Tawassul
/təˈwæsʊl/noun
In Islamic theology, tawassul is the practice of seeking nearness to God through an intermediary, deed, prayer, or spiritual means.
Did you know?The concept is connected to the Qur’anic word wasīlah, “a means of approach,” but whether saints or other intermediaries may serve as that means remains a major theological dispute.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic
Proto-Semitic
*w-ṣ-l
“To reach, arrive, connect, or join”
Pre-Islamic Arabic
Arabic
waṣala
“He reached, arrived at, or connected with”
7th Century
Qur’anic Arabic
wasīlah
“A means, channel, or way of drawing near”
7th Century
Qur’anic Arabic
tawassala
“He sought nearness through a means or intermediary”
Medieval Arabic
Arabic
tawassul
“Seeking approach to God through a devotional means”
Modern English
English
tawassul
“An Islamic practice or doctrine of seeking divine nearness through intercession or another spiritual means”