Is a prayer for an absent non-Muslim person answered?

A supplication for a disbeliever may be answered in their absence, due to the generality of Allah's statement: "Call upon Me; I will respond to you."

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, prayed for the guidance of the tribes of Kaddus and Thaqif. He used to say to the Jews who sneezed: "May Allah guide you and rectify your affairs," and this is regarding what is permissible to supplicate for, such as guidance and the rectification of their worldly matters which they do not use to support falsehood.

However, supplicating for them with mercy and forgiveness is not permissible by scholarly consensus, due to Allah's statement: "It is not for the Prophet and those who have believed to ask forgiveness for the polytheists, even if they were relatives, after it has become clear to them that they are companions of Hellfire."

There is a difference of opinion regarding supplicating for them with abundant wealth, children, and similar worldly benefits.