❀ Question:
Many people complain that despite making constant du‘a, they receive no response from Allah, and eventually stop praying altogether. This misconception arises from a lack of understanding about the reality of du‘a and the role of worldly means (asbab).✔ The Criterion for Acceptance of Du‘a:
Allah has established this world on a system of causes and effects, referred to as “Dar al-Asbab” (the realm of means).While du‘a is one of these means, its effectiveness is tied to the use of other legitimate efforts and correct methods.
Simply supplicating without effort is not sufficient for the acceptance of du‘a.
✿ Causes Behind Non-Acceptance:
➊ Incorrect Perception:Expecting du‘a to act as an instant miracle is a misconception.
Du‘a must be accompanied by effort and the search for solutions.
➋ Inaction:
Du‘a without effort and struggle remains ineffective.
➌ Expecting Miracles:
Hoping for results without adopting means hinders the effectiveness of du‘a.
➍ Improper Approach:
Du‘a must be made with pure intention and correct actions. An improper method may delay its acceptance.
➎ Neglect of Legitimate Means:
Failure to utilize the available, legitimate means may also lead to the delay or rejection of du‘a.
✔ The Role of Means Alongside Du‘a:
Allah has structured the world upon means, and expecting divine intervention without effort is unrealistic.If Allah were to fulfill every need miraculously—making every poor person rich, or every sick person healed without treatment—the balance of the world would collapse.
While miracles are possible, Allah has prioritized the laws of means and effort in this world.
❖ Du‘a and Action: Interconnected Realities
Examples:◉ A man prays for a righteous match for his daughter but rejects suitable proposals, favoring wealth instead. Later, he blames Allah for unanswered du‘a.
◉ Another individual, despite being well-educated, does not actively search for a job, and then complains about divine neglect.
✿ Balance Between Du‘a and Effort:
Du‘a and effort are interlinked.Just as someone may work hard yet not succeed, they turn to Allah for help. Both du‘a and effort together lead to success.
The Qur’an and Hadith emphasize seeking help through du‘a alongside effort.
❀ Summary:
◈ Mocking du‘a is a grave mistake — it is an effective tool, but it must be paired with effort.◈ Divine help can come from the unseen, but it typically arrives through the channel of means.
◈ Du‘a is not separate from the system of causes; rather, it is one of the causes, which works in harmony with others.
◈ To have your du‘a accepted, combine it with rightful effort and action.
