Is It Permissible for Me to Pray to Be Shown the Reality of My Issues?

Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad

Question

I sometimes find myself thinking and worrying over things. These things sometimes are contemporary issues affecting the umma, and sometimes they are personal issues, issues which make me want to know what will happen or to know what’s the hidden truth behind it. So I used to say, “Allahumma show me the reality of (then I mention the thing) as it really is.” Thereafter, I wait for some kind of guidance, feeling strongly about the thing in one way or another. However, I always remind myself that I’m no prophet, so I may be wrong. So, whatever decision I take, I don’t think it to be final. But is this practice of mine haram or permissible?

Answer

Thank you for your question. May Allah reward you for pursuing a deep connection with your lord to understand the problems in your life, but it is optimal to supplicate in the way that the Prophet did (Allah bless him and give him peace).

Du`a

Ibn `Umar narrated that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Whomsoever of you the door of supplication is opened for, the doors of mercy have been opened for him. And Allah is not asked for anything – meaning – more beloved to Him than being asked for well-being.” And the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “The supplication benefits against that which strikes and that which does not strike, so hold fast, O worshippers of Allah, to supplication.” [Tirmidhi]

Although your way of supplicating was not haram, it is not within the sunna to ask to be shown the reality of things but rather to ask out of this worldly or other-worldly need and desire to improve in faith and character.

Please see the many details here:

• The Reality and Etiquettes of Supplication: A Reader
• The Many States That Can Change Your Fate
• Is It Unlawful to Ask Allah for Signs about Your Future?
• Can I Ask Allah for a Personal Miracle?

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin and completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She later moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.