which there is no exchange, no friendship, and no intercession..." (2:254)
However, these verses do not mean intercession is absolutely impossible. The Qur'an clarifies that Ellah allows intercession for those He wills:
"No intercession will be of any use with Him except for those He has granted permission." (34:23)
"On that Day, intercession will not benefit anyone except him whom the Most Merciful allows and whose word He approves." (20:109)
"And how many an angel is there in the heavens whose intercession does not benefit at all except after Ellah has given permission to whomever He wills and approves." (53:26)
Conclusion:
Judgment and Intercession Are Separate Matters 15:92-93 speaks of divine judgment, not intercession.
"We" in this context refers to divine authority being carried out through agents of judgment (such as angels or messengers).
Intercession is only possible by Ellah’s permission, as seen in other verses. Thus, there is no contradiction. The "We" in 15:92-93 refers to the execution of divine justice, while intercession (as mentioned in 2:123 and 2:254) is a separate issue, controlled entirely by Ellah.
