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It often happens that a person uses a particular dhikr and prays, and his prayer is granted, because along with praying, he also stresses his needs, or beseeches Allah earnestly, or does something good which Allah appreciates, or prays at a time when prayers are granted. He may, however, think that his prayer has been granted just because of the particular dhikr he has said, and he neglects other factors. Suppose there is a sick man who takes a good medicine and takes it at proper times and is cured. If someone thinks that he is cured just because of that medicine, he is wrong, for he does not consider other factors. Or suppose that a person in affliction goes to a grave and prays there and his prayer is granted. If he thinks that his prayer is granted because of the person in the grave, he is wrong. For that may happen because of his affliction, or because of his earnest praying. Had he prayed in one of the houses of Allah it would have certainly pleased Allah more. Prayers, invocations and incantations are just like a sword which cuts not only because it is sharp but also because it is used with force. The effect intended is produced only when the sword is sharp, the hand that uses it is strong, the object against which it is used is something that can be cut, and there are no obstacles there. If any of these factors is lacking, the desired effect will not be produced. Similarly, if the object prayed for is not correct, or the proper orison is not chosen, or the supplicant does not pray earnestly or there is some obstruction there, then the thing besought will not be forthcoming. 1 1 Ibn Abu al-Izz, vol. 2, pp. 681-684. Commentary on the Forty Hadith of al-Nawawi "If you seek help, seek help in Allah" The Prophet (peace be upon him) guided his Companion to seek help in Allah. There are many things that a person cannot accomplish on his own. If a person needs to seek help or rely on anything or anyone, he should seek help in Allah. Indeed, if Allah does not help him and give him the ability to accomplish any task, the person would not be able to accomplish it. Hence, he must tum to Allah and, in reality, there is no one for him to turn to except Allah. When a person turns to Allah for help and assistance, he is admitting and demonstrating that he is a weak creature who cannot accomplish anything without needed assistance. No matter how powerful or strong he may look or think of himself in this world, he is need of help and assistance. Hence, he is admitting his own weakness and need for others. Secondly, by turning only to Allah for help and relying upon Him, he is demonstrating that without the help of Allah, he would never be able to achieve success in this life or the Hereafter without Allah's help. This admission in and of itself is a form of worship and testifying to part of the faith of Islam. A person needs Allah's help in fulfilling the obligatory deeds, avoiding the forbidden acts and having patience with what has befallen him. One may also note particular examples from the Quran wherein Allah's help is needed to face the trials and tribulations of this life as well as the trials that one encounters when calling others to the path of Allah. A good example of such behavior is the example of Jacob, whose son was taken from him by his other children. Allah says, quoting Jacob after his sons had presented their false claims concerning Joseph, • / J J , ,., J,,,. ,., jj: ,,,. 0µ ' 0৻\ lj );.,aJ "So [for me] patience is most fitting. And it is Allah (alone) whose help can be sought against that [lie] which you describe" (Yoosuf 18). Allah also quotes the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), ,,.. , ,., ,., .!1. .,, ,., ' ,., 0_µ ' 01:::.:JJ 1 J.:;- 1 ߖ)) J;Jߗߘ1 y) ߕ / / "He [Muhammad] said, 'My Lord! You judge in truth! Our Lord is the Most Gracious, whose help is to be sought against that which you [unbelievers] attribute" (al-Anbiyaa 1 12). A person is also in need of Allah to bring about what is good for him in both this life as well as the Hereafter. In addition, Allah's help is also needed concerning what occurs after one's death in this life, both in the grave and on the Day of Judgment. 1 This concept of asking Allah and seeking Allah's help does not mean that a person puts forth no effort on his own part. Instead, the person should 1 Cf., ibn Rajah, Noor, pp. 80-81 . Hadith #19: "Young man, I shall teach you some words ... " use all of his God-given abilities to meet his goal.