It is evident from the Quran that Ibrahim’s father was an idol worshipper who used to carve images for worship and that Ibrahim preached against it. Accordingly, his father banished him; then Ibrahim turned to God praying to God on his behalf. However, Allah told him not to pray for him as he was destined to hell fire. So, the prayer of Ibrahim for his father before he realized that his fate was sealed.

It is comparable to the story of Prophet Nuh who prayed for his son who chose to drown instead of believing and coming on board the arc. Allah told him that he is not supposed to plead to Him on behalf of his son as he was not related to him spiritually even though he had physically fathered him.

In other words, since his son chose to disbelieve and rebel against God, his creator, he has opted to suffer the consequences.

In Islam, each person is responsible for his or her salvation, and no one else can save him or her.

Almighty Allah knows best.