For a Muslim, prayer is a source of strength and hope. Prayer involves humility and the realization that we, as humans, are in dire need of Allah’s help. However, not all prayers are answered. Allah has His own way of answering our prayers. We cannot be certain how Allah answers our prayers. However, in the verses of the Qur’an and hadith, the ways in which Allah answers prayers are explained implicitly. How?
Various Ways Allah Answers Prayers
When praying, the question that often pops into our heads is: will our prayers be answered by Allah or not? In fact, in Islam, no servant’s prayer is in vain. Allah is All-Hearing, it’s just that the form of His answer to our prayers can vary. For that reason, it is important for us to understand how Allah answers the prayers of His servants, as well as the signs that can indicate that the prayer has received a response from Him.
- Allah Answers Prayers by Delaying Them
Allah is All-Knowing of the best time for everything. Therefore, when Allah delays what His servants ask for, it does not mean that Allah is ignoring them. Rather, Allah is preparing us so that our prayers will be answered at the right time.
“Ask of Me, and you shall receive. But those who refuse to pray to Me will enter Hell in a state of humiliation and resignation.”
(QS. Ghafir: 60)
According to the above verse, prayers can be answered at the time Allah wills, not when we want. Because only Allah knows the best time for every request.
- Allah Replaces It with Something Better
Sometimes, what we want is not granted. However, that does not mean that Allah rejects the requests of His servants. Allah is All-Knowing, and He may replace it with something far better than what we asked for.
“It may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows, but you do not know.”
(QS. Al-Baqarah: 216)
This verse explains that something that seems bad can bring good, and vice versa. When a prayer is not answered as requested, it could be that Allah is replacing it with something better, only we are not yet aware of it.
Read also: Prayer for Protection from Evil People, Easy to Recite Daily
- Allah Answers by Keeping Us Away from Calamities
Often, we feel that our prayers have not produced any results. However, it could be that because of those prayers, we have been kept away from calamities that may not be visible. For example, someone who missed a flight, but it turned out that the plane crashed. Prayers can be an invisible shield. His answer is silent but real protection.
“And whatever misfortune befalls you is because of what your hands have earned, and Allah forgives much.”
(QS. Asy-Syura: 30)
This verse shows that calamities can be the result of our sins. However, Allah also often prevents calamities that should have happened as a form of His mercy. Prayer can be the reason Allah withholds calamities that we are not aware of.
- Allah Answers Prayers by Giving Rewards in the Hereafter
Not all prayers are answered in this world. Some become investments in the hereafter for life after death. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once said that every prayer that is not granted in this world will become a great reward in the hereafter. This is the highest form of answer because the hereafter is the eternal abode, and there is the place for the perfect reward from Allah.
“Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds, We will not waste the reward of those who do good deeds.”
(QS. Al-Kahfi: 30)
Based on the above verse, Allah guarantees that good deeds will not be in vain. This includes prayers that are not answered in this world, which can become great rewards in the hereafter. This is the most noble form of response, because the reward in the hereafter is far more eternal.
- Allah Responds Through Other People or Unexpected Ways
Sometimes the answer comes from a direction we never expected. It could be through someone who is accidentally present or an opportunity that comes from an unfamiliar place. Allah arranges everything with wisdom. His path is often not always straight, but it is always beautiful at the end. We just need to be aware and grateful for every sign that comes.
“Whoever fears Allah, He will make a way out for him. And provide for him from where he does not expect.”
(QS At-Talaq: 2-3)
This verse confirms that piety opens the door to solutions and sustenance from unexpected directions. Prayers can be answered through other people, new opportunities, or events that seem coincidental, but are actually answers from Allah.
- Allah Answers by Bringing Our Hearts Closer to Him
The most valuable thing about a prayer is not only the answer, but how prayer brings us closer to the Creator. In our tears, hopes, and supplications, Allah touches our hearts. Allah revives a spirituality that may have been dormant for a long time. That is where the answer lies, which cannot be measured by the world, but is felt in the soul.
“And when My servants ask you about Me, then indeed I am near. I grant the request of the one who prays when he prays to Me.”
(QS Al-Baqarah: 186)
This verse shows that Allah is very close to His servants. Prayer is not only about requests, but also about spiritual connection. When we pray, we are drawing closer to Him, and that in itself is a form of answer that enlivens the heart.
Read also: Al Jabbar Prayer, What is the impact of this practice on our lives?
Almsgiving Makes Prayers Easier to Be Answered
Almsgiving is one of the practices that makes prayers easier to be answered. Why? Because by giving alms, we are purifying ourselves and drawing closer to Allah. In addition, by giving alms, Allah’s mercy will descend.
“Who is willing to lend to Allah, a good loan (spending his wealth in the way of Allah), then Allah will multiply (the reward) for him, and he will receive a great reward.”
(QS. Al-Baqarah: 245)
Almsgiving is a form of “loan to Allah” that will definitely be repaid. According to scholars, the reward is not only in the form of reward, but also in the form of opening the way to an easier life, including answered prayers.
The Prophet Muhammad said: “Treat the sick among you with almsgiving.”
(HR Al-Baihaqi, Al-Albani)
The above hadith shows that charity can be a means of healing. If illness can be cured by charity, what about our prayers and wishes?
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also said: “Indeed, charity extinguishes the wrath of the Lord and wards off a bad death.”
(HR Tirmidzi)
My friends, this is how Allah answers our prayers. One of the ways is through charity, which can make our prayers more likely to be answered because they receive the pleasure of Allah SWT. Let us strive to have our prayers answered by giving charity. You can give charity easily and effectively through Dompet Dhuafa, click this link! (Dompet Dhuafa/Diandra/RQA)