The Reasons for the Prohibition of Istighfar for the Polytheists, Infidels and Hypocrites in the Holy Qur’an

Based on Islamic teachings, salvation and attaining human happiness is not possible without divine forgiveness. Asking for forgiveness is a blessing that does not belong to all humans; since divine forgiveness is realized in such a way that the servant (of Allah) can achieve it with the satisfaction of the right and the correction of his deeds, which is also possible with repentance. The sinner provides the means of forgiveness if he realizes his rebellion and knows that he has transgressed the divine limits and laws. The question that arises here is whether seeking forgiveness for infidels, polytheists and hypocrites is permissible from the viewpoint of the Holy Qur'an. This paper, which examines this issue with a descriptive-analytical approach and a library method, concludes that according to the verses of the Qur'an, infidels, polytheists and hypocrites are not subject to divine forgiveness and others are forbidden to seek forgiveness for them, and this prohibition is stated in some verses with emphatic negation, which is higher than direct prohibition. This prohibition also continues in their survival considering the prohibition of istighfar after death, in the first way and the drift.