Should we make du’a for non-believers?
There is some debate regarding whether Muslims are permitted to make du’a for non-believers. A frequently referenced ayat on this matter states:
“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. And the request of forgiveness of Abraham for his father was only because of a promise he had made to him. But when it became apparent to Abraham that his father was an enemy to Allah, he disassociated himself from him. Indeed was Abraham compassionate and patient.” (Surah Taubah 113-114)
Reading this verse in isolation, without proper context, can create the impression that it is inappropriate for any Muslim to make du’a for non-believers—even close relatives.
At the time, Rasulullah (ﷺ) had been preaching in Mecca for over a decade. Eventually, Allah (swt) closed the door for the Prophet (ﷺ) to make du’a for these individuals, as they had been declared companions of Hellfire. This verdict was handed down by Allah (swt), and any du’a made thereafter would have been futile, as their fate was sealed. The same applied to Abu Lahab and Prophet Ibrahim’s father.
However, we do not know the fate of other non-believers. We may continue to make du’a for their forgiveness and guidance, just as all other Prophets did for their respective communities. This remains permissible until they pass away while having committed shirk (associating partners with Allah), at which point their case rests with Allah.
From Prophet Nuh (as):
At the end of Surah Nuh, we find the beautiful du’a that Prophet Nuh (as) recited, asking for forgiveness for his parents:
رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِمَنْ دَخَلَ بَيْتِيَ مُؤْمِنًا وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ وَلَا تَزِدِ الظَّالِمِينَ إِلَّا تَبَارًا
Rabbigh fir lee wa liwaa lidaiya wa liman dakhala baitiya mu’minanw wa lil mu’mineena wal mu’minaati wa laa tazidiz zaalimeena illaa tabaaraa
“My Lord, forgive me and my parents and whoever enters my house a believer and the believing men and believing women. And do not increase the wrongdoers except in destruction.” (Surah Nuh Ayat 28)
The final part of this du’a states: “And do not increase the wrongdoers except in destruction.”
A Student’s Meeting with a Sheikh
A student visited a sheikh and began complaining about the evil deeds and terrible behavior he had witnessed in some people.
The student was clearly passionate and well-meaning, but he became carried away. His anger surfaced, and he started praying that Allah would curse these individuals and bring them ruin.
The sheikh remained silent and listened to the entire rant. Once the student had finished venting, the sheikh suggested: “Do you not think it would be better to ask Allah to guide them to the truth, rather than wishing for their destruction?”
The student responded with a rebuttal: “Yes, of course, that would be better. But there is only so much we can do. Even Nuh (as) grew frustrated and cursed his people.”
The sheikh agreed: “You are correct—Nuh (as) did pray to Allah for the destruction of his people… but do you realize this was only after he had called them to Allah relentlessly? From the Qur’an, we know he did this day in and day out, privately and publicly, individually and in groups. He remained calm, argued with reason rather than emotion, and devoted 950 years to guiding them. Only after making this complete personal sacrifice did he ask Allah for their destruction.”
The student clearly began to reflect on his behavior. The sheikh then continued: “Look, I promise you this—if you dedicate your entire life to giving dawah (calling others to Allah), I will join you when I am 85 years old, and we can make du’a against these people together.”
Only with a full understanding of Prophet Nuh’s (as) story can we grasp the beautiful message it holds for us to follow.
Without this understanding, someone reading this supplication for the first time might form a negative view of Islam or fill their heart with hatred toward others.
We must be cautious about acquiring incorrect information, as it can lead us to draw wrong conclusions. In the end, we are the ones who must live with the consequences of the information we accept.
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