Hadith #3536

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لَيْسَ كُلُّ دُعاء يُجابُ۔

This translates to,

Not every supplication is answered.

This enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights an important aspect of supplication in Islam.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us first explore the key words used. The word (du'a) "دُعاء" refers to supplication or prayer, which is a sincere and humble request made to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for His help, guidance, or blessings. The word (yujaab) "يُجابُ" means to be answered or accepted.

This Hadith reminds us that not every supplication we make will be answered in the way we desire. It is a reminder of the wisdom and knowledge of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), who knows what is best for us. Sometimes, our supplications are not answered immediately or in the exact manner we expect, but this does not mean that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has ignored us.

The Quran provides us with several verses that support the concept mentioned in this Hadith. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (2:216)

And it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows but you do not know

This verse reminds us that Allah's wisdom surpasses our limited understanding. He knows what is truly beneficial for us, even if we may not comprehend it at the time.

Another verse that complements this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Baqarah, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (2:186)

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me

This verse assures us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) hears our supplications and responds to them in His own way and at the appropriate time.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for us to have patience and trust in Allah's wisdom. It encourages us to reflect on the fact that our supplications are not always answered immediately or in the way we expect, but they are always heard by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Sometimes, the delay or alteration in the response to our supplications is a means of testing our faith, strengthening our character, or redirecting us towards what is truly beneficial for us.

For example, imagine a person who prays for a specific job but does not receive it. Instead, they are offered a different opportunity that turns out to be more fulfilling and rewarding in the long run. In this case, the supplication was not answered in the way the person initially desired, but it was answered in a manner that was ultimately better for them.

This Hadith also serves as a reminder for us to be mindful of the content and sincerity of our supplications. It encourages us to reflect on the purpose behind our requests and to align our desires with what is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It reminds us that our supplications should not only focus on our immediate needs and wants but should also encompass seeking guidance, forgiveness, and spiritual growth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

لَيْسَ كُلُّ دُعاء يُجابُ۔

reminds us that not every supplication we make will be answered in the way we desire. It emphasizes the wisdom and knowledge of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), who knows what is best for us. We should have patience, trust in Allah's plan, and strive to align our supplications with His will. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the understanding and acceptance of this profound teaching.