The Reason Why All Du`a Are Not Accepted

Revised on November 06, 2011

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

The reasons why all Du`aa’ (supplications) are not answered: #1: We fail to ask Allaah for help, nor do we humble ourselves in front of Him.

Allaah تعالى says:

{And your Lord says: “Call on Me; I will answer your (Prayer): But those who are too arrogant to worship Me will surely find themselves in Hell in humiliation!} [Surah Ghaafir (40): 60]

Allaah تعالى also says:

{And when My servants ask you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم concerning Me, then answer them), I am indeed near (to them by My knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor). So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led aright.} [Surah al-Baqarah (2): 186]

The reason why all Du`aa’ (supplications) are not answered: #2: We fail to glorify Allaah تعالى or fail to send the blessings upon the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم before beginning our supplication.

The Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “When anyone of you makes Du`aa’a’, let him start by glorifying his Lord and praising Him, then let him send blessings upon the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, then let him pray for whatever he wants” [Sunan Abu Dawood (1481) and Tirmidhee (3477) and graded as “Saheeh” by Shaikh al-Albaanee]

In another Hadeeth; Umar narrated that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Du`aa’ is detained between the heavens and the earth and no part of it is taken up until you send blessings upon your Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم” [Tirmidhee (486) and graded as “Hasan” by Shaikh al-Albaanee]

The reason why all Du`aa’ (supplications) are not answered: #3: We sometimes lack proper judgment in deciding what is good or bad for us. In this materialistic world, our decisions are more often based on emotions rather than being based on wisdom.

Allaah تعالى says:

{Yet man prays for evil as fervently as he ought to pray for good, and mankind is ever hasty.} [Surah al-Israa (17): 11]

Allaah تعالى also says:

{…it is possible that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you love a thing which is bad for you. But Allaah knows and you know not.} [Surah al-Baqarah (2): 216]

The reason why all Du`aa’ (supplications) are not answered: #4: We are not constant in our Du`aa’. We fail to seek Allaah's help in our times of needs as we fail to thank Him in our times of ease.

Narrated Abu Hurairah: Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “Whoever would be pleased to have Allaah respond to him during hardship and disaster should make much Du`aa’ in times of ease.” [Tirmidhee (3383) and graded as “Hasan” by Shaikh al-Albaanee]

The reason why all Du`aa’ (supplications) are not answered: #5: Since we are less concerned for our own self, then how much more less we might be concerned for others. O brothers! Supplicate for your brothers and the angels of Allaah will supplicate for you.

Narrated Abu al-Dardaa’: Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم used to say: “The supplication of a Muslim for his brother at his back (in his absence) is responded so long as he makes a supplication for blessings for his brother and the commissioned Angel says: Ameen, and says: May it be for you too!” [Saheeh Muslim (4920)]

The reason why all Du`aa’ (supplications) are not answered: #6: Sometimes we pray for others but forget to pray for our own self.

Narrated Abi bin Ka`b: Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم directed that when supplicating for another, one should begin with himself. [Tirmidhee (3384) and graded as “Saheeh” by Shaikh al-Albaanee]

[Note: It is widely noticed that when someone posts saying: “Make du`aa for me”. People are seen rushing to respond: “O Allaah help him” or “O Allaah protect him” etc. But the proper etiquette is to say: “O Allaah! Help me and him”, “O Allaah! Guide me and him.”]

The reason why all Du`aa’ (supplications) are not answered: #7: We are impatient in our Du`aa’ nor are we constant in our Du`aa’, but still want our supplications to be answered quickly.

Narrated Abu Hurairah: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “The invocation of anyone of you is granted (by Allaah) if he does not show impatience (by saying, “I invoked Allaah but my request has not been granted).” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (6340) and Saheeh Muslim (4922)]

The reason why all Du`aa’ (supplications) are not answered: #8: Showing uncertainty while supplicating or having doubts that the supplication will be answered.

Narrated Abu Hurairah: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “None of you should say: 'O Allaah, forgive me if You wish; O Allaah, be merciful to me if You wish,' but he should always appeal to Allaah with determination, for nobody can force Allaah to do something against His Will.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (6339) and Saheeh Muslim (4845)]

[Note: Don’t let the deficiency in a language be the cause of deficiency in the Du`aa. Verily, we’ve been informed by our beloved Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم to be firm while making the Du`aa, and we (unintentionally) show our uncertainty because of our Language – especially English.

Whenever we make du`aa, why do we use the word “may”??! “May Allaah make it easy”, “may Allaah guide me”, “may Allaah protect me”.

Instead we should say: “Allaah guide me and you.”, “Allaah reward me and you.” etc.

Then there is another problem which persists: People adding the word “Inshaa-Allaah” (If Allaah Wills) after making a Du`aa. This is not correct either and going against the Sunnah of our Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. Just make the Du`aa’ and stop at it.]

The reason why all Du`aa’ (supplications) are not answered: #9a: The best time to make Du`aa’ and we sleep over it...

Abu Hurairah narrated that Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “In the last third of every night our Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) descends to the lowermost heaven and says; “Who is calling Me, so that I may answer him? Who is asking Me so that may I grant him? Who is seeking forgiveness from Me so that I may forgive him?.”” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (1083) and Saheeh Muslim (1267)]

The reason why all Du`aa’ (supplications) are not answered: #9b: Since we fail to humble ourselves in front of Allaah, we miss the best time and position to ask Allaah...

Abu Hurairah narrated that Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “The nearest a slave can be to his Lord is when he is prostrating, so invoke (supplicate) Allaah تعالى much in it.” [Saheeh Muslim (749]

The reason why all Du`aa’ (supplications) are not answered: #9c: Simply because we are ignorant of the many times and places when the Du`aa’ is accepted...

Narrated Sahel Ibn Sa'ad: that the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Two will not be rejected, Supplication when the Adhan (call of prayer) is being called, [and at the time of the rain]”. [Sunan Abu Dawood (2540), Shaikh al-Albaanee said: “It is Saheeh with without the wordings [and at the time of the rain]”]

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم declared, “Three men whose Du`aa’ is never rejected (by Allaah) are: the fasting person until he breaks his fast (in another narration, when he breaks fast), the just ruler and the one who is oppressed.” [Tirmidhee (3598) and Ibn Majah (1752), and graded as “Dha`eef” by Shaikh al-Albaanee. This Hadeeth has been retained even after the revision for the awareness of the people that it is weak because it is an often quoted Hadeeth.]

Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “When you hear a rooster crowing, then ask Allaah for His bounties, for it has seen an angel, and when you hear a donkey braying, then seek refuge in Allaah from Shaitan, for it has seen a Shaitan” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (3303) and Saheeh Muslim (4914)]

The Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “The best supplication is the supplication on the day of Arafat”. [Tirmidhee (3585) and graded as “Hasan” by Shaikh al-Albaanee]

The reason why all Du`aa’ (supplications) are not answered: #9d: We are so much engaged in listening to music, that Shaitan has made us to forget to repeat the adhan behind the muadhin (the caller) or to make the Du`aa’ between the adhan and the iqamah....

Anas narrated that Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “A supplication made between the Adhan and Iqama is not rejected.” [Sunan Abu Dawood (521), Tirmidhee (212) and graded as “Saheeh” by Shaikh al-Albaanee]

The reason why all Du`aa’ (supplications) are not answered: #10: We complain, complain, and complain about our problems to others instead of concentrating on our Du`aa’.

Whereas the Prophet of Allaah, Yaqoob عليه السلام, said: {I only complain of my grief and sorrow to Allaah...} [Surah Yusuf (12):86]

The reason why all Du`aa’ (supplications) are not answered: #11: We fail to ask from Allaah alone. Instead, amongst us are those who call the dead or the “saints” to help them in the times of need...

