O uncle, say: La ilāha illallāh (there is no god but Allah), a word with which I can defend you before Allah

Explanation

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) entered upon his uncle Abu Tālib when he was in his death throes and said to him: O Uncle, say: "La ilāha illallāh (there is no god but Allah)," a statement with which I can testify in your favor before Allah. Thereupon, Abu Jahl and ‘Abdullah ibn Abi ’Umayyah said: O Abu Tālib, would you abandon the religion of your father ‘Abdul-Muttalib, i.e. worshipping idols?! They both kept talking to him until the last thing he said to them was about the religion of Abdul-Muttalib, i.e., the religion of Shirk (polytheism) and idolatry. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), thus, said: I will ask forgiveness for you as long as my Lord does not forbid me from doing so. Upon this, Allah Almighty revealed: {It is not fitting for the Prophet and those who believe to seek forgiveness for the polytheists[83], even if they are close relatives, after becoming clear to them that they are the people of the Blazing Fire.} [Surat at-Tawbah: 113] And the following verse was revealed concerning Abu Tālib: {You cannot guide whoever you like, but Allah guides whom He wills, and He knows best who will be guided.} [Surat al-Qasas: 56] You cannot guide whoever you like to guide; your duty is only to convey the message, and Allah guides whom He wills.

Benefits

• It is prohibited to seek forgiveness for the polytheists regardless of their kinship, deeds, and benevolence.
• Imitating ancestors and seniors in falsehood is a pre-Islamic practice.
• The Prophet's perfect compassion and his keenness on calling and guiding people.
• Refuting the claim that Abu Tālib embraced Islam.
• It is the final deeds that count.
• The invalidity of appealing to the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) or anyone else to bring benefit or ward off harm.
• Whoever says: La ilāha illallāh (there is no god but Allah) out of knowledge, certainty, and belief, has entered into Islam.
• The harmful impact of evil companions and bad friends.
• "La ilāha illallāh" (there is no god but Allah) means: Abandoning the worship of idols, the pious, and the righteous and worshiping Allah alone, and the polytheists know its meaning.
• It is permissible to visit the sick polytheist if there is hope that he will embrace Islam.
• Placing guidance in the hearts is in Allah's Hand alone, without a partner, and the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) is only responsible for guidance of direction, instruction, and message conveyance.

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