When the time of the death of Abu Talib approached, Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) went to him and found Abu Jahl bin Hisham and `Abdullah bin Abi Umaiya bin Al-Mughira by his side. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said to Abu Talib, "O uncle! Say: None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, a sentence with which I shall be a witness (i.e. argue) for you before Allah. Abu Jahl and `Abdullah bin Abi Umaiya said, "O Abu Talib! Are you going to denounce the religion of `Abdul Muttalib?" Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) kept on inviting Abu Talib to say it (i.e. 'None has the right to be worshipped but Allah') while they (Abu Jahl and `Abdullah) kept on repeating their statement till Abu Talib said as his last statement that he was on the religion of `Abdul Muttalib and refused to say, 'None has the right to be worshipped but Allah.' (Then Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "I will keep on asking Allah's forgiveness for you unless I am forbidden (by Allah) to do so." So Allah revealed (the verse) concerning him (i.e. It is not fitting for the Prophet (ﷺ) and those who believe that they should invoke (Allah) for forgiveness for pagans even though they be of kin, after it has become clear to them that they are companions of the fire (9.113).
Funerals (Al-Janaa'iz) - Sahih al-Bukhari 1360
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari contains profound lessons regarding the final moments of Abu Talib, the beloved uncle of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and the divine ruling concerning supplication for polytheists after their death.
The Final Invitation to Islam
The Prophet's ﷺ persistent effort at his uncle's deathbed demonstrates the importance of da'wah until the final breath. His specific request for Abu Talib to testify to Allah's oneness highlights that Tawhid is the fundamental requirement for salvation.
The intervention of Abu Jahl and Abdullah bin Abi Umaiya represents how worldly attachments and tribal loyalties often prevent people from accepting truth, even at the most critical moment of their lives.
Divine Prohibition Explained
Allah's revelation in Surah At-Tawbah (9:113) establishes a permanent Islamic principle: it is not permissible for believers to seek forgiveness for those who died upon shirk after truth has become clear to them.
This ruling applies regardless of kinship ties, demonstrating that divine truth transcends earthly relationships. The clarity of this prohibition came after the Prophet's ﷺ continued prayers for his uncle.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars explain that this prohibition applies specifically to those who died upon clear polytheism after having received the message of Islam. The ruling emphasizes the gravity of shirk and the importance of dying upon Tawhid.
This incident also illustrates the Prophet's ﷺ profound compassion and his struggle between natural familial love and obedience to divine command, ultimately submitting completely to Allah's judgment.