Originally posted 2023-11-27 05:03:20.

Prayer: A Deep Connection with God

Prayer is a profound means of connecting with Almighty Allah, through which we humbly express our weakness and need before our Creator. Our Lord emphasizes the significance of prayer in the following verse:

“Say: ‘What has My Lord to do with you if you do not call on Him?’”
(Al-Furqan 25:77)

The inherent need to connect with Allah is embedded in every human being’s nature. For believers, prayer is an inseparable part of life. However, for some, prayer becomes an occasional act—only remembered in times of hardship or crisis. This is a critical mistake, for the true believer turns to Allah in both hardship and ease, always seeking His mercy.

---

Being Steadfast in Prayer

Allah, in His mercy, allows His servants to attain what is good and beneficial. Yet, perseverance in prayer is just as important as the act of praying itself. Patience in prayer reflects the sincerity of one’s need and deepens the connection with Allah. It fosters maturity, strong character, and a refined soul.

“Seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive.”
(Al-Baqarah 2:45)

Our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) sometimes prayed for years before his supplications were fulfilled. Allah, the All-Merciful, answers all sincere prayers—whether hidden or open—in the best manner and at the best time. However, what we ask for may not always be good for us:

“Man prays for evil as he prays for good, for man is ever hasty.”
(Al-Israa’ 17:11)

Allah, the All-Wise, knows what is best. Sometimes, what seems to be a delay is actually a preparation for something greater. The stories of Prophets in the Qur’an illustrate this beautifully: Prophet Ya‘qub (Jacob) reuniting with his son Yusuf (Joseph), Prophet Yusuf’s rise to leadership after imprisonment, and Prophet Ayyub (Job) being healed after enduring hardship—all these came after persistent prayer and patience.

---

How Does Allah Accept Prayers?

1. Certainty in Response
   A believer prays with full conviction that Allah hears and responds. Nothing in life happens by chance; all is governed by Allah’s will. This belief strengthens trust in divine wisdom.

“And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the call of the caller when he calls upon Me…”
(Al-Baqarah 2:186)

2. Delay and Divine Wisdom
   Sometimes a prayer is not fulfilled immediately or in the way expected, as Allah may test His servant or withhold what is harmful. Islamic scholar Bediuzzaman said Allah may grant less, more, or something entirely different—each with hidden wisdom. But in every case, the prayer is accepted in some form.

---

How the Prophets Prayed

All Prophets turned to Allah in every circumstance, showing submission and full reliance on Him. Their prayers are models of sincerity, humility, and recognition of Allah’s power.

Prayer of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):

“Say, ‘O Allah, Owner of Sovereignty, You give sovereignty to whom You will and You take sovereignty away from whom You will…'”
(Al ‘Imran 3:26)

He also often prayed:

“O Allah, improve my character and remove bad traits from me.”
(At-Tirmidhi, Ahmad)

Prophet Nuh (Noah):

“He called to his Lord, ‘I am overwhelmed, so help me!'”
(Al-Qamar 54:10)

Prophet Yunus (Jonah):

“There is no deity except You; glory be to You! Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers.”
(Al-Anbiyaa’ 21:87–88)

Prophet Ayyub (Job):

“Indeed, adversity has touched me, and You are the Most Merciful of the merciful.”
(Al-Anbiyaa’ 21:83–84)

These examples show that patience, sincerity, and trust in Allah lead to divine acceptance and immense reward.

---

The Reality of Prayer and Destiny

Prayer aligns with what is already written in a person’s destiny. Allah creates both the prayer and its outcome. Blessings received through prayer are part of the divine plan—serving one’s benefit in both this world and the Hereafter.

• Verbal prayer is supplication with the tongue.

• Active prayer is effort and striving to fulfill goals, such as working hard, studying, or helping others.

Even non-believers may reach success through active prayer (effort), but if it is not done for the sake of Allah, it carries no reward in the Hereafter.

---

Only Allah is to be Prayed To

Allah is the only One worthy of being asked, as stated:

“O Prophet, Allah is sufficient for you and for those who follow you of the believers.”
(Al-Anfal 8:64)

He is all-hearing, all-seeing, and free of need. Asking others besides Him is forbidden:

“So do not call upon another god along with Allah, or you will be among those who will be punished.”
(Ash-Shu‘ara’ 26:213)

---

Conclusion

Prayer is a mercy from Allah, a personal and powerful link between the servant and his Creator. It provides peace, comfort, and hope. Believers can pour out their most intimate thoughts to Allah, knowing He is the All-Knowing, All-Hearing, and Most Merciful.

There is a profound connection between prayer and action. The physical efforts made for Allah’s pleasure are themselves a form of prayer. As the Qur’an says:

“But whoever desires the Hereafter and exerts the effort due to it while he is a believer—it is those whose effort is ever appreciated.”
(Al-Israa’ 17:19)

Imam Rabbani wisely said:

“Desiring something means attaining it; indeed, Allah does not make His servant ask for what He will not give.”

Thus, believers maintain this connection to Allah in every moment, praying not only in hardship, but constantly, with full awareness of His greatness and mercy

________

Source: HarunYahya.com