Was Rasulullah S.A.W’s lineage free from idolatry/polytheism? If it cannot be proven that they were free from polytheism, can it be proven that they did in fact engage in polytheism? Or are both statements unprovable? What is the status of the two hadith below regarding the parents of Rasulullah S.A.W:
(1) It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “I asked my Lord for permission to pray for forgiveness for my mother, but He did not give me permission; I asked Him for permission to visit her grave, and He gave me permission.” (Muslim, 976).
(2) It was narrated from Anas ibn Maalik (may Allaah be pleased with him) that a man said: “O Messenger of Allaah, where is my father?” He said: “In the Fire.” When he turned away, he called him back and said: “My father and your father are in the Fire.” (Muslim, 203).
Jazakallahu Khair
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
The era between Isa (Alaihis Salam) and Rasulullah ﷺ is known as Fatrat-e-Nubuwwat (era without prophethood).
While most of the people were idol worshippers, there were also the Ahlul Kitab (Christian and Jews). The accepted religion of that time by Allah was Christianity which abrogated Judaism. However, most Christians did not follow the actual orders of Allah Ta’ala.
Majority of the Ulama are of the opinion that we remain silent concerning the issue of the parents of Nabi ﷺ.[1] Allah Ta`ala will not question us on the Day of Qiyamah about their faith. One should be more concerned of one’s own self and dying in the state of Iman.
Allah Ta’ala says:
تِلْكَ أُمَّةٌ قَدْ خَلَتْ لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتْ وَلَكُمْ مَا كَسَبْتُمْ وَلَا تُسْأَلُونَ عَمَّا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ (البقرة: ١٣٤)
Translation: That was a nation who has passed away. They shall receive the reward of what they earned and you of what you earn. And you will not be asked of what they used to do. (Al- Baqarah: 134)
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Abdullah Syed Sajid
Student Darul Iftaa
Houston, TX, USA
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.
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[1] البدر الأنور (ص: ٤٤٩)
فليس في ذكر هذا الأمر في ذاته ثواب، ولا في تركه عقاب او عتاب