Is It Right to Make Du’a to Attain Overly Ambitious Goals?

Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad

Question

Is it permissible for Muslims to pray for ambitious goals, like wealth to help the umma or a profession to save lives? Though I aim to assist the umma, I wonder if praying for goals beyond my capabilities is appropriate.

Answer

Thank you for your question. May Allah reward you for understanding Allah’s limitless generosity and power; you should continue to ask for these things and that your capabilities increase. You are not asking for a miracle or anything impossible, so keep asking with conviction and make an effort toward it, renewing your intention daily.

The Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Call upon Allah with complete conviction that you will be answered, and know that Allah does not answer the prayer coming from a heedless, distracted heart.” [Tirmidhi]

May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.

[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

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