Juz 11: At-Tawbah 93 to Hūd 5
Section 7 of 17 · Tafsir of the Qur’an · Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
8. The Characteristics of True Believers
Building upon the divine transaction, Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala continues to outline guidelines for believers in verses 113-118, focusing on important principles regarding relationships, boundaries, and divine mercy.
In verse 113, Allah addresses a critical boundary regarding relationships with those who reject faith:
مَا كَانَ لِلنَّبِيِّ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَن يَسْتَغْفِرُوا لِلْمُشْرِكِينَ وَلَوْ كَانُوا أُولِي قُرْبَىٰ مِن بَعْدِ مَا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُمْ أَنَّهُمْ أَصْحَابُ الْجَحِيمِ
“It is not (permissible) for the Prophet and the believers to seek forgiveness for the Mushriks, even if they are kinsmen, after it became clear to them that they are the people of Jahannam." [9:113]”
This verse establishes an important principle regarding spiritual boundaries. While Muslims are encouraged to show kindness and maintain good relations with non-Muslims, seeking forgiveness for those who have decidedly rejected faith and died upon disbelief crosses a theological boundary. This prohibition applies even to close relatives, emphasizing that theological principles supersede blood ties.
The prohibition is specifically directed at seeking forgiveness for those who have died as mushrikīn (polytheists or idolaters) after their fate has become clear. This does not prohibit maintaining good relations with living non-Muslims or inviting them to Islam with wisdom and beautiful preaching.
The verse that follows addresses a potential question about Ibrahim (Abraham) (peace be upon him) who had prayed for his father:
وَمَا كَانَ اسْتِغْفَارُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ لِأَبِيهِ إِلَّا عَن مَّوْعِدَةٍ وَعَدَهَا إِيَّاهُ فَلَمَّا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُ أَنَّهُ عَدُوٌّ لِّلَّهِ تَبَرَّأَ مِنْهُ ۚ إِنَّ إِبْرَاهِيمَ لَأَوَّاهٌ حَلِيمٌ
“The prayer of Ibrahim for the forgiveness of his father was only because of a promise he had made to him. Later, when it became clear to him that he was an enemy of Allah, he declared his disavowal from him. Surely, Ibrahim was very tender-hearted, very forbearing.” (Surah At-Tawbah 9:114)”
This verse clarifies that Ibrahim (ʿalayhis-salām) initially sought forgiveness for his father because he had promised him that he would do so. However, once it became evident that his father had died upon disbelief and was firmly opposed to Allah, Ibrahim (peace be upon him) withdrew and dissociated himself from him. This demonstrates that even the strongest family bonds do not override theological truth. Ibrahim’s compassion and gentleness — described here as awwāh (deeply tender-hearted) and halīm (forbearing) — did not prevent him from upholding divine boundaries once the reality became clear. The lesson is one of balance: Islam recognises emotional attachment and mercy, but it does not permit compromise in matters of creed.