see also FORGIVING.
Some men came carrying a paralytic on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven." The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, "Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?" Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, "Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, `Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, `Get up and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...." He said to the paralyzed man, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, "We have seen remarkable things today. (Luke 5:18-26)* In Muslim belief, no one has the right to forgive except Allah alone. Even though Muhammad was commanded to pray for forgiveness for someone else (Al-Imran 3:159; an-Nur 24:62; al-Mumtahanah 60:12), yet, this is no guarantee that Allah will forgive (at-Taubah 9:80; al-Munafiqun 63:6). Muhammad is unable to help himself, let alone others (al-A`raf 7:188; Yunus 10:49). Muslim tradition, however, accords Muhammad with intercessory power in the Last Days, where the believer will turn to him for intercession. Again, it is not said that Allah will forgive because of the intercession. Shiites appeal to Ali for intercession.
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