Q 2: Sometimes we say this Du`a' (supplication): "O Allah, we do not ask You to prevent our fate, but we ask You to make it mild for us.'' Is it permissible to say this Du`a'? We would like to know the answer in detail.

A: This Du`a' was not reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him), so it is better not to say it. There are other better Du`a's such as, I beseech You to make the consequences of Your decree good for me. Narrated by Ahmad, Ibn Majah and the author of "Al-Mustadrak" (Part No. 24; Page No. 292) who ranked its Isnad (chain of narration) as Sahih (authentic). Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) also said, The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to seek refuge in Allah from the pain of affliction, from becoming distressed, from evil ends and from being gloated over by enemies. Sufyan, one of the narrators of the Hadith, said, "The Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned three matters only in this Hadith, and I added one, but I cannot remember which one it is." Narrated by Al-Bukhari. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.