Is a supplicant obligated to pray for good, saying, "O Allah, if (this matter) is good for me, then make it easy for me," or should he pray with good anticipation of Allah, considering that Allah will answer if it is good and avert it if it is not, and is supplicating with the first phrasing considered a poor anticipation of Allah?

The things a believer asks of his Lord are of two types:

1. That which is purely good, such as the fear of Allah, obedience to Him, and Paradise. These are to be sought without hesitation.

2. That which is unknown whether it is good or evil, such as worldly matters. In this case, the servant should ask for what is best for him, and this is what the Istikharah (prayer for guidance) was legislated for, by saying: "O Allah, if You know that this matter is good for me in my religion and my worldly life..."