Answered by: Alimah Safiyya-Maryam Ahmed
Question:
How can a convert ‘pray’ or make dua for their deceased non-Muslim parents? My understanding is they are unable to pray for their maghfirah, but is there a way to find a connection to your deceased non-Muslim parent?
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
This is a very difficult trial that even the prophets were tested with- like the great Prophet Nuh [alaihisalam] who wanted to save his son and our Beloved Prophet Muhammad [sallAllahu alaihi wa sallam] who wanted to pray for his uncle. Whether a parent was Muslim or not there will naturally be feelings of family love and devotion to them so when a parent dies other than Islam it can be difficult for a child to come to terms with this.
It is important for this convert to firstly show gratitude to Allah Azzawajjal for guiding them to the Truth for that is the single greatest blessing one can bestow with, without a doubt it is worth more than any worldly relationship for a person has been gifted recognition of their Ultimate creator. This gratitude cannot be dependent upon other things such as the guidance of family members. Secondly, we must understand that guidance is solely in the power of Allah Ta’ala; no person regardless of how much desire they have to guide or regardless of how close they are to Allah Azzawajjal, has the power to grant guidance to people- not even the Prophets of God. Furthermore, not even the Prophets had the permission to pray for the forgiveness of non-Muslims after they passed away, rather they had to submit to Allah’s Encompassing Wisdom, Knowledge and Mercy.
This was also a great test to befall the Sahabah, may Allah be pleased with them, many of whom converted to Islam whilst their family members remained in disbelief. Though this pained them, we learn valuable lessons from their resilience and utmost loyalty to Allah Ta’ala whereby rather than overly worrying about the deceased, they placed their entire focus on their own relationship with Allah Ta’ala and their living family members who they had guardianship over, such as their children, and they consigned the matter regarding their deceased family members to Allah Ta’ala who is the Lord of all things, the Most Just, and Most Merciful. Leaving this matter to Allah Ta’ala whilst taking the effort to learn more about Him, will bring peace and contentment to one’s heart in sha Allah.
Only Allah knows best
Written by Alimah Safiyya-Maryam Ahmed
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham