The Art of Asking from Allah

The Power of Prayer and the Importance of Words: The Art of Asking from Allah

Deep within his existence, man feels a sense of incompleteness. This deficiency is an intrinsic part of his nature. His needs are endless; his soul constantly seeks fulfillment, peace, and truth. Ultimately, at the peak of his helplessness, he raises his hands toward the heavens. At this moment, prayer becomes the most genuine and intimate bond between man and his Lord.

However, prayer is not merely an act of asking. It is a state of awareness. Ibn Arabi states, “Prayer is the servant speaking with his Lord. But the real matter is knowing what the servant is asking from his Lord.” Every word carries energy, every intention has direction. Words are the mirror of the soul; they express the truth hidden in the heart.

The Importance of Prayer and Words

The words we use in prayer are not just a combination of sounds. They shape our intentions, express our sincerity, and breathe life into our supplications. A prayer made with hollow words, devoid of sincerity, cannot rise to the heavens. What makes a prayer acceptable is its sincerity.

Ibn Arabi further states, “When a servant prays, he must know that what he asks for has already been predestined. Prayer does not change destiny; rather, it gives meaning to it.” Therefore, prayer is an art, and this art is performed not only with words but also with the heart.

We must carefully choose our words when we pray. Every prayer is, in fact, an act of submission. When a person surrenders to Allah in prayer, when he turns to Him in his purest state, the prayer becomes a vibration that transcends the sky. Prayer is a mirror of the soul, a window revealing the truth hidden within us.

The Effect of Words on Our Souls

Words shape a person’s world of thought. As a person thinks and feels, so do his words take shape. Prayer reflects this reality. When we express what is in our hearts with the most accurate words, sincerely and wholeheartedly, our prayers become more meaningful and effective.

When we look at the prayers of the prophets in the Qur’an, we see how deeply and wisely they supplicated to Allah. An example of this is the prayer of Prophet Yunus when he was in the belly of the fish:

“Lā ilāha illā anta subḥānaka innī kuntu minaẓ-ẓālimīn.”

This prayer is the purest expression of repentance, seeking forgiveness, and seeking refuge in Allah.

Sincerity and Devotion: The Soul of Words in Prayer

Words in prayer must go beyond being a mere recitation. One of the most crucial conditions for a prayer to be accepted is sincerity. We must turn to Allah not only with our tongues but also with our hearts. The words we use in our prayers should reflect our inner emotions and sincerity.

Prayer is not a habit but a matter of consciousness. How we pray, what we say, and which words we choose indicate the depth of our relationship with Allah. Words are not just tools; they are also the expressions of the soul. That is why, when we pray, we should not simply recite words but feel their meaning in our hearts and turn to Allah with awareness.

For when words find their soul, they become prayer. And the most powerful prayer is one that comes from the heart, adorned with meaningful words.

So, when we pray, let us not just ask—let us speak with our hearts. For Allah is the One who hears even the deepest whispers of our hearts and accepts them.

And let us not forget: Our words shape our prayers, and our prayers shape our destiny…