This magnificent and remarkable account thus demonstrates that it is permissible to pray for the guidance of one’s parents when they are polytheists, as well as the importance and immense benefit of doing so. One should combine supplication for them with inviting them to Islam, as Abū Hurayrah—may Allah be pleased with him—did with his mother—may Allah be pleased with her. He frequently invited her to Islam and prayed that she be granted guidance and success. Then, after she was guided, he frequently prayed that she receive mercy and forgiveness.

Al-Bukhārī narrated in al-Adab al-Mufrad from Abū Murrah, the client of Umm Hāni bint Abū Tālib, that he rode with Abū Hurayrah to his land at al-Aqīq. Whenever Abū Hurayrah entered his land, he would call out at the top of his voice, “Peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you, dear mother!” She would reply, “And upon you be the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah.” He would say, “May Allah have mercy on you, as you raised me when I was young.” She would reply, “My son, may Allah reward you with goodness and be pleased with you, as you treated me dutifully in my old age.”1

He also narrated from Muhammad ibn Sīrīn, who said, “We were with Abū Hurayrah one night when he said, ‘O Allah, forgive Abū Hurayrah, my mother, and whoever seeks forgiveness for them both.’” Muhammad ibn Sīrīn said, “We therefore seek forgiveness for them both so that we may be included in Abū Hurayrah’s supplication.”2

A child’s supplication for his parents benefits them after their deaths, when their deeds cease in