There is a common belief that the prophet Muhammad and other pious people can intercede on their behalf to God on the Day of Judgment. The Qur’an teaches believers that what they do in this world is entirely for the good or the evil of their own soul and none can help them except God on the Day of Judgment.
S39:44 “To God belongs all intercession, His is the Dominion of the heavens and the earth, and to Him you shall return.
S2:48 And fear the Day when no soul will stand instead of another, nor shall intercession be accepted for it, nor shall reparation be taken from it, nor shall they be helped.
The Prophet Muhammad was told by Allah that he is not responsible for the evils that others do and he is only a Warner and a Giver of glad tidings to those who believe.
S2:119 Most certainly, We have sent you (O Muhammad) with the truth to give glad tidings and to warn, you will not be accountable for the inhabitants of Hell.
S26:215-216 And extend your kindness to those who follow you of the believers; but if they disobey you, then say: “Surely I am free of what you do.”
Although none can intercede on the Day of Judgment, prophets can intercede for the living when they were alive in this world. There are many example prophets pray for the forgiveness of their people who do wrongs when they were alive to seek the forgiveness from Allah and below are some examples by the Prophet Muhammad and the Prophet Jacob over his sons:
S3:159 It is part of the Mercy of Allah that thou dost deal gently with them Wert thou severe or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about thee: so, pass over their faults, and ask for (Allah’s) forgiveness for them; and consult them in affairs. Then, when thou hast taken a decision put thy trust in Allah. For Allah loves those who put their trust in Him.
S4:64 And We had not sent any apostle but to be obeyed in accordance with the Will of God. If they had only, when they were unjust to themselves, come unto you (O Muhammad) and asked God’s forgiveness, and the apostle had asked forgiveness for them, they would have found God indeed Oft Returning, Most Merciful.
S12:97-98 They said: “O our father! Ask for us forgiveness for our sins, for we were truly at fault.” He (Jacob) said: “Soon will I ask my Lord for forgiveness for you; for He is indeed Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
Although intercession on the Day of Judgment is solely for God there is evidence in the Qur’an, He will allow some angels to intercede but with His permission. But God warns beforehand the kind of intercession should be that which is acceptable to Him.
S53:26 And how many angels in the heavens, their intercession will avail nothing except after God had given leave for whom He pleases and that he is acceptable to Him.
S21:28 He knows what is before them and what is behind them, and they offer no intercession except for those who are acceptable, and they tremble for fear of Him.
S4:85 Whoever intercedes for a good cause will have a reward therefrom; and whoever intercedes for an evil cause will have a burden therefrom. And ever is Allah, over all things, a Keeper.
Ultimately intercession other than Allah is futile and we are left to answer to Him on behalf of our own soul and the Prophet can do nothing to help your soul.
S2:123 And fear the Day when no soul will stand instead of another, nor will reparation be accepted from it, nor will intercession benefit it, nor will they be helped.
S6:51-52 And warn with it those who fear that they shall be gathered to their Lord; except for Him they have no protector not intercessor: that they guard against evil. And do not turn away those who call upon their Lord in the morning and in the evening, they only desire His pleasure, neither are you (O Muhammad) accountable for them, nor are they accountable for you in anything. So, if you turn them away you will be one of the unjust.
Pondering with Saifuddin's index 