Anas reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him
and grant him peace, said, "When one of you makes a supplication, he should
be firm in the supplication and not say, 'O Allah, if you like, give to
me.' Allah cannot be forced against His will."
Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless
him and grant him peace, said, "When one of you makes a supplication, he
should not say, 'If you wish.' He should be firm in asking and he should
have great hope. Allah does not think that anything that He gives is too
great.'"
'Abdu'r-Rahman ibn Yazid said, "Ar-Rabi' used to go to 'Alqama
every Friday. When I was not there, they would send for me. Once he came
when I was not there. 'Alqama met me and told me, 'Did you not see what
ar-Rabi' brought? He said, "Do you not see how frequently people make supplication
and how rarely they are answered? That is because Allah Almighty only accepts
the sincere supplication."' I asked, 'Didn't 'Abdullah say that?' He asked,
'What did he say?' I said that 'Abdullah said, 'Allah does not listen to
someone who wants other people to hear not someone who shows off nor who
plays. He only listens to the one who makes a supplication firmly from
his heart.' He said, 'Did he mention 'Alqama?' 'Yes' was the answer."
