Hadithcore
Riyad as-Salihin, 1743

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) said:

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "You must not supplicate: 'O Allah! forgive me if You wish; O Allah bestow mercy on me if You wish.' But beg from Allah with certitude for no one has the power to compel Allah." <b>[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]</b> Another narration of Muslim is: "A supplication should be made in full confidence and one should persistently express his desire (before Allah) in his supplication, for no bounty is too great for Allah to bestow (upon his slaves)."

عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال‏:‏ ‏"‏لا يقولن أحدكم‏:‏ اللهم اغفر لي إن شئت‏:‏ اللهم ارحمني إن شئت، ليعزم المسألة، فإنه لا مكره له‏"‏ ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏ ‏(‏‏(‏وفي رواية لمسلم‏:‏ ‏"‏ولكن ليعزم، وليعظم الرغبة، فإن الله تعالى، لا يتعاظمه شيء أعطاه‏"‏‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

References1 variant
In-Book Reference
Book 17, Hadith 233
Sharh · explanationclick to expand
<b>Guidance from the Hadiths:</b><br> 1) A supplicant should worship his Lord by invoking His perfect attributes. He manages the affairs of His servants and nothing escapes His power. He is never defeated or overcome.<br> 2) Part of the complete servitude to Allah Almighty is to ask Him from His great bounty.
Related hadiths2
Compare isnād across 2 related chains →