Can I make dua for my non-Muslim family?
Yes, and it's one of the most loving things you can do for them. You can pray for their guidance, health, safety, happiness and provision while they are alive. The Prophet ﷺ himself prayed for non-Muslims to be guided. The one thing scholars say you can't do is ask for forgiveness for someone who has died as a non-Muslim.
Praying for their guidance
This is the most important dua you can make for them, and the Prophet ﷺ set the example:
- For a whole tribe: when Tufail ad-Dausi asked him to pray against his people because they refused Islam, he instead said: "O Allah! Give guidance to the people of Daus, and let them embrace Islam" (Sahih al-Bukhari 2937).
- For a convert's mother: Abu Huraira came to him in tears because his mother had said something hurtful about the Prophet ﷺ. He prayed for her, and when Abu Huraira went home, she had accepted Islam (Sahih Muslim 2491).
Abu Huraira's story is very close to many converts' lives: a family member who reacts badly, and a child who loves them anyway. Simple duas like "O Allah, guide my mom and open her heart to Islam" in your own words are completely fine.
Praying for their worldly good
You can also ask Allah to heal your dad, protect your siblings, help your mom find work, or give your grandparents ease. Scholars allow dua for a living non-Muslim's health and wellbeing, especially family. When non-Muslims sneezed near the Prophet ﷺ, he said: "May Allah guide you and rectify your affairs" (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 2739), a beautiful dua you can use for them too. See Can I still say "bless you" when someone sneezes as a Muslim?
What about forgiveness?
While they're alive, asking Allah to guide them is the path to their forgiveness, so you can include it in a dua for guidance. After a person dies as a non-Muslim, the Quran says:
Even the Prophet ﷺ said: "I sought permission to beg forgiveness for my mother, but He did not grant it to me. I sought permission from Him to visit her grave, and He granted it" (Sahih Muslim 976). This is painful for many converts. Remember that only Allah knows a person's final state and what reached them. See Can I pray for my non-Muslim mother after she dies? and Will my non-Muslim parents go to hell?
Dua plus kindness
Guidance is in Allah's hands, not yours. The Quran tells the Prophet ﷺ himself, "you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills" (Quran 28:56). Your job is to pray and to be the best son, daughter or sibling you can be. Often your family will notice the change in your character long before they listen to any argument.
- Pray for their guidance as often as you like.
- Health, safety and provision are fine to ask for too.
- Forgiveness after death as a non-Muslim isn't allowed.
- Your kindness can be the answer to your dua.
People also ask
What dua do I say when getting dressed?
Yes, there is one: for new clothes the Prophet thanked Allah and asked for the garment's good. Plus an everyday dua and starting with the right.
Read the full answer →Do I have to say "Ameen" after every dua?
No, your dua is valid without it. Ameen means "O Allah, accept". It's sunnah after al-Fatiha and a nice way to join others' duas.
Read the full answer →Can I make dua to marry a specific person?
Yes, if the marriage would be halal. Add "if they are good for me", pray istikhara, and take halal steps instead of secret dating.
Read the full answer →Can I make dua against someone who hurt me?
Yes, if you were truly wronged, but within limits, and forgiving is better when you can. The oppressed person's dua is powerful.
Read the full answer →Can I make dua for worldly things like a job or a car?
Yes. The Prophet asked for good in this world too. You can ask for a job, car or home, as long as it's halal and not your only request.
Read the full answer →