For this reason, the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—said in the rigorously authenticated ḥadith narrated by Abū Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him):

“None of you should say, ‘O Allah, forgive me if You will; O Allah, have mercy on me if You will.’ Rather, let him ask with determination, for no one can compel Allah.”

In this statement he makes it clear that the Lord, exalted be He, does whatever He wills; no one can force Him to accept what He has chosen, unlike a case where an intercessor might pressure the one appealed to, or a persistent seeker might trouble the one from whom he asks.

Therefore, one’s longing should be directed to Him alone, as the Exalted says:

“So when you have finished (your duties), devote yourself (to worship),
And to your Lord turn with longing.” (Ash-Sharh 94:7–8)

And awe should likewise be felt only toward Allah, as He says:

“Fear Me alone.” (Al-Baqarah 2:40)

and He also says:

“Do not fear people; fear Me.” (Al-Māʾidah 5:44)

Moreover, we have been commanded to invoke blessings upon the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—within our supplications, and this has been made one of the causes for our prayers to be answered.