Tafsir of At-Tawbah 9:114

"And Abraham’s asking of forgiveness for his father was only because of a promise he had made to him."

Talha recited: "And Abraham did not ask forgiveness for his father," and from him also: "And Abraham does not ask forgiveness for his father," narrating the past state.

{Except because of a promise he had made to him} Meaning: A promise Abraham made to his father, which is his saying: "I will surely ask forgiveness for you" (Al-Mumtahanah: 4). This is supported by the recitation of al-Hasan and Hammad: "He promised it to his father."

If you ask: How could it be hidden from Abraham that asking forgiveness for a disbeliever is not permissible, such that he promised it? I say: It is possible he thought that as long as there was hope for his faith, asking forgiveness for him was permissible. Furthermore, the prohibition of asking forgiveness for a disbeliever was only known through revelation, for reason allows that God might forgive a disbeliever. Do you not see the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) saying to his uncle: "I will surely ask forgiveness for you as long as I am not forbidden"?

It is narrated from al-Hasan that it was said to the Messenger of God (peace be upon him): "So-and-so asks forgiveness for his polytheist parents," and he said: "And we ask forgiveness for them," then this verse was revealed.

From Ali (may God be pleased with him): I saw a man asking forgiveness for his parents while they were polytheists, so I spoke to him, and he said: "Did not Abraham ask forgiveness?"

If you ask: What is the meaning of His saying: {But when it became clear to him that he was an enemy to Allah, he disassociated himself from him}? I say: Its meaning is: When it became clear to him through revelation that he would not believe and that he would die a disbeliever, and his hope for him was severed, he ceased asking forgiveness for him. It is like His saying: "...after it had become clear to them that they were companions of Hellfire" (At-Tawbah: 113).

{Awwah} (Tender-hearted) A form of fa‘āl derived from awwah (to sigh), like lu’lu’ (pearls) from la’ala’a. It refers to one who sighs frequently. Its meaning is that due to the intensity of his mercy, tenderness, and forbearance, he would show compassion to his disbelieving father and ask forgiveness for him, despite his father’s harshness toward him and his saying: "I will surely stone you."

{And Allah would not let a people stray after He has guided them until He makes clear to them what they should avoid. Indeed, Allah is, of all things, Knowing. Indeed, to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. He gives life and causes death, and you have not besides Allah any protector or any helper.}