The ruling on supplicating with the phrase: