Imam al-Reḍa (as): I said to Imam al-Ridha (as), 'Can one pray for their parents if they are not acquainted with the right path [they do not adhere to Islam or Shi'ism]?' The Imam replied, 'One must pray for them and give charity on their behalf [if they are dead] and if they are alive and are not acquainted with the right path, one must still treat them with gentleness, as the prophet (s) said, 'Verily God sent me with [the message of] mercy and not with insolence [to one's parents].' al-Kāfī