Will All Believers and Their Non-Muslim Parents Be Forgiven?

Answered by Imam Yama Niazi 

Question

Will all believers be forgiven on the day of judgment? How about non-Muslim parents of those who are Muslims?

Answer

Dear questioner, may Allah bless you and increase you in good.

Concerning your question,

You had asked about the supplication of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) that was mentioned in the Quran, “Our Lord! Forgive me, my parents, and the believers on the Day when the judgment will come to pass.” [Quran, 14:41]

This verse is speaking about the believers. All of them. [Tafsir Ibn Kathir; Tafsir al-Qurtubi]

If someone passes away as a disbeliever, then we do not supplicate for mercy for them.
See this answer for an in-depth look at this matter:
Can We Pray for Non-Muslims Who Passed Away?

Although we may not be able to supplicate for mercy for a non-Muslim (who has passed away in kufr), it does not mean there was no chance of them being forgiven.

They may have felt in their heart that Islam is true and therefore died upon the faith without having the chance to utter the testification of faith (shahada). Although unlikely but still possible. Rather what we mean by not praying for mercy for them is that we did not outwardly receive the news that they were believers. So, therefore, we leave their judgment with Allah.

Attaining Salvation

The Quran clarifies in many chapters and verses that the ones who will enter Paradise will be those who believe and perform good deeds.

“Whoever does good, whether male or female, and is a believer, We will surely bless them with a good life, and We will certainly reward them according to the best of their deeds.” [Quran, 16:97]

Helpful to read this also:
Do Good Non-Muslims and Bad Muslims Both Go to Hell?

Prophet Ibrahim’s Father

The Prophet Ibrahim’s actual father was a Muslim. His name is given as Tarakh by historians. The person mentioned in the Quran, “Azar,” was an idol worshipper who did not convert to Islam and was his uncle and not his actual father. If you read Mariful Quran volume three in English, page 396 has good details you can benefit from. It is online as a PDF.

Those with Major Sins among the Muslims and their Fate

In the hereafter, we hope for mercy for all Muslims, but the reality is that some of the Muslims who committed major sins and were not forgiven will go to hell for some time. But eventually, they will all be taken out of hell and abide in Paradise forever.

See hadith on the intercession of the Prophet Muhammad on the day of judgment for his community.

May Allah forgive us all and grant us His mercy.

[Imam] Yama Niazi
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Imam Yama Niazi has studied with local scholars in the USA for a number of years which culminated in him becoming an imam of the Islamic Society of Santa Barbara for 8 years. He served the community by teaching and leading prayers. In 2015 he founded “ the blessed tree “ a nonprofit specifically for bridging gaps between the Muslim community and others. He has spoken on many Muslim platforms throughout the USA and Canada and conducted programs in local communities in North America. He is an instructor at SeekersGuidance.