Why Do Ismailis Call on the Imams for Help in Prayers? (12-Minute Read)

Understanding the Role of the Prophet and Imam as the Qur'anic Wasilah in Islam

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Imāms as Successors to the Prophet’s Religious and Spiritual Roles

A common part of Ismā‘īlī Muslim practice is to call upon the Imāms — especially the Imām of the Time — for spiritual help. In addition to their regular prayers to Allāh, Ismā‘īlīs also supplicate the Imām of the Time. The divinely appointed Imāms, inheriting the Prophet Muḥammad’s (ﷺ) spiritual authority, serve as God’s intermediaries and intercessors. Seeking their help is to approach the channel God Himself established, continuing the Prophet’s role as a “Mercy to the worlds” (rahmatan li’l-‘ālamīn, Qur’ān 21:107).

While some Qur’ānic verses reject intercession (e.g., 2:254, 2:48, 39:43–44), these specifically condemn false forms and notions of intercession, such as that of idols. At the same time, other verses affirm intercession with God’s permission (e.g., 2:255, 10:3, 19:87, 43:86). Thus, the Qur’ān makes space for true intercession, which, as this article will show, is exercised above all by the Prophets and the Imāms as the wasīlah — the God-given means of access to His help and blessings.