Jalees Ahmad, Al Hakam
Have you ever wondered what makes a prayer effective and guaranteed to be accepted?
Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has explained seven essential principles – found in Surah al-Fatihah – that can transform one’s supplications. From the profound meaning behind Bismillah to tapping into Allah’s infinite mercy, he has guided us on how to align our prayers with divine will.
Thus, the seven principles, as explained in Tafsir-e-Kabir, when followed and embraced with sincerity, have the power to transform one’s prayers and move the very throne of God, igniting His boundless mercy that encompasses all things. And so, understanding the seven principles is of utmost importance when wanting to establish a relationship with our Creator.
With regard to the following principles, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud has stated: “The truth is that it was the Holy Prophet (sa) and his sincere followers who perfectly demonstrated these principles of the acceptance of prayer.” (Tafsir-e-Kabir [2023], Vol. 1, p. 7; Published in English in reviewofreligions.org)
First principle: The intent behind the Bismillah
Hazrat Musleh-e-Muadra has started the first principle with the following:
“Bismillāh [In the Name of Allah]
“The word bismillāh infers that the intent behind any prayer offered should be pious. It is not the case that the prayer of a thief, who supplicates to God for help in committing a crime, will be accepted. A prayer which is offered by invoking the name of God and by seeking His help should necessarily be for something which is worthy of Allah’s help. Consider how the concise words of bismillāh have elucidated the vast scope of prayer.
“I have observed that many people pray for the downfall or ruin of others, and then complain that their prayers are not been answered. Likewise, they pray for unlawful objectives and then bemoan that their prayers were not accepted.
There are some who clad themselves in an artificial mantle of asceticism and piety, and yet give amulets[1] to other people to attain their forbidden desires. They then pray for this, while in fact all their supplications and amulets will be vehemently rejected.” (Ibid.)
It is essential to identify the intent behind any prayer. If one’s heart is filled with malice or one is asking for something categorically against Islamic values – like desiring haram or harm to befall another – then, such a prayer is not in alignment with the principles of Islam. Suppose someone is dealing with a difficult relationship with a family member—perhaps there’s tension, misunderstanding, or repeated disputes. Rather than praying for the situation to go in their favour or for the other person to change, they could simply pray for Allah to soften both parties’ hearts, grant both patience in dealing with each other, and help lubricate the communication with kindness and understanding. One could seek and implore Allah to guide both parties toward reconciliation and forgiveness.
Further, when saying Bismillah, we remind ourselves of the fact that we are standing before Allah. We are beginning our supplications in the name of Allah, who created us, through whom all living and nonliving things came into being, and who gave life, and so on. Thus, we must remember that any prayer we utter must align with God’s commandments, and we should strive to understand God.
As, in Surah al-Fatihah, we start our prayer in the name of Allah, it’s an indication that it is also desirable for us to remember His other attributes. For example, if God introduces Himself as the Most Forgiving, then we know that our prayer for forgiveness, if made sincerely, shall be granted.
This is why we are reminded to call upon God with His various attributes. And so, Bismillah reminds us that prayers must be sincere, lawful, and aligned with Islamic values.
Second principle: The benefit of the prayer for the greater good
“Al-Ḥamdu Lillāh Rabbil Alimeen
“The second principle for the acceptance of prayer is mentioned in al-Ḥamdu Lillāhi Rabbil Alimeen. In other words, the prayer ought to be such that its outcome not only proves beneficial for the believers of God Almighty, but also the world at large, or at the very least, the prayer should not cause harm to anyone. Similarly, any prayer that would find acceptance ought to establish the glory of Allah and not bring any charge against the exalted Being of Allah.” (Ibid.)
The phrase Lord of all the worlds highlights that Allah is the provider and sustainer of all and that He does not desire ill for His own creation. Thus, prayers that serve a selfish or harmful intent from His creation have less likelihood of being accepted.
For example, if a person prays for success in their studies, it’s more pleasing to Allah that such a one also prays for the success and guidance of others who are aiming for the same objectives, or the improvement of society through the knowledge one gains.
