Fatwa ID: 06647

 

Answered by: Muftiyah Habiba Akhtar

 

Question:

 

I had a question for you if you can point me to the right answer or the person who can help answer:

 

How can a convert ‘pray’ or make dua for their *deceased* non-Muslim parents? My understanding is that we are unable to pray for their maghfirah, but is there a way to find a connection to your deceased non-Muslim parent?

 

 

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

 

Answer:

 

As Muslims, we are encouraged to think well and care for others regardless of their religion.

 

The Prophet SAW said:

 

All created beings are Allah’s dependents, and the most beloved of people to Allah is the one who is good to His (Allah’s) dependents.” (1)

 

And thus, we are permitted to make dua for the guidance, well-being and health of others though we cannot pray for their forgiveness as their disbelief does not warrant them forgiveness nor entry to Jannah. (2)

 

We understand this from the incident of the Prophet SAW and his uncle Abu Talib. Though he was unsuccessful in bringing his uncle to Islam, he maintained that he will pray for his forgiveness but then Allah SWT sent the verse down forbidding believers from praying for the non-believers who have passed away.

 

“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.” (3)

 

Therefore, in response to your query, you may continue to care for and pray for the well-being and guidance of non-Muslim family members. Upon their death, we are unable to change their predicament or seek forgiveness on their behalf.

 

 

Only Allah knows best

Written by Muftiyah Habiba Akhtar

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

الْخَلْقُ عِيَالُ اللَّهِ، فَأَحَبُّ النَّاسِ إِلَى اللَّهِ مَنْ أَحْسَنَ إِلَى عِيَالِهِ

Al Mu’jam Al Awsat, Vol 5, Pg 356 Dar al Haramain

 

 

(2)

إعلم أنه لا يجوز أن يدعى له بالمغفرة وما أشبهها مما لا يقال للكفار ، لكن يجوز أن يدعى بالهداية وصحة البدن والعافية وشبه ذلك.

روينا في كتاب ابن السني عن أنس رضي الله عنه قال : استسقى النبي (صلى الله عليه وسلم) فسقاه يهودي ، فقال له النبي (صلى الله عليه وسلم) : ” جملك الله ” فما رأى الشيب حتى مات

Adhkar Lil Imam Nawawi, Vol 1, Page 271, Darul Malah

 

 

(3)

{ مَا كَانَ لِلنَّبِیِّ وَٱلَّذِینَ ءَامَنُوۤا۟ أَن یَسۡتَغۡفِرُوا۟ لِلۡمُشۡرِكِینَ وَلَوۡ كَانُوۤا۟ أُو۟لِی قُرۡبَىٰ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا تَبَیَّنَ لَهُمۡ أَنَّهُمۡ أَصۡحَـٰبُ ٱلۡجَحِیمِ }

[Surah At-Tawbah: 113]