presenting it to him and repeating it to him (1). According to another narration, ‘the two men would repeat those same words’ (2), until Abū Tālib’s final words to them were, ‘He is upon the religion of Abd al-Muttalib.’ He refused to say, ‘There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah.’ The Messenger of Allah—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—then said, ‘I will certainly seek forgiveness for you unless I am forbidden from doing so.’ Allah Most High then revealed:

‘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 companions of Hellfire.’

[Surah al-Tawbah: 113]

Regarding Abū Tālib, Allah also revealed, addressing the Messenger of Allah—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—:

‘Indeed, you do not guide whom you love, but Allah guides whom He wills.’” (3)

Muslim also recorded it in a hadith narrated by Abū Hurayra, with the following wording:

“Abū Tālib said, ‘Were it not that Quraysh would reproach me, saying, “It was only (4) fear that drove him to do it,” I would certainly have delighted you by saying it.’ Allah Most High then revealed:

‘Indeed, you do not guide whom you love.’” (5)

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In the two Sahih collections: “Al-Abbās ibn Abd al-Muttalib said, ‘I asked, “O Messenger of Allah, did you benefit Abū Tālib in any way? For he used to protect you, support you, and become angry on your behalf.” He replied, “Yes. He is in a shallow part of the Fire; were it not for me, he would have been in the lowest depth of the Fire.”’” (6).