368. Can Muslims Pray For Non Muslims

By Asma Bint Shameem

Its allowed to make duaa for non Muslims, generally speaking, 

and treat them kindly, etc

The best duaa for non Muslims is for their hidaayah. 

But it’s not allowed to make duaa for non Muslims for their forgiveness or for Allaah to have mercy on them. 

That’s because of their disbelief in Allaah. 

Proof:

The Jews would pretend to sneeze in the presence of the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam in the hope that the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam would reply to their sneeze “Yarhamukullaah” (May Allaah have mercy on you)

But the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam would not make that duaa. 

Abu Moosa radhi Allaahu anhu said: 

“The Jews used to sneeze in the presence of the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam hoping that he would say to them, “May Allaah have mercy on you,” but he used to say: “May Allaah guide you and set your affairs straight.”.

[Abu Dawood (5038), and by al-Tirmidhi (2739); saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood]

Al-Haafiz said:

“The hadeeth of Abu Moosa indicates that they (non Muslims) are included in the general command to pray for the one who sneezes, but there is a special prayer for them, which is the prayer that they be guided and their affairs set straight. 

There is nothing wrong with that, and it is different from the prayer for Muslims, for they are the ones for whom mercy should be sought, unlike the kuffaar.” [al-Fath (10/604)]

So EXCEPT for asking for forgiveness or mercy, we can duaa for their health, wellbeing, wealth, kids etc. 

We can visit them if they’re sick and help them if they need anything. 

After all, they’re human beings and a Muslim is kind and compassionate towards ALL of Allaah’s creations. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam used to visit the sick and make duaa for them, irrespective of whether they were Muslim or non Muslims.

And the Sahaabah prayed Ruqyah on a non Muslim when he was bit  by a scorpion or snake, for his well-being. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam knew about it and he didn’t say anything or reprimand them. 

And he Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam told us to treat the neighbor kindly even if he’s a non Muslim. 

And there are more evidences. 

And Allaah knows best