Question
My name is Miss Maryam Sharif. I am from Ireland and a physical therapist by profession. Alhamdulillah, I got the chance to accept Islam. My question is regarding my father. He never got the chance to accept Islam, and shirk is the biggest sin. Is there any specific duʿāʾ I can make in his name so that his sin can be forgiven?
Miss Maryam Sharif
Answer by Dr. Zakir Naik
This question was asked by a sincere sister who, Alhamdulillah, accepted Islam. She asked whether there is any duʿāʾ or action that can be done for a father who passed away as a mushrik.
Allah clearly states in the Qur’an:
“Indeed, Allah does not forgive associating partners with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills.”
Qur’an (Surah An-Nisāʾ 4:48, 4:116)
If a person commits shirk and sincerely repents before death, Allah may forgive them. However, if a person dies upon shirk, the Qur’an makes it clear that forgiveness is not granted for this sin.
What Islam Allows and Does Not Allow
- You may pray for guidance for a non-Muslim parent while they are alive.
- You cannot pray for forgiveness for someone who died upon shirk.
- You can pray for your descendants to be guided and remain steadfast upon Islam.
Example from Prophet Ibrāhīm (AS)
When Prophet Ibrāhīm (AS) made duʿāʾ for his father while he was alive, it was permissible. However, once it became clear that his father died upon disbelief, Allah forbade seeking forgiveness for him.
Instead, Prophet Ibrāhīm (AS) prayed:
“Our Lord, make us submissive to You and from our descendants a nation submissive to You.”
Qur’an (Surah Ibrāhīm)
Allah accepted this duʿāʾ, and both of his sons, Ismāʿīl (AS) and Isḥāq (AS), were among the righteous.
Can I make duʿāʾ for my non-Muslim parents?
Yes, while they are alive you may pray for their guidance to Islam.
Can I ask Allah to forgive a parent who died upon shirk?
No. According to the Qur’an, forgiveness is not granted for shirk if a person dies upon it.
Source:
Qur’an (Surah An-Nisāʾ 4:48, 4:116), Surah Ibrāhīm, and lectures by Dr. Zakir Naik
Disclaimer: This content is based on explanations by Dr. Zakir Naik. It is shared for educational purposes and does not necessarily represent the views of the publisher.
