IS IT OKAY TO MAKE DUA FOR WORLDLY THINGS?
Is it okay for us to make du’a for worldly things? Should we du’a for material things in this Dunya or should we only be concerned of the akhira?
رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَهَبْ لِي مُلْكًا لَا يَنْبَغِي لِأَحَدٍ مِنْ بَعْدِي ۖ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْوَهَّابُ
Rabbigh fir lee wa hab lee mulkal laa yambaghee li ahadin min ba’dee innaka Antal Wahhaab
My Lord, forgive me and grant me a kingdom such as will not belong to anyone after me. Indeed, You are the Bestower. [source]
Prophet Sulaiman in this du’a asks Allah (swt) to grant him a kingdom, but not just any kingdom. A kingdom so large no one will be able to have anything like it after him.
But notice how he began this du’a, he starts first by asking for forgiveness. In his heart and his mind, he did not forget or lose sight of the end. It’s clear it’s not only this Dunya he’s concerned about, it’s the akhira as well.
DUA OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD FOR ENTERING A NEW TOWN
The good that will come from a leader like Sulaiman (as) having the power and wealth is nothing but positive. In fact, the more wealth he has the better it is for everyone, therefore he should be asking for even more.
It’s important to find out what our strengths and weaknesses are. If you don’t believe you have one, that’s a lie. We all have unique temperaments and capabilities, and we can always pick up new skills and habits that compliment them. Once you identify this, you can then make a pledge to Allah (swt) to use it to strengthen your deen and use it to help others.
Focusing on leaving a legacy, that is not really asking for the Dunya. Even if you benefit from it a little, it’s net positive for society.
Asking for material things in this Dunya is fine, most people when they have their needs met would give – not hoard. When your glass is full, you can give to others generously.
We just have to remember to also pray for the afterlife. In this du’a, Prophet Sulaiman (as) begins with asking for forgiveness. He know this life is temporary, but sometimes we get so busy in life that we forget that.
