—in the supplication itself, because it is a supplication Allah does not love due to the transgression it contains; or because the heart is weak, neither turning to Allah nor focusing wholly upon Him at the time of supplication. It is then like an exceedingly slack bow, from which the arrow is released with little force. Or it may be because an impediment to its acceptance is present, such as consuming what is unlawful, committing injustice, the stain of sins upon hearts, and heedlessness, desire, and diversion taking possession of and prevailing over them. Thus, in al-Mustadrak of al-Hākim, Abu Hurayrah—may Allah be pleased with him—reported that the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—said: ‘Call upon Allah with certainty that He will answer, and know that Allah does not accept a supplication from a heedless, distracted heart.’1

This is an effective remedy that removes the malady, but the heart’s heedlessness of Allah renders its power ineffective. Likewise, consuming what is unlawful undermines and weakens its power. In Sahīh Muslim, Abu Hurayrah—may Allah be pleased with him—reported that the Messenger of Allah—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—said: ‘O people, Allah is Pure and accepts only what is pure. Allah has commanded the believers to do what He commanded the messengers, saying: “O messengers! Eat from what is good and lawful, and act righteously. Indeed, I fully know what you do.” 2 He also said: “O believers! Eat from the good things We have provided for you.” 3’ He then mentioned a man who travels a long distance, disheveled and covered in dust, stretching his hands toward the sky and crying, ‘My Lord! My Lord!’ Yet his food is unlawful, his drink is unlawful, his clothing is unlawful, and he has been nourished by what is unlawful—so how could his supplication be answered?’4”5.