A Re‑reading of the Concept of the Answering of Prayer (Istijābat Duʿāʾ), With a Close Examination of Ḥakīm Sabzawārī’s Views

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Ph.D. Student in Transcendent Theosophy, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor of Department of Islamic Philosophy, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.

3 Associate Professor, Department of Islamic Teachings, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.

Abstract

One of the most challenging concepts in the domain of religious beliefs is the "concept of the answering of prayer" (istijābat‑i duʿāʾ). Most religious believers understand answered prayer exclusively as the fulfillment of their request, equating non‑fulfillment with non‑answering. However, numerous rational and transmitted evidences indicate that the concept is broader than this common understanding. This research, employing a descriptive‑analytical method and focusing on the views of Mullā Hādī Sabzawārī, presents a systematic theosophical explanation (tabīn‑i ḥikmī‑yi niẓāmmand) of the "answering of prayer." Close examination of Ḥakīm Sabzawārī's views yields three explanations: answering as the fulfillment of the servant's request (ḥāṣil shudan‑i khwāstah‑yi bandah); answering as the very success (tawfīq) to pray (nafs‑i tawfīq‑i duʿāʾ); and answering as the transformation of the prayer into a higher good (tabdīl‑i duʿāʾ bih khayr‑i bartar). In the first, most common interpretation, "non‑answering of prayer" becomes meaningful; according to the second and third, prayer is always answered. This distinctive reading, consistent with transmitted proofs, has valuable consequences: resolution of apparent contradictions in religious texts, effectiveness of all prayers, intrinsic desirability of prayer, re‑examination of "importunate prayer" (duʿāʾ‑i lahn), and prayer as existential wayfaring (sulūk‑i wujūdī). This research clearly reveals the conformity of theosophical principles with revealed teachings, highlights the importance of rational foundations for explaining religious doctrines, and deepens understanding of the philosophy of acts of worship (falsafah‑yi ʿibādāt) in Transcendent Theosophy.

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Main Subjects

References

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Theology Journal
Volume 12, Issue 23 - Serial Number 23
January 2026
Pages 277-298

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