The Essence of Islam – Volume II — Page 221
Prayer 221. Why Acceptance of Supplications is sometimes Delayed. Sometimes it happens that a seeker supplicates with great yearning and pain, but he observes that the result of his prayers is being postponed and delayed. What is the reason? In this connection it is necessary to remember that there is a gradualness in the affairs of the world. . How many stages has a child to pass through before becoming a full grown person? How much time is taken by a seed to become a tree? In the same way, Divine matters are also completed gradually. There is also this. Divine purpose in such a delay that the supplicant should become confirmed in his resolve and courage and his understanding should be strengthened. To the degree to which a person desires to acquire high rank and gradations to that degree he is called upon to work hard and to wait. Perseverance and resolve are such excellent qualities that without them a person cannot traverse the stages of success. It is necessary, therefore, that he should first pass through difficulties. That is why it is said: ان مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا 65 [Malfūzāt, vol. III, pp. 202-203]. Sometimes it happens that a person supplicates for something, but his supplication is the result of his ignorance and stupidity. He desires something from God. Almighty which under no circumstances can be useful or beneficial for him. In such a case, God Almighty does not reject his prayer, but fulfills it in some other form. . For instance, a cultivator who needs a bullock for his 65 'Aye, surely there is ease after hardship. '-Al-Inshirāḥ, 94:7 [Publisher]