Page 85 - The Basic Concepts in the Qur’an

(Al-Ghafir, 60)

While praying, man should certainly know that Allah will respond to his call. He should
be aware that Allah is the Master of all, Omnipotent and Omniscient; that He is All-Knowing
and All-Seeing. In an ardent expectation, a believer never becomes despondent and patiently
awaits for the response of Allah. Having a firm belief in His justice, he avoids taking an anxious
and desperate attitude. The mind of a believer adhering to the guidance of the Qur’an never
harbours doubts about the answer Allah would give to his call. Anyone who is beset by doubts
would from the very beginning display a contradictory attitude to the reasoning of the Qur’an.
Beneath the very essence of prayer, there lies a sincere approach and deep faith in Allah, as the
prophet Salih said, “...my Lord is always near, and ready to answer.” (Hud, 61) The believer
fully trusts in Allah.
However the fact that Allah answers his servants’ calls does not necessarily mean that the
suppliant will get whatever he wishes. This is because sometimes an individual may ask for
something which is harmful for him. Such a call will certainly not be answered, and Allah will
grant something better to his servant.
An example given by a famous Islamic scholar Said-i Nursi, illustrates this subject very
well. A physician is called to see a sick child. The child asks the physician for a particular
medicine he likes. However, the physician knows from experience that that particular medicine
is no cure. So, he provides a totally different treatment and heals his young patient.
Allah totally encompasses man and knows exactly he his needs. He always responds to a
sincere call, yet His answer might not be in accord with the desires of the devotee. As the
Qur’an puts it: “You may dislike a thing which is good for you, and love a thing which is bad
for you. But Allah knows, and you do not know.” (Al-Baqara, 216)
Like the child in the aforementioned example, a man may not distinguish good from evil.
Hence it is quite possible that he may be asking his Creator for something detrimental: “The
prayer that man should make for good, he makes for evil; for man is given to hasty (deeds).”
(Al-Isra, 11)
Accordingly, man should primarily seek the Will and Mercy of Allah. He should ask Him
for an honourable and mature soul. Allah knows what is best for man. The prayer of Solomon
sets a good example for all believers: “...O my Lord! so order me that I may be grateful for Your
favours, which You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may do good works
that will please You...” (Al-Naml, 19)
Furthermore, believers are welcome to ask for anything praised in the Qur’an. In a sincere
and honest spirit, man should not restrain himself from asking for anything he would like to
have. Allah knows exactly what His servants wants. As a matter of fact, He is the One placing
all the desires and wishes in his soul.
Allah answers the sincere prayers of the believers. The past communities destroyed by the
prophet's prayer's are examples to this;
They (prophets) sought victory and decision (there and then), and frustration was the
lot of every powerful obstinate transgressor.
(Abraham, 15)

In the Qur’an many examples are cited. Allah has rewarded the messengers and the
believers with many graces :