This is also why the Holy Prophetsa has stated that whoever helps his brother, Allah will help him (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 2442). When we pray for a collective good, be it peace, justice, and prosperity for all, no doubt such a prayer shall receive greater reward from Allah.
Third principle: Stirring Allah’s vast mercy
“Ar-Raḥmān [The Most Gracious]
“The third principle for the acceptance of prayer is to stir the vast mercy of Allah the Almighty. The acceptance of the prayer ought to manifest the All-Encompassing Grace of Allah the Almighty.” (Ibid.)
When we think of Ar-Rahman, we must remember Allah’s vast and limitless mercy. When we pray, we must make it certain within ourselves that we know that we are asking not just for a specific thing, but for the manifestation of His mercy in our lives. This means understanding that sometimes, His mercy and blessings can come in ways we may not expect: مِنۡ حَیۡثُ لَا یَحۡتَسِبُ and it may be for most profitable even if it doesn’t match our direct wants.
For example, one might pray for a job they really want, however, if they don’t get it, trust that Allah’s mercy and compassion means He knows what’s better for them. Perhaps that job was not the best fit, or there’s another opportunity that will lead to greater success in future.
And thus, it’s essential to remember that when Allah decrees a matter, His command is followed by His mercy. God’s mercy is endless, and His mercy constantly attends to the answers to our prayers, even in unforeseen ways. Occasionally, Allah may not grant precisely what we ask for, however, His mercy is displayed in other forms.
Never forget, if God had so desired, He could have allowed Prophet Muhammadsa to establish Islam in Mecca, and He could have allowed the people of Mecca to accept his message with open hearts from the get go. However, Allah willed that he migrate and establish Islam in various regions. For the people of Medina, this was a blessing in disguise to have Muhammadsa join them in their city. Furthermore, if God had so desired, He could have allowed Prophet Muhammadsa to perform Hajj during the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. However, the Muslims and the Prophetsa returned to Medina without performing Hajj. At first glance, it may seem like a loss, but the blessings that resulted from the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah were manifold.
Fourth principle: Reflecting Allah’s attribute of Rahimiyyah
“Ar-Raḥīm
“The fourth principle is that the prayer should reflect God’s attribute of raḥīmiyyah [The Ever Merciful]. This signifies that the prayer ought to lay such a foundation that its virtues should last a considerable period of time within the world. The outcome of such a prayer should continuously be beneficial for the pious and virtuous, or the very least, this prayer should not be a hindrance for others.” (Ibid.)
Supplications should be offered for things that have lasting benefits, whether it’s peace, knowledge, or health. Transient desires or things that solely benefit us in the short term should not be the fixation of one’s prayer.
For example, instead of asking for a fast solution to a situation, pray for patience, perseverance, and the ability to overcome challenges in a way that brings long-lasting growth and spiritual reward.
“Allah’s mercy prevails over His anger.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 3194) The Holy Prophetsa reminded us that God’s mercy is extensive, and we should remember this in our supplications. We should seek things that lead to long-term good—things that will benefit us and society. This is a reminder that the mercy of Allah encompasses all, and that we should always ask for things that bring lasting goodness, not fleeting desires.
Fifth principle: Utilising the means provided by Allah
“Māliki Yawmid-Dīn
“The fifth principle is that whilst praying, one ought to consider God’s attribute of Māliki Yawmid-Dīn [Master of the Day of Judgement]. That means that at the time of praying, one should not discard the material means that Allah the Almighty has provided to achieve successful results, since these very resources have been created by God. It is illogical to seek His Help but not use the means He has provided.
“Therefore, as long as these material means are available for the supplicant to use, it is incumbent to avail themselves of these resources in conjunction with prayer. However, if the material means are not available to the supplicant, the attribute of māliki yawmid-dīn manifests itself beyond the realm of these material means.
“It is also indicated in this verse that the one who supplicates should be forgiving to others, and not be obstinate or harsh in demanding their own rights.” (Tafsir-e-Kabir [2023], Vol. 1, p. 7; Published in English in reviewofreligions.org)
It is essential to remember that God has furnished us with intellect, strength, opportunities, and various other means to achieve our goals. While prayer is paramount, it should go hand-in-hand with utilising resources Allah has made available. If one needs something, prayer should accompany actions to fulfil it.
For example, if a person prays for success in an exam, they should not simply rely on prayer alone. They must study and prepare diligently as well. Prayer and action should go hand-in-hand, as God has granted the ability to use these means.
It is reported that the Holy Prophetsa said to make use of medical treatment, for Allah has not made a disease without appointing a remedy for it, except for one disease, namely old age. (Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith 3855)
Meaning that we are exhorted to seek the material means Allah has furnished, such as knowledge, medicine, and effort. Though supplication is fundamental, we are also expected to make use of the benefits Allah has granted us to reach our goals. A simple example can be found in medicine. If one falls ill, we pray for recovery, yet we should also seek medical treatment and follow proper procedures.
Sixth principle: Be free from polytheistic and idolatrous thoughts
“Iyyāka Na‘budu [Thee Alone Do We Worship]
“The sixth principle mentioned is that a person who offers prayers should have a perfect relationship with Allah the Almighty and be completely sincere to Him. They should be completely free from polytheistic and idolatrous thoughts.” (Tafsir-e-Kabir [2023], Vol. 1, p. 7; Published in English in reviewofreligions.org)
Our supplications – at the threshold of God – are far more likely to be accepted when we are in a state of sincerity. Meaning that one must shun any form of associating partners or equals with Allah and we must be pure in our intentions. It is also essential to note that associating partners with God comes in various forms, be it relying on idols, charms, or any entity other than Allah, including oneself. That’s why we pray: Thee alone we worship and Thee alone do we implore for help.
For example, if one is praying for God’s grace and forgiveness, one must make sure their heart is truly remorseful and that they are not relying on anything or anyone but the One True Lord for forgiveness. Trust that He alone has the power to forgive.
Thus, in regard to the best supplications made by all Prophets is that they associate nothing with Allah. The Holy Prophetsa is reported to have said that the best supplication is the one made on the Day of Arafah, and the best that I and the Prophets before me have said is: “None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, alone, without partner. To Him belongs all that exists, and to Him belongs all praise, and He is powerful over all things.” (Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi, Hadith 3585) And so, the Prophetsa has emphasised that the best and most powerful supplication is one made with full sincerity, acknowledging the oneness of Allah.
Seventh principle: Complete reliance on Allah
“Iyyāka nasta‘īn [I Beseech None But God Alone]
“The seventh principle is that the supplicant should be devoted wholly to Allah. They should have complete trust and reliance on God Almighty. They should not turn to anyone besides Allah. They should reach such a stage that no matter what the circumstances or whatever calamity or difficulty befalls them, they always declare, ‘I beseech none but God alone.’” (Tafsir-e-Kabir [2023], Vol. 1, p. 7; Published in English in reviewofreligions.org)
A firm believer has unwavering faith in God’s ability to answer their prayers. Come what may, the supplicant should bow to Allah alone, trusting that He is the best of planners. This does not mean disregarding worldly means but holding ultimate trust that Allah will guide one to what is best.
For example, if a person faces a personal crisis, they may seek advice and help from others, but their ultimate trust should be in Allah’s will. For example, if we consider the case of Prophet Abrahamas, not only did he listen to and obey all of God’s commandments – whether he understood it or not – but he also demonstrated loyalty to God in ways that are almost unparalleled.
The Holy Prophetsa once said that if you ask, ask of Allah, and if you seek help, seek it from Allah. (Jami` at-Tirmidhi, Hadith 2516)
This Hadith highlights the importance of turning to Allah alone for help. Complete trust in Allah means that, while we may seek assistance from others in worldly matters, ultimate reliance is on Allah alone. When we pray, we should ask with full confidence that He is the only one capable of answering our prayers and providing what is best for us.
Conclusion
By firmly following these seven principles – sincerity, mercy, reliance, and more – one can surely ignite God’s mercy and have their prayers answered. One can transform their prayers into powerful tools for spiritual growth and divine blessings.