Can You Say "Inna Lillahi" on a Non-Muslim's Death? Complete Ruling

⚖ Complete Shar‘i Guidance on Saying "إنا لله و إنا إلیه راجعون" Upon the Death of a Non-Muslim


Written by: Qari Usama bin Abdus-Salaam


The issue of reciting "إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ" upon the death of a non-Muslim (disbeliever) is a sensitive and significant matter in Islamic jurisprudence. This phrase is not only an expression of patience in the face of tribulation, but often also carries an implied supplication for mercy and forgiveness for the deceased.


Let us examine this in detail in light of the Qur’an, Hadith, and the Consensus of the Companions (Ijma‘ al-Sahabah):

① Guidance from the Qur’an​

◈ Verse:


﴿الَّذِينَ إِذَا أَصَابَتْهُم مُّصِيبَةٌ قَالُوا: إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ﴾
“Those who, when afflicted with calamity, say: Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed, to Him we shall return.”
(Surah al-Baqarah: 156)


This verse was revealed concerning the believers, expressing their patience in the face of personal hardship.
The primary context of this phrase is when a believer suffers a personal loss or distress.


This establishes that the phrase is to be used in personal affliction, not as a prayer for a non-Muslim upon their death.

② Evidences from the Noble Hadith​

Prohibition of Seeking Forgiveness for Disbelievers:


Narrated by Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه): The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“I sought permission from my Lord to seek forgiveness for my mother, but I was not granted permission. Then I sought permission to visit her grave, and I was granted permission.”
(Sahih Muslim: 976)


Even the Prophet ﷺ was not allowed to pray for his own mother, despite his unparalleled mercy and rank.


Explicit Qur’anic Prohibition:


﴿مَا كَانَ لِلنَّبِيِّ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَن يَسْتَغْفِرُوا لِلْمُشْرِكِينَ﴾
“It is not for the Prophet or those who believe to seek forgiveness for the polytheists.”
(Surah al-Tawbah: 113)


This verse makes it explicitly impermissible to pray for any disbeliever or polytheist.

③ Consensus of the Companions (Ijma‘ al-Sahabah)​

All the noble Companions (رضي الله عنهم) were united upon the view that no words of mercy, forgiveness, or supplication should be offered for a disbeliever upon their death.


Ibn Qudamah رحمه الله states:


“A funeral prayer is not offered for a disbeliever, nor is forgiveness sought for him, nor is mercy invoked for him — and there is no difference of opinion among Muslims on this matter.”
(al-Mughni by Ibn Qudamah 2/429)


This indicates unanimous consensus among Muslims on this ruling.

Saying “إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ” — Permissible or Not?​

If the intent is:

• Expressing one’s own shock or grief upon hearing the news,
• Realizing the fleeting nature of this world,
• And using the phrase to reflect on one’s own sorrow or lessons drawn from the event,

Then some scholars consider it permissible — provided there is no intention of praying for the deceased.



However, if:

• The phrase is uttered with the belief that the deceased has returned to Allah,
• Or if there is any implicit wish of mercy, acceptance, or forgiveness for the deceased,

Then such usage is forbidden (ḥarām) and poses a danger to one’s creed (‘Aqeedah).


✔ Summary:


➤ "إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ" is a phrase meant for believers when afflicted with personal trials.
➤ It is not appropriate to say it for a non-Muslim deceased with any intention of prayer or mercy.
➤ If said only in personal grief, with no relation to the deceased, some leniency exists — but caution is required.