Allaah تعالى says:

{And most of them believe not in Allaah except that they also ascribe divine powers to other beings beside Him.} [Surah Yusuf (12): 106]

Allaah تعالى also says:

{Say: “Who can protect you from Allaah if He intends to harm you or who can prevent Him if He intends to show you mercy?” They will find none besides Allaah to protect or help them.} [Surah al-Ahzaab (33):17]

Allaah تعالى says:

{Verily, you cannot make the dead to hear...} [Surah al-Naml (27):80]

He تعالى also says:

{and neither are equal the living and the dead. Certainly Allaah can make anyone hear if He so wills; but, O Prophet, you cannot make those who are in the graves hear you.} [Surah Faatir (35):22]

The reason why all Du`aa’ (supplications) are not answered: #12: We are so dependent upon Allaah for our daily needs from the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe to anything and everything. But even then we rebel against Allaah by committing sins. So how much more rebellious and treacherous we would be, had Allaah accepted our every supplication???

Allaah تعالى says:

{And if Allaah were to grant (in this world) abundant sustenance to (all of) His slaves, they would surely rebel in the earth, but He sends down by measure as He wills. Verily, He is, in respect of His slaves, Well-Acquainted, All-Seer (of things that benefit them).} [Surah al-Shuraa (42):27]

The reason why all Du`aa’ (supplications) are not answered: #13: We have overlooked one of the biggest hindrance which prevents our Du`aa’ from being answered and that is unlawful earnings. 

Abu Hurairah reported that the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Verily Allaah the Exalted is pure. He does not accept but that which is pure. Allaah commands the believers with what He commanded the Messengers. Allaah the Almighty has said: {O you Messengers! Eat of the good things and act righteously} [Surah al-Mu’minoon (23):51-53]. And Allaah تعالى also said: {O you who believe! Eat of the good things that We have provided you with} [Surah al-Baqarah (2):167-172]. Then he (the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم) mentioned (the case of) the man who, having journeyed far, is disheveled and dusty and who stretches out his hands to the sky (saying): “O Lord! O Lord!” (while) his food was unlawful, his drink was unlawful, his clothing was unlawful, and he is nourished with unlawful things, so how can he be answered?” [Saheeh Muslim (1692)]

[Note: We should teach our children not to cheat in exams as it may lead them to jobs which they are not qualified for.

Cheating at work by coming late and going early or wasting time by playing games at work! May Allaah rectify our situation.

Unlawful food are of two types: 1) earnings through unlawful means like gambling, Ribaa or stealing; and 2) spending on things which are prohibited to consume like intoxicants, cigarettes etc.]

The reason why all Du`aa’ (supplications) are not answered: #14: Allaah is not in need of our prayers, but it is we who are in need of His help. So, why do we expect Allaah to help us when we are making Him angry by committing sins? The proper way is to seek His pleasure (by worshiping Him alone) and then to ask Him for our needs.

Narrated Abu Hurairah: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “Whoever does not give up false statements (i.e. telling lies), and evil deeds, and speaking bad words to others, Allaah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink (i.e. Allaah will not accept his fasting.)” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (6057)]

The reason why all Du`aa’ (supplications) are not answered: #15: Allaah commanded us to enjoin what’s good and forbid what’s evil. But look at us, we do the opposite. We enjoin what is evil (sharing cigarettes, movies, music etc.) and little do we call towards righteousness.

Narrated Hudhaifah: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “By Him in Whose hand my soul is, you must enjoin what is reputable and forbid what is disreputable, or Allaah will certainly soon send punishment from Himself to you. Then you will make supplication and not receive an answer.” [Tirmidhee (2169) and graded as “Hasan” by Shaikh al-Albaanee]

Narrated Abu Bakr al-Siddeeq: You people recite this verse, {You who believe! Care for yourselves; he who goes astray cannot harm you when you are rightly guided.} [Surah al-Maaidah (5): 105] I heard Allaah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم say, “When people see something objectionable and do not change it, Allaah will soon include them all in His punishment.” [Sunan Abu Dawood (4338), Ibn Majah (4005) and Tirmidhee (3057) and graded as “Saheeh” by Shaikh al-Albaanee]