Saying “radiya Allahu ʿanhu” and “nawwara Allahu marqadahu” for a fasiq and a sinner

Question

Question: if we say “radiya Allahu ʿanhu” for a fasiq and sinner (fajir), it is a sin; if we say “nawwara Allahu marqadahu” (“may Allah illuminate his resting place”), there is some harm in it. If that is so, then should one not pray for forgiveness for a fasiq and sinner?

Answer

If praying for forgiveness for a fasiq and sinner were not permissible, the funeral prayer would not be performed over his deceased. By custom, “radiya Allahu ʿanhu” is (said) for the noble Companions or, at most, for those closest to them. For this reason, saying such words for a fasiq and sinner raises the suspicion that he is a Companion or of high rank closest to them.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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