The Book
255
Law / Belief9:113–116

No Forgiveness Prayers for Polytheists

Forbids asking forgiveness for polytheists once it is clear they are people of Hellfire, even relatives, and explains that Ibrahim only did so for his father because of a promise.

AllahProphet Muhammad ﷺBelieversIbrahimHis Father
ParentsFamilyDuaIdolatry & ShirkLife & DeathForgivenessIbrahim
Quran9:113–116

It is not for the Prophet and those who have believed to ask forgiveness for the polytheists, even if they were relatives, after it has become clear to them that they are companions of Hellfire. 113 And the request of forgiveness of Abraham for his father was only because of a promise he had made to him. But when it became apparent to him [i.e., Abraham] that he [i.e., the father] was an enemy to Allāh, he disassociated himself from him. Indeed was Abraham compassionate and patient. 114 And Allāh would not let a people stray after He has guided them until He makes clear to them what they should avoid. Indeed, Allāh is Knowing of all things. 115 Indeed, to Allāh belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth; He gives life and causes death. And you have not besides Allāh any protector or any helper. 116

SunnahHadith
Quoting these verses2 hadith cite this passage
Sahih al-Bukhari 3884Merits of the Helpers in Madinah (Ansaar)

Narrated Al-Musaiyab:When Abu Talib was in his death bed, the Prophet (ﷺ) went to him while Abu Jahl was sitting beside him. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "O my uncle! Say: None has the right to be worshipped except Allah, an expression I will defend your case with, before Allah." Abu Jahl and `Abdullah bin Umaiya said, "O Abu Talib! Will you leave the religion of `Abdul Muttalib?" So they kept on saying this to him so that the last statement he said to them (before he died) was: "I am on the religion of `Abdul Muttalib." Then the Prophet said, " I will keep on asking for Allah's Forgiveness for you unless I am forbidden to do so." Then the following Verse was revealed:-- "It is not fitting for the…

Quotes9:113
The Qur'an & RevelationIdolatry & ShirkAfterlife & JudgmentLife & DeathThe Companions
Sahih al-Bukhari 4772Prophetic Commentary on the Qur'an (Tafseer of the Prophet (pbuh))

Narrated Al-Musaiyab:When Abu Talib was on his death bed, Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) came to him and found with him, Abu Jahl and `Abdullah bin Abi Umaiya bin Al-Mughira. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "O uncle! Say: None has the right to be worshipped except Allah, a sentence with which I will defend you before Allah." On that Abu Jahl and `Abdullah bin Abi Umaiya said to Abu Talib, "Will you now leave the religion of `Abdul Muttalib?" Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) kept on inviting him to say that sentence while the other two kept on repeating their sentence before him till Abu Talib said as the last thing he said to them, "I am on the religion of `Abdul Muttalib," and refused to say: None has the right…

Quotes9:113
The Qur'an & RevelationIdolatry & ShirkLife & Death
Related by topicHadith sharing this passage's topics

Shares: Parents · Life & Death · Ibrahim

Sunan an-Nasa'i 2036The Book of Funerals

It was narrated that 'Ali said:"I heard a man praying for forgiveness for his parents who were idolaters, and I said: 'Are you praying for forgiveness for them even though they are idolators?" He said: 'Didn't Ibrahim pray for forgiveness for his father?' I went to the Prophet and told him about that, then the following revealed: And Ibrahim's (Abraham) invoking (of Allah) for his father's forgiveness was only because of a promise he (Ibrahim) had made to him (his father)." (Daif)

ParentsLife & DeathIbrahim

Shares: Parents · Family · Idolatry & Shirk

Shares: Idolatry & Shirk · Ibrahim

Sunan Abu Dawud 2027The Rites of Hajj (Kitab Al-Manasik Wa'l-Hajj)

‘Abbas said “When the Prophet (ﷺ) came to Makkah he refused to enter the House (the Ka’bah) for there were idols in it. He ordered to take them out and they were taken out. The statues of Abraham and Isma’il were taken out and they had arrows in their hands. Apostle of Allaah(ﷺ) said “May Allaah destroy them! By Allaah, they knew that they never cast lots by arrow. He then entered the House(the Ka’bah) and uttered the takbir (Allaah is most great) in all its sides and corners. He then came out and did not pray

Hajj & UmrahIdolatry & ShirkIbrahimMakkah, Madinah & Mosques

Shares: Forgiveness · Ibrahim

Sahih al-Bukhari 3349Prophets

Narrated Ibn `Abbas:The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "You will be gathered (on the Day of Judgment), bare-footed, naked and not circumcised." He then recited:--'As We began the first creation, We, shall repeat it: A Promise We have undertaken: Truly We shall do it.' (21.104) He added, "The first to be dressed on the Day of Resurrection, will be Abraham, and some of my companions will be taken towards the left side (i.e. to the (Hell) Fire), and I will say: 'My companions! My companions!' It will be said: 'They renegade from Islam after you left them.' Then I will say as the Pious slave of Allah (i.e. Jesus) said. 'And I was a witness Over them while I dwelt amongst them. When You took me up You were…

Quotes21:104
The Qur'an & RevelationAfterlife & JudgmentMessengers & ProphethoodForgivenessIbrahimIsa

Shares: Dua · Ibrahim

Sahih al-Bukhari 3369Prophets

Narrated Abu Humaid As-Sa`idi:The people asked, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! How shall we (ask Allah to) send blessings on you?" Allah's Apostle replied, "Say: O Allah! Send Your Mercy on Muhammad and on his wives and on his offspring, as You sent Your Mercy on Abraham's family; and send Your Blessings on Muhammad and on his offspring, as You sent Your Blessings on Abraham's family, for You are the Most Praiseworthy, the Most Glorious

DuaMessengers & ProphethoodIbrahim

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ParentsFamilyDuaIdolatry & ShirkLife & DeathForgivenessIbrahim
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