Qn13: Regarding a narration of ‘Umar (radhi Allaahu ‘anhu) where it is mentioned that he said, ‘Indeed I cannot achieve the answer for the supplication but I can achieve the importance or the concern for the actual supplication.’ So what is the meaning of this ‘achieving of this du’aa and the answer for it.’

Ans.13: We have to look into this statement and ask ourselves it is authentic on ‘Umar (radhi Allaahu ‘anhu) that he said this and if it is saheeh (authentic) then the meaning could be that ‘Umar feared that there was a deficiency in the sincerity in that du’aa because if he brings sincerity while making this du’aa then he knows that his du’aa will definitely be answered by Allaah.

Likewise, he knows that if there is not pure sincerity in making this du’aa then Allaah ‘Azza wa Jal will not accept his action. So if this narration isn’t authentic then there is no need for us to find out what the meaning of it is. What appears to me is that there is some vagueness in this narration; ‘Umar (radhi Allaahu ‘anhu) wouldn’t say something like this because he would know from the verses of the Qur’an that ikhlas (sincerety) has to be for Allaah’s Sake and du’aa has to be for Allaah’s Sake. For example when Allaah mentions, {And your Lord said: "Invoke Me, [i.e. believe in My Oneness (Islâmic Monotheism)] (and ask Me for anything) I will respond to your (invocation)} Suraah Ghafir:60 and also,

{And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near (to them by My Knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor). So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led aright.} Surah Al-Baqarah:186. And Allaah Knows Best.