The Prohibition of Supplicating for Polytheists in Islam

Understanding the Prohibition of Praying for Forgiveness for Polytheists

ALLĀH says:

مَا كَانَ لِلنَّبِيِّ وَالَّذِينَ امَنُواْ أَن يَسْتَغْفِرُواْ لِلْمُشْرِكِينَ
It is not ˹proper˺ for the Prophet and the believers to seek forgiveness for the polytheists,

That is, for those who disbelieve in ALLĀH and worship someone else besides HIM

وَلَوْ كَانُواْ أُوْلِي قُرْبَى مِن بَعْدِ مَا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُمْ أَنَّهُمْ أَصْحَابُ الْجَحِيمِ
Even if they were close relatives, after it has become clear to them that they are bound for the Hellfire.

Praying for forgiveness for them in this case is wrong and is of no benefit. Therefore it is not appropriate for the Prophet ﷺ and the believers to do that, because if they die ascribing partners to ALLĀH, or it is known that they died with that belief, then they deserve the punishment and they are bound to remain in hell for eternity; the intercession of those who intercede and the prayers for forgiveness of those who pray for them will be of no benefit.

Moreover, the Prophet ﷺ and those who believed with him are required to go along with their Lord with regard to whatever HE is pleased or angry with, and to take as allies those whom ALLĀH takes as allies, and take as enemies those whom ALLĀH takes as enemies. So their praying for forgiveness for one who is clearly doomed to hell is contrary to that.

{Tafsi‌r As-Sa’di}

Ibn Jarir recorded that Sulayman bin Buraydah said that his father said,

“When the Prophet came to Makkah, he went to a grave, sat next to it, started talking and then stood up with tears in his eyes. We said, `O ALLĀH’s Messenger! We saw what you did.’

He said: “I asked my Lord for permission to visit the grave of my mother and HE gave me permission. I asked for HIS permission to invoke HIM for forgiveness for her, but HE did not give me permission.”

We never saw him more tearful than on that day.”‘

{Tafsi‌r Ibn Kathīr}

#ibnkathir #sadi #tawbah (9:113)