Is it permissible to supplicate for a non-Muslim for the facilitation of worldly matters, and is it permissible to supplicate for their guidance during prayer?
It is permissible to supplicate for non-Muslims for worldly benefits as long as they are not belligerent. It is even more appropriate to supplicate for their guidance and success in finding the true religion, and this is permissible for all disbelievers. Ibn Hajar al-Haytami mentioned the permissibility of supplicating for a disbeliever for things like bodily health and guidance, and al-Nawawi recommended supplicating for their guidance. The fatwas of the Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’ stated the permissibility of treating a non-Muslim with the Qur’an and supplicating for their healing and guidance if they are not at war. Al-Bukhari dedicated chapters in his Sahih on supplicating for polytheists for guidance, and Ibn Hajar mentioned that the Prophet (peace be upon him) supplicated for Daws for guidance. Al-Bukhari also dedicated a chapter in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad titled "How to supplicate for a Dhimmi," and Ibn Abi Shaybah narrated in his Musannaf from Ibrahim al-Nakha'i that the Prophet (peace be upon him) supplicated for a Jew: "May Allah increase your wealth and your offspring, make your body healthy, and prolong your life." Al-Manawi stated that supplication for a disbeliever is permissible for things like guidance, health, and well-being, but not for forgiveness. As for supplicating for non-Muslims during prayer, it is preferable to do so outside of prayer as a precaution, especially for worldly matters such as employment.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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