Who are the people of the Fatrah (interval), and were they those who lived between Prophet Ishmael and our Noble Messenger? And what is meant by Allah's saying: "on an interval from the Messengers"? And why does the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, wish for the Wasilah to be for him?

The "People of the Fatrah" are those to whom no messenger was sent. This term refers to the period between Jesus and Muhammad (peace be upon them both). The duration of this period is disputed, with the most preponderant opinion being six hundred years. The "People of the Fatrah" also refers to those whom the call [of Islam] did not reach, or reached them in a way that did not establish proof against them. The preponderant view is that they will be tested on the Day of Judgment.

As for the Prophet's (peace be upon him) hope to be the recipient of the Wasila, it was out of his humility, deference, and to establish a legislative precedent. It was also said that he stated this before it was revealed to him that he would be its recipient. However, it is necessary to supplicate for it so that Allah may increase him in stature.

Regarding the seeing of the Prophet (peace be upon him): it is not true that the [Muslim] Ummah is the only nation that did not see its Prophet. The Companions saw him, and those who came after them believed in him without seeing him, and for them is the merit in that. Not seeing him is considered an increase in tribulation and trial.