Is it permissible for a person to pray for something for which they are not qualified, such as praying for acceptance into a course that requires proficiency in English while they are not proficient in it, and must supplication be for something reasonable?
A Muslim must resort to seeking Allah's help in all his affairs, for Allah answers prayers. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "No Muslim supplicates with a supplication that does not involve sin or cutting off ties of kinship, but Allah will grant him one of three things: either his supplication will be answered quickly, or it will be stored for him in the Hereafter, or an equivalent amount of evil will be averted from him." He should be firm in his request and express a strong desire, and not say "if You wish," because nothing is too great for Allah. A Muslim should also emulate the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, in choosing comprehensive supplications, such as "Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the torment of the Fire." It is permissible to ask Allah to facilitate what is normally possible to occur, but if it is normally impossible, it is not permissible to ask for it, as that might be considered an transgression in supplication.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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