Fatwa ID: 06428

Answered by: Muftiyah Safiyya-Maryam Ahmed

Question:

A convert is asking if there is anything that they can do for their deceased non-Muslim father

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

Whilst one’s non-Muslim parents are alive one must treat them in an excellent manner, keep them company, show them compassionate conduct, and teach them about the beauty of Islam primarily through one’s actions. One can also make duaa for guidance toward the Truth.

“And when Luqman said to his son while he was advising him, “My dear son, do not ascribe partners to Allah. Indeed, ascribing partners to Allah (shirk) is a grave transgression.” We commanded man (to be good) to his parents. His mother carried him facing weakness after weakness, and his weaning is in two years: “Be grateful to Me and to your parents. To Me is the ultimate return. But if they pressure you to associate with Me what you have no knowledge of,¹ do not obey them. Still keep their company in this world courteously, and follow the way of those who turn to Me ˹in devotion˺. Then to Me, you will ˹all˺ return, and then I will inform you of what you used to do.” [31: 13-15]

If they pass away as non-Muslim the command from Allah, Most High, is that we are not allowed to pray for them. “It is not ˹proper˺ for the Prophet and the believers to seek forgiveness for the polytheists, even if they were close relatives after it has become clear to the believers that they are bound for the Hellfire.” [9: 113] One may grieve their loss as Allah Ta’ala has placed a natural love in the heart of parents and children for each other, but they must submit to the Will of Allah Azzawajjal and abide by His laws. The beloved prophets were also tested in this regard by Allah Ta’ala with the death of close family members upon disbelief- a testament to how great a test it is for Allah’s chosen slaves- but our loyalty, love, submission, and trust in Allah Ta’ala must be greater. We should focus our efforts upon pleasing Allah in our daily life so we are prepared for our inevitable death and meeting with our Creator, as well as extend the invitation of Islam to those around us through dawah efforts so that as many people as possible can find salvation in the true message of Islam.

Only Allah knows best

Written by Muftiyah Safiyya-Maryam Ahmed

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham