Can one depend on intercession and disregard performing righteous deeds?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

One would be mistaken if he thought that relying on intercession means disregarding the fulfillment of acts of worship and committing evil deeds while depending on the intercession of the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Although intercession is affirmed with full certainty, it will be of no avail except for whom Allaah The Almighty permits, for Allaah The Almighty Says (what means):

• {And they cannot intercede except on behalf of one whom He approves.} [Quran 21:28]

• {And intercession does not benefit with Him except for one whom He permits.} [Quran 34:23]

Accordingly, it is not sound for one to depend on it. Also, every worshipper should fear Allaah The Almighty and be strict in observing the obligations and prohibitions set by Allaah The Almighty. Some of the disobedient worshippers may be granted intercession; however, the punishment of Allaah The Almighty must befall some others so that the Attributes of Allaah The Almighty can be realized, for He described Himself as ‘The Swift in retribution’, ‘The Forgiving and Merciful’, ‘The Forgiver of sin’, ‘The Acceptor of repentance’, and ‘The Severe in punishment’.

Allaah Knows best.