the Messenger of Allah said: “There is none who utters a supplication, except that Allah gives him what he asked, or prevents evil from him that is equal to it – as long as he does not supplicate for something evil, or the cutting of ties of the womb.”
Hadith Text & Reference
The Messenger of Allah said: "There is none who utters a supplication, except that Allah gives him what he asked, or prevents evil from him that is equal to it – as long as he does not supplicate for something evil, or the cutting of ties of the womb."
Source: Jami' at-Tirmidhi, Hadith 3381
General Meaning & Significance
This noble hadith establishes the comprehensive acceptance of supplication (du'a) by Allah Almighty. It affirms that no believer's invocation goes unanswered, though the response may take different forms according to Divine Wisdom.
The Prophet ﷺ guarantees that every sincere du'a receives one of three responses: either the exact request is granted, an equivalent evil is averted, or reward is stored for the Hereafter - though this last aspect is mentioned in other narrations.
Detailed Commentary
Universal Acceptance: The phrase "there is none who utters a supplication" demonstrates the all-encompassing nature of Allah's mercy. This includes Muslims and non-Muslims alike in worldly matters, though the spiritual rewards differ.
Two Forms of Response: "Allah gives him what he asked" refers to immediate or eventual granting of the request. "Prevents evil from him that is equal to it" means Allah may divert a harm whose severity equals the benefit sought through du'a.
The Two Conditions: The effectiveness of du'a is contingent upon avoiding two prohibitions: "supplicating for something evil" includes sins, harming Muslims, or opposing divine decree. "Cutting ties of the womb" refers to severing family relations, which nullifies du'a's acceptance due to this major sin.
Divine Wisdom: Scholars note that sometimes delay in response is itself a blessing, allowing for better timing or greater reward. The believer should persist in du'a while trusting Allah's perfect knowledge.
Practical Implications
This hadith should increase the believer's confidence in du'a and encourage its frequent practice in all circumstances.
One should never despair of Allah's response, understanding that prevention of harm is itself a form of answer.
Muslims must ensure their requests are lawful and their family relations are maintained to secure du'a's acceptance.
The hadith teaches gratitude even when requests appear unanswered, trusting that Allah's choice is superior to our desires.