How can one reconcile the Hadith "Supplication averts destiny" with the Hadith "Even if I, Gabriel, Michael, Israfil, and all those in the heavens were to pray for you, you would only marry the one decreed for you"?
Source: FtawySummarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
Supplication (Du'a) is one of the greatest means to achieve one's desires. It is part of the divine decree (Qadar) for which Allah has ordained causes and effects, as stated by Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah. The Hadith: "Even if Israfil, Jibril, and Mika'il were to supplicate for you... you would not marry except the woman decreed for you," has a weak chain of narration (da'if isnad), and thus cannot contradict the established texts that command supplication. If supplication had no effect, الاستخارة (seeking guidance from Allah) prayer would not have been legislated, yet it is a Sunnah for every important matter, such as marriage.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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