Is praying for non-Muslims permissible in Islam?
The permissibility of praying for non-Muslims is a topic where Sunni and Shia scholars have differing views.
According to Sunni scholarship, as reflected in Tafsir Ibn Kathir, it is generally discouraged to pray for the forgiveness of non-Muslims. This is primarily based on verses that emphasize the importance of faith in Allah and the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for salvation. However, it is permissible to pray for non-Muslims in matters of worldly benefit or guidance, as there are hadiths that indicate supplication for their well-being can be made, provided it does not include seeking forgiveness for their sins. A hadith mentions that No Muslim on earth calls upon Allah with a supplication without Allah granting it or turning away an equivalent harm, provided the supplication is not made for sin or cutting of kinship ties.
Sunan al-Tirmidhi 48:204. This suggests that while specific prayers for forgiveness may not be permitted, general prayers for guidance and assistance can be made.
In contrast, Shia scholarship, as reflected in Majma al-Bayan, holds a more nuanced view. It acknowledges that praying for non-Muslims can be beneficial, particularly in the context of seeking their guidance toward Islam. Additionally, Al-Kafi narrates that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, No believer prays for the believers, men and women, except that Allah, the Almighty, returns to him the like of what he prayed for them...
Al-Kafi 2:173. This indicates that prayers for non-Muslims, particularly in terms of intercession or compassion, can be valuable and are not inherently forbidden.
In conclusion, while Sunni and Shia perspectives differ, both traditions recognize certain circumstances where prayer for non-Muslims can be permissible, especially concerning their well-being and guidance. For specific situations, it is advisable to consult a qualified local scholar.
Sources
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Sunan al-Tirmidhi 48:204
Sunan al-Tirmidhi · Book 48, Hadith 204 · Narrated by Jubayr ibn Nufayr
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'No Muslim on earth calls upon Allah with a supplication without Allah granting it or turning away an equivalent harm, provided the supplication is not made for sin or cutting of kinship ties.' A man said: 'What if we pray much?' He said: 'Allah is more abundant.'
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Al-Kafi 2:173
Al-Kafi · Book 2, Hadith 173
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family) said: "There is no speech except by deed, and no speech or deed except with intention, and no speech, deed, or intention except by conforming to the Sunnah." — OR — The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family) said, "No believer prays for the believers, men and women, except that Allah, the Almighty, returns to him the like of what he prayed for them from every believer and believer who has passed from the beginning of time or who will come until the Day of Resurrection. Indeed, on the Day of Resurrection, a servant is commanded to be thrown into the Fire, and he is dragged along. The believers, men and women, say: 'O Lord, this is the one who used to pray for us, so intercede for him.' So Allah, the Almighty, will intercede for him and save him." — OR — He said regarding a fasting person who applies kohl: 'There is no harm as long as it is neither food nor drink.' — OR — I wrote to him for fourteen years seeking permission to perform the duty of the ruler. Near the end of the letter, I mentioned that I feared for my neck and that the ruler says to me, 'You are a Rejector (Rafidhi), and we are not doubtful that you have abandoned serving the ruler because of your rejection.' Abu al-Hasan (peace be upon him) replied, 'I understood your letter and the fear you expressed for yourself. If you are assigned, act in your work according to the commands of the Messenger of God (peace be upon him and his family), then appoint your aides and scribes from your own community. If anything reaches you, use it to support the poor among the believers until you are one of them. Whoever does that will be rewarded accordingly; otherwise, no.' — OR — Ali narrated from his father from Ibn Abi Umair from Hammad ibn Uthman from al-Halabi from Abu Abdullah (a.s.) who said: The waiting period of the woman who does not menstruate and the one who is irregularly bleeding and does not become pure is three months, and the waiting period of the woman who menstruates regularly and properly is three menstrual cycles. I asked him about Allah’s saying: "If you are in doubt about the menstruation" He said: If it lasts longer than one month, then it is suspicion. She should observe three months waiting and wait out the menstruation. What is within the month without increase is included in menstruation and she should observe three menstrual cycles waiting. — OR — A woman does not inherit from what her husband left behind of villages, houses, weapons, or beasts, but she inherits from money, furnishings, clothing, and household goods among what he left. The doors, wood beams, and reeds are evaluated and she is given her right from their value.
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