May the Best Happen

Question: Is the prayer “May the best happen” an acceptable prayer?

Answer: Our Prophet (peace be upon him) says, "When you pray, ask with determination," and he also states, "Allah does not accept the prayer of a heedless heart" (a heart not focused on the prayer, distracted by other thoughts). In this regard, we should ask from Allah with determination. Before this determination, if possible, we should conduct research, seek advice, and contemplate.

From this perspective, the prayer "Hayırlısı olsun," which leaves the main request ambiguous and is a kind of laziness and evasion, is not a prayer; it is an unproductive and useless wish.

On the other hand, when a person's actual desire is clear, but they are indecisive on the path forward—for example, they have thought and researched, realized that computer engineering suits them, but are undecided about the city and university—they might be afraid of the unknown. In this case, if they say, "O Allah, I do not know; You know. I am Your servant; You are my Lord. I am weak; You know me better than I know myself. You are capable of everything. For my world, hereafter, personal success, and happiness, grant what is most suitable, good, and beautiful," intending, "May the best happen, O Allah," then this is a beautiful prayer and is similar to the recommended istikhara prayer mentioned in the hadith.

Indeed, a person's preferences are their responsibility. One should not fall into laziness, should conduct research, and seek advice from experts and experienced individuals. After making clear decisions, one should be determined and persistent.

However, it should not be forgotten that we do not know everything, and we may not evaluate every alternative correctly. We should seek Allah's knowledge, ask Him to guide us to what is "good, right, beautiful, and beneficial" for us.