Is there hope for an idolater to receive forgiveness and mercy, or was Abraham's (peace be upon him) statement, "Indeed, You are Forgiving, Merciful," a plea before their death, hoping they might repent, or did he say it due to not knowing that Allah does not forgive a disbeliever, even though he said it in his old age?

The exegetes differed regarding the interpretation of the verse: "And whoever disobeys me, indeed You are Forgiving, Merciful." Some said that Abraham, peace be upon him, uttered it before knowing that Allah does not forgive polytheism, or that what is meant is disobedience in matters other than polytheism. It was also said that forgiveness here is conditioned upon repentance from polytheism, meaning that Allah guides them to Islam before their death. And some scholars forbade that this be a supplication for them, but rather it is a submission and entrustment of their affair to Allah, as Jesus, peace be upon him, did. Thus, there is no issue with the verse, and it is referred to the will of Allah.