Exposition of the Hadith on Three Unrejected Supplications

This tradition from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) establishes three categories of supplicants whose prayers are never rejected by Allah Almighty. The hadith reference is Mishkat al-Masabih 2250.

The Parent's Supplication

The parent's du'a holds immense weight because of their natural affection and concern for their offspring. Their prayer emerges from a pure heart, untainted by worldly motives, seeking only goodness and protection for their child. This is why Allah swiftly answers such sincere petitions.

The Traveler's Supplication

A traveler experiences vulnerability and dependence upon Allah during journeys. Removed from familiar comforts, their heart turns sincerely to the Creator. This state of humility and need creates the perfect conditions for divine acceptance, as the traveler recognizes their ultimate reliance on Allah's protection and provision.

The Wronged Person's Supplication

The prayer of one who has been unjustly treated carries special merit because it represents the cry of justice against oppression. Allah, being the Ultimate Judge, cannot let such petitions go unanswered. The barrier between this supplication and Allah is removed, as the wronged individual has no one to turn to except the Almighty.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam al-Ghazali explains that these three states represent conditions where the heart is most pure and detached from worldly attachments. The parent's natural compassion, the traveler's heightened God-consciousness, and the wronged person's complete reliance on divine justice - all create the ideal spiritual environment for supplication.

Ibn al-Qayyim adds that these categories demonstrate Allah's mercy in prioritizing the prayers of those in vulnerable states, ensuring that the weak and oppressed have direct access to divine assistance without intermediaries.