And seeking of forgiveness by Ibrahim for his father was nothing except on a basis of a promise he had made to him; but when it became apparent to Ibrahim that his father was an enemy to Allah, he dissociated himself from him, indeed, Ibrahim was repeatedly repenting and forbearing.
Ibrahim had told his father as per the verse 19: 47 as: "Peace be upon you, I will seek forgiveness for you to my Lord; indeed, He is ever gracious to me”. It is told in verse 60: 4: “Ibrahim had told his father: ‘I will surely, seek forgiveness for you, but I am not able to get anything for you from Allah; our Lord, upon You we entrusted, and to You, we are repenting, and unto You is our return”. Thus, Ibrahim had sought forgiveness to Lord for his father in verses 26: 86-89 as: “And forgive my father; indeed, he has been among the strayed. And you don’t disgrace me on the Day when all are resurrected, the Day when wealth or children will not benefit anyone; except who came to Lord with a tranquil heart”. Then as explained in verse 6: 75, when Ibrahim was showed with the Secret Sovereignty of the universe, he saw his father as a swine in Hell. On account of that Ibrahim realized that his father is an enemy of Lord. So, Ibrahim apologized and repented to Lord for seeking forgiveness for his father. It is not permitted to seek forgiveness for Messenger and believer to the hypocrites and Mushriks even though they are their father, mother, siblings or near ones as explained in verses 3: 28 and 8: 75. See explanation 6: 88-90; 4: 144 and 7: 194-195.