Did the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) supplicate for material things or worldly luxuries such as wealth? Is the prophetic Hadith, "Whoever abandons supplicating for himself, Allah will give him of the best of what He gives His creation," authentic, and what is its meaning? What is the best supplication that pleases Allah and includes contentment and satisfaction? And what is the permissibility of changing a supplication if the initial request is not fulfilled?

Allah Almighty commanded His servants to supplicate and promised them a response. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, frequently supplicated and taught people to do so. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, supplicated for matters related to worldly life, such as seeking refuge from poverty, humiliation, sin, debt, overwhelming debt, and the subjugation by men. He also asked Allah for guidance, piety, chastity, and self-sufficiency, his self-sufficiency being that of the soul.

It is permissible for a Muslim to ask Allah Almighty for whatever permissible worldly matters he wishes, such as lawful provision, children, and a righteous spouse. And whoever prefers to minimize worldly possessions, he is allowed to do so. The Hadith, which indicates that whoever is preoccupied with the Qur’an and My remembrance from asking Me, I will give him better than what I give those who ask, does not prohibit asking Allah for worldly needs. Rather, it highlights the virtue of engaging in remembrance and that it achieves what is desired.

The asker may ask Allah for whatever permissible matters he wishes. Moving from one request to another is permissible, and it is better for the servant to ask Allah for goodness wherever it may be, and to ask Him to make him content with it. Shyness before Allah does not mean turning away from supplicating to Him.