(113–114) “It is not for the Prophet and those who believe to seek forgiveness for the polytheists—even if they are close relatives—after it has become clear to them that they are the inhabitants of Hellfire. * Abraham’s plea for forgiveness for his father was only because of a promise he had made to him. But when it became clear to Abraham that his father was an enemy of Allah, he disavowed him. Abraham was indeed ever turning to Allah and forbearing.”

That is, it is neither fitting nor proper for the Prophet and the believers “to seek forgiveness for the polytheists”—those who disbelieve in Allah and worship others alongside Him—“even if they are close relatives, after it has become clear to them that they are the inhabitants of Hellfire.” Seeking forgiveness for them in such circumstances is wrong and futile, and thus is not fitting for the Prophet or the believers. For if they die adhering to polytheism, or it is known that they will die upon it, the sentence of punishment has become binding upon them and they must abide in the Fire forever. Neither the intercession of intercessors nor the pleas for forgiveness of those who seek forgiveness will benefit them.

Moreover, the Prophet and those who believe with him must conform to their Lord in what pleases and angers Him, take as allies those whom Allah takes as allies, and take as enemies those whom Allah takes as enemies. Their seeking forgiveness for someone who has clearly become one of the inhabitants of the Fire is contrary and opposed to this. Though Abraham, the intimate friend of the Most Merciful—peace be upon him—did seek forgiveness for his father, it was only “because of a promise he had made to him,” when he said, “I shall ask my Lord to forgive you. He has always been gracious to me.” This was before he knew what his father’s ultimate fate would be.

When it became clear to Abraham that his father was an enemy of Allah who would die in disbelief, and that admonition and reminders were of no benefit to him, “he disavowed him,” in conformity with his Lord and out of proper reverence for Him.

“Abraham was indeed ever turning to Allah”—that is, he constantly returned to Allah in every matter and frequently remembered and supplicated Him, sought His forgiveness, and turned penitently to his Lord.

“And forbearing”—that is, he was compassionate toward people and pardoned the lapses they committed against him. The folly of the foolish did not provoke him, nor did he respond in kind to anyone who wronged him. His father said to him, “I will surely stone you,” while he replied, “Peace be upon you. I shall ask my Lord to forgive you.”

You must therefore follow his example and adhere to the way of Abraham in everything, “except for Abraham’s words to his father, ‘I will surely seek forgiveness for you,’” as Allah has drawn your attention to this and to other matters. Hence He says: