Blessings of Prayer — Page 21
21 that He will accept or reject prayers as He desires. The following verse clearly states this point: 11 (S u rah Al-An‘ a m , Part VII) Even if we condescend to accept that in this context the word 'Pray' refers to prayer in general, we will have to affirm that the prayer referred to here is that which complies with all the necessary conditions; and we know that it is not in the power of man to meet all these conditions by himself unless he is helped by God. One should also remember that humility and anguish alone is not enough for prayer to be accepted, for it also requires righteousness, purity, truthfulness, perfect certainty, perfect love and perfect attention. Moreover, it is also essential that the object prayed for should not be opposed to the Divine scheme of things and should not be against the welfare of the supplicant, or the one on whose behalf he prays, both in this world and the hereafter. It often happens that although all other conditions have been fulfilled, the object prayed for happens to be against the Divine scheme of things with regard to the supplicant, and no good can come of granting such a prayer. For 11 Nay, but on Him alone will you call; then will He remove that which you call on Him to remove, if He please. — Al-An‘ a m , 6:42 [Publishers]