Answer
Short Answer:
- In no way, shape or form does the religion or belief in Qadar (destiny) mean we sit helplessly, passively and not take the means.
- Allah will judge us on our intentions, efforts and pursuits. So, we need to work and seek His Help. If we’re not working at all, how will Allah judge us on the Day of Judgment?
- Allah will not force actions upon us. Allah gave us free will so we can make choices and show Him sincere faith through words and actions. That’s our test. That’s what He will judge us on.
- So, whatever Allah decrees for you, you need to do your part. Your part is the choices you make, your dua, work and effort during this decree.
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Walaykum Asalam,
Thank you for sending your questions and sharing your concerns with us.
The Necessity of Making Dua
It is definitely advisable to continue to make dua for everything you need in this life and the next.
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Let one of you ask his Lord for his every need, until he asks Him for salt, and asks Him for the strap of his sandal when it breaks.” [Jami` at-Tirmidhi]
And He said:
“Verily supplication is worship.” [Related by the four Imams]
And Allah said:
“And your Lord says, “Call upon Me; I will respond to you.” Indeed, those who disdain My worship will enter Hell [rendered] contemptible.” (Quran 40:60)
And He said:
“Say, “What would my Lord care for you if not for your supplication? […]” (Quran 25: 77)
So, definitely we are ordered to make dua. Allah teaches us to seek His help. He has instructed us to say 17 times a day throughout our five daily prayers:
“It is You we worship and You we ask for help.” (Quran 1: 5)
Continuing supplication is a must; never despair or become hopeless about it.
Belief in destiny does not negate working and taking the means
In no way, shape or form does the religion or belief in Qadar (destiny) mean we sit helplessly, passively and not take the means. Rather, Allah says:
“And that there is not for man except that [good] for which he strives. And that his effort is going to be seen –” (Quran 53: 39-40)
And He says:
“And say, “Do [as you will], for Allah will see your deeds, and [so, will] His Messenger and the believers. And you will be returned to the Knower of the unseen and the witnessed, and He will inform you of what you used to do.” (Quran 9: 105)
Allah will judge us on our intentions, efforts and pursuits. So, we need to work and seek His Help. If we’re not working at all, how will Allah judge us on the Day of Judgment?
Allah will not force actions upon us. Allah gave us free will so we can make choices and show Him sincere faith through words and actions. That’s our test. That’s what He will judge us on.
So, whatever Allah decrees for you, you need to do your part. Your part is the choices you make, your dua, work and effort during this decree.
Remember the man who asked the Messenger (peace and blessings upon him) about his Camel. Anas bin Malik narrated that a man said:
“O Messenger of Allah! Shall I tie it and rely (upon Allah), or leave it loose and rely (upon Allah)?” He said: “Tie it and rely (upon Allah).” [Jami’ at-Tirmidhi]
So, we take the means, and trust Allah.
Understanding Qadar
When thinking about Qadar, think of the Qudra (Power) of Allah. Believing in Qadar means you believe Allah Almighty has the Power over everything, and that no harm or benefit happens without His knowledge.
It doesn’t mean that Allah will force actions upon us; it means that everything happens within the realm of His Knowledge.
What we need to do is, make dua, continue taking the means, and trust Allah that He decrees what’s best to His slaves.
As the Prophet says:
“How wonderful is the affair of the believer, for his affairs are all good, and this applies to no one but the believer. If something good happens to him, he is thankful for it and that is good for him. If something bad happens to him, he bears it with patience and that is good for him.” [Sahih Muslim]
So, in short, continue making dua, but:
1. Be patient.
The Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) said:
“The supplication of a slave continues to be granted as long as he does not supplicate for a sinful thing or for something that would cut off the ties of kinship and he does not grow impatient.” It was said: “O Messenger of Allah! What does growing impatient mean?” He (ﷺ) said, “It is one’s saying: ‘I supplicated again and again but I do not think that my prayer will be answered.’ Then he becomes frustrated (in such circumstances) and gives up supplication altogether.” [Sahih Muslim]
2. Trust that based on your dua, Allah will bring you what He knows is best for you. So, do your part: take the means, and make dua, and then trust Allah and be happy with what He decrees for you.
And Allah knows best.
I hope this helps.
Salam and please keep in touch.
(From Ask About Islam archives)
Please continue feeding your curiosity, and find more info in the following links:
http://aboutislam.net/counseling/ask-about-islam/can-supplication-dua-change-destiny/