Dua of forgiveness for deceased non-Muslims?

Question

Is it permissible to make dua e maghfirat for a person who died as a non Muslim ?

Mufti Suhail Tarmahomed · Accepted Answer

It is not permissible to make Dua for forgiveness or mercy for those who have passed away as non-Muslims. The Qur’an clearly mentions the prohibition in the following verses:

a) It is not (permissible) for the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and the believers to seek forgiveness for the Mushriks, even if they are kinsmen, after it became clear to them that they are the people of hell (Qur’an, 9: 113)

b) And never offer a prayer on any one of them who dies, and do not stand by his grave. They disbelieved in Allah and His Messenger and died while they were sinners.

(Qur’an, 9: 113)

Imam Nawawi (Rahimahullah) mentions: “To pray for a disbeliever and to make Dua Maghfirah for him is Haraam (prohibited) by the words of the Qur’an and by consensus of the scholars”. (al-Majmoo’, Vol: 5, Pg: 144)

N.B. This should not be confused with offering condolences and sympathy for the bereaved whether Muslim or not. Such gestures are in line with the character a Muslim ought to display.

And Allah Knows Best

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