Is it okay for us to make du’a for worldly things? Should we supplicate for material blessings in this Dunya, or should we only focus on the Akhira (Hereafter)? This question can be answered by reflecting on the du’a Prophet Sulaiman (as) made.
رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَهَبْ لِي مُلْكًا لَا يَنْبَغِي لِأَحَدٍ مِنْ بَعْدِي ۖ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْوَهَّابُ
Transliteration
Rabbigh fir lee wa hab lee mulkal laa yambaghee li ahadin min ba’dee innaka Antal Wahhaab
Translation
“My Lord, forgive me and grant me a kingdom such as will not belong to anyone after me. Indeed, You are the Bestower.”
Surah Sad Ayat 35
Key Takeaways
-
Asking for worldly success is not inherently wrong—unless the desire is to become a tyrannical ruler. A fitting analogy: on a plane, passengers are instructed to put on their own oxygen mask first before helping others. Similarly, seeking provision for one’s needs in this Dunya is acceptable; most people, once their needs are met, will give to others rather than hoard, which is admirable.
-
It is crucial to identify our strengths and weaknesses. Every person has unique temperaments and capabilities, and we can develop skills and habits that complement these traits. Once we recognize our strengths, we can pledge to Allah (swt) to use them to strengthen our faith (Deen). Striving to leave a lasting, positive legacy is not merely seeking worldly gains—it is a noble pursuit rooted in service to Allah and others.
-
We must never neglect supplicating for the Akhira, as this life is temporary. A key lesson from Prophet Sulaiman’s (as) du’a is that he first asked for forgiveness (“Rabbigh fir lee”) before making any other request. This prioritization of spiritual purification over worldly desires reflects his awareness of the transient nature of Dunya and the importance of the Hereafter.
Context of This Du’a
In this du’a, Prophet Sulaiman (as) asks Allah (swt) for a kingdom—not just any kingdom, but one so vast and magnificent that no one after him would possess anything comparable. What stands out most is the order of his supplication: he begins by seeking forgiveness, never losing sight of his spiritual well-being amid his desire for worldly authority.
As noted in earlier sections, Prophet Sulaiman (as) consistently remained dutiful to Allah (swt) and expressed profound gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon him. This unwavering gratitude is clear proof that wealth and power would not corrupt him—a testament to his righteous character.
Many people would falter under such immense power, but Prophet Sulaiman (as) had the awareness to discern whether his request would benefit or harm him in the long run. A critical question arises: Why did he seek such a great and mighty kingdom? The answer is Da’wah (spreading the message of Islam). A righteous leader like Sulaiman (as) would use wealth and power exclusively for good; the more resources he had, the greater the benefit for all people. In this case, seeking more was not selfish—it was a pursuit of greater capacity to serve Allah and humanity.
Conclusion
To reiterate: Asking for worldly success is not inherently evil, unless the goal is tyranny. The “oxygen mask analogy” holds true here—securing our own needs first enables us to better serve others. When our “glass is full,” we can give generously to those in need, which is a virtue in Allah’s eyes.
The core reminder is to never forget the Akhira amid worldly pursuits. Prophet Sulaiman (as) set the perfect example by prioritizing forgiveness and spiritual purity before any worldly request. In our busy lives, it is easy to lose sight of the transience of this Dunya—but his du’a teaches us to ground our desires in faith, ensuring that every pursuit aligns with Allah’s pleasure and the betterment of our eternal soul.
About the Author
