Saying “May Allah Not Forgive”: Complete Sharʿi Explanation
(Source: Fatawa Arkan al-Islam)
Is it correct to say, “May Allah not forgive”? What is the Islamic ruling on this phrase?
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd!
I regard it as makrūh (disliked) for a person to say: “May Allah not forgive.”
The reason is that such words can give the false impression that a created being can compel Allah ﷻ to do or not do something — whereas no one can compel Allah in any way.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
«لَا مُکْرِهَ لَهُ»
"No one can compel Him."
(Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2679)
In another ḥadīth, the Prophet ﷺ said:
«لَا يَقُولََّ أَحَدُکُمْ اَللّٰهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِی إِنْ شِئْتَ اَللّٰهُمَّ ارْحَمْنِی إِنْ شِئْت، ولکنَ لِيَعْزِمِ الْمَسْأَلَة، وليعزم الرغبة، فان الله لا مکره له، ولا يتعاظمه شیء أعطاهَُ»
"None of you should say: ‘O Allah, forgive me if You will; O Allah, have mercy on me if You will.’ Rather, let him be firm in his asking and firm in his desire, for Allah cannot be compelled, and nothing that He gives is too great for Him."
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 6339)
Therefore, it is not correct to use the phrase “May Allah not forgive”, as it carries an inappropriate connotation not befitting Allah’s majesty.
Instead, one should say:
✿ “May Allah not allow this to happen”
This alternative carries no meaning that implies any limitation on Allah’s power or will.
ھٰذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
(Source: Fatawa Arkan al-Islam)
❖ Question
Is it correct to say, “May Allah not forgive”? What is the Islamic ruling on this phrase?
❖ Answer
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd!
Why This Phrase is Disliked
I regard it as makrūh (disliked) for a person to say: “May Allah not forgive.”
The reason is that such words can give the false impression that a created being can compel Allah ﷻ to do or not do something — whereas no one can compel Allah in any way.
Clarification from Hadith
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
«لَا مُکْرِهَ لَهُ»
"No one can compel Him."
(Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2679)
In another ḥadīth, the Prophet ﷺ said:
«لَا يَقُولََّ أَحَدُکُمْ اَللّٰهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِی إِنْ شِئْتَ اَللّٰهُمَّ ارْحَمْنِی إِنْ شِئْت، ولکنَ لِيَعْزِمِ الْمَسْأَلَة، وليعزم الرغبة، فان الله لا مکره له، ولا يتعاظمه شیء أعطاهَُ»
"None of you should say: ‘O Allah, forgive me if You will; O Allah, have mercy on me if You will.’ Rather, let him be firm in his asking and firm in his desire, for Allah cannot be compelled, and nothing that He gives is too great for Him."
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 6339)
Better Choice of Words
Therefore, it is not correct to use the phrase “May Allah not forgive”, as it carries an inappropriate connotation not befitting Allah’s majesty.
Instead, one should say:
✿ “May Allah not allow this to happen”
This alternative carries no meaning that implies any limitation on Allah’s power or will.
ھٰذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
