Q: We are taught to make dua with full sincerity, humility, and desire — asking Allah like a child asks a parent. At the same time, we are told to have complete tawakkul and accept that what we ask for may not be good for us, so Allah may not grant it. This sometimes feels confusing. How should a believer balance making strong, heartfelt dua for something they desire, while also trusting Allah’s decision without feeling disappointed or conflicted?
A: Make dua with the conviction that Allah Ta`ala will accept the dua. Acceptance can come in different ways. Sometimes by receiving the thing you asked for and sometimes by receiving something better. Perhaps you asked for a car, and Allah Ta`ala granted you the grace of performing your five times daily salaah. So isn't that better than the piece of metal that you asked for. And sometimes He may grant all that you asked for in the hereafter. So you need to have trust in Allah Ta`ala and He will answer all your duas in the way He knows is best for you. Your work is to keep making dua with conviction and certainty of acceptance.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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