The Hastiness of Being from the Devil
One of humankind’s greatest weaknesses is wanting to see the result of their prayers and performed prayers immediately in this world, and falling into despair if that doesn’t happen. Shaykh Abd al-Qadir al-Ghaylani (may Allah be pleased with him) strongly warns his followers regarding “The Prohibition of Being Displeased with Allah Concerning the Delay of Acceptance of Prayer.” What is it to become angry at the Most High for delaying the acceptance of your prayer? If you are hasty, you become a soldier of Satan. Careful action and patience are inspired by God. A person who rushes does not know what things will come into their hands, nor do they understand what they want. The delay of prayers is a divine mercy for the servant to be refined and freed from satanic haste.
The Divine Generosity in the Delay of Acceptance of Prayer
A servant should know that every event has a predetermined time (ʿajal) from eternity. You say, “You forbid me from asking something of creatures and encourage me to ask from Yourself, and then you do not accept my prayer.” If you say that you are free, then you are a disbeliever! But if you say that you are the servant of Allah, then it is said to you: Are you accusing the Most High in His wisdom and mercy concerning you and all creation, regarding knowledge about the delay of acceptance of your prayer or other matters? If you do not accuse Him but trust in His wisdom, and believe that He delayed it for your benefit, then why do you not accept the wisdom of the Most High?
Adopting the Etiquette of Servitude
Prayer is not an instrument of domination, but a station of acknowledging impotence. What is necessary for you is perseverance in prayer, faithfulness in seeking refuge, having good opinion (husn-i zan) of your Lord, waiting for relief to come from Him, verifying His promise, obeying His commands, avoiding His prohibitions, and acting as if dead when the decreed fate occurs. If it is absolutely necessary for you to accuse someone and harbor suspicion, then it is better to choose your nafs, which commands evil and rebellion against your Lord. Beware of complying with your nafs and serving it, and being pleased with its actions and words in all circumstances!