Praying for forgiveness of idolaters is not proper

Lesson # 1147 from Holy Qur-’aan

Praying for forgiveness of idolaters is not proper

Surah ‘TAWBAH or BARAAA-‘AH (REPENTANCE) – Chapter – 9)

Stage – 2, Verse – 113 of 129, Section – 14 of 16 (Part – 11)

                                                                      

BisMillaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

                                                                                       

113.  It is not proper for the Prophet, and those who believe, to pray for the forgiveness of idolaters even though they may be near of kin (to them) after it hath become clear that they are people of Hell-fire.

113.  Maa  kaana  lin-Nabiyyi  wal-laziina  ‘aamanuuu  ‘anyyastag-firuu  lil-Mushri-kiina  wa  law  kaanuuu  ‘ulii-  qurbaa  mim-  ba’-di  maa  ta-bayyana  lahum  ‘annahum  ‘as-haabul-Jahiim.

                                                                             

Lesson

After causing to understand the meanings of Islam to the Muslims, and illustrating about their conduct, now it is being described that “what behavior should be with them; who do not desire to enter in the circle of Islam, that is to say, either they do not believe in Allah Almighty but they have ascribed others as partners to Him OR they admit with their tongues but heartily they do not mention the covenant with Him.

Known from it is that, which has been explained earlier that they should be treated in the world as they behave with you. If they wish to live altogether and keep their matters straight, then you should dwell with them also mutually. Moreover, you should do acts of kindness for them. If they treat you as a foe, grip up their loins to trouble you and are inclined to fight, then you should also fight them till the disturbance is over.

In this verse, behavior with them has been described from religious aspect. On the basis of religion, there is a great difference between you and them. You are hopeful of God’s blessings and kindness, whereas they are revolted from Allah Almighty openly or in their hearts. Therefore they do not deserve forgiveness of God Almighty. So you should not pray for their forgiveness.

Some merciful Muslims and the Messenger Himself (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him), who is Merciful for the entire Worlds (Rahmatal-lil-‘Aalamiin), used to ask for forgiveness of their idolater and hypocrite relatives, mother, father and brothers etc. whether they were living or departed. This verse guides about them clearly.

It is commanded that praying for the idolaters by the Messenger (SallAllaahu alayHi wa AaliHii Wasallam) and other Muslims for their forgiveness is not proper, because they have no any such covenant with Allah Almighty, and they either were or are totally unmindful from His side. Therefore, whether they are very close relatives and you have known about them that they will enter in the Hell-fire, you should not pray for their forgiveness.

It is clarified that the Promise of Paradise is only for such people who have sold their everything to Allah Almighty and their lives are accomplished with such hobbies, which have been explained in the previous lesson. Those people who are not like them, you should not pray for their forgiveness.

Transliterated Holy Qur’aan in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazaar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)