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We often pronounce or hear the phrase “Insha’Allah,” meaning “if Allah wills it.”

Often, while making dua or supplications, we may unintentionally say, “Oh Allah, forgive me inshallah,” or “Oh Allah, guide me inshallah.”

But is it appropriate to say “inshallah,” bringing the element of conditionality into a prayer seeking Allah’s mercy or guidance?

It is not.

Fundamentally, when we seek forgiveness, mercy, or guidance, we need to ask Allah with complete certainty, knowing that he loves to forgive, guides those who seek guidance, and exercises no hesitation or inability in carrying out His decree.

Using phrases like “if you will” in our duas conveys a sense of hesitancy, a lack of urgency or necessity, contrary to the passionate, determined spirit with which we should make supplication.

For instance, consider our daily prayer where we say, “Guide us to the straight path” - there is no room for conditionality here.

Our prayer combines dependency on Allah with an insistence on the request.

We make these pleas with undying hope and belief in Allah, who bestows his bounty without considering it too grand for his servants.

We must approach our duas with vulnerability and brokenness coupled with unwavering certainty that Allah will answer them.

Every dua bears fruit - sometimes not in the way we expect.

What may seem like rejection could be Allah elevating us or planning something even better.

Sometimes, we hesitate about our worthiness in asking Allah.

We may feel that because we struggle with our sins, our dua may be invalidated or that Allah may not grant us our requests.

Banish these thoughts.

Allah does not require perfection from us, only sincere belief.

As we practice this, remember there is no such thing as asking Allah too many times.

Allah is never tired of listening to our pleas.

Today, envision your relationship with Allah as marked by desperation yet met with confidence, a quest for betterment without waiting to be perfect before you ask him.

Remove any barriers between us and Allah, and elevate the acceptance of our duas and deeds.

And always remember, perfection is not required in the sight of the one who is perfect.

Inspired by Imam Omar Suleiman. Watch the full lecture here.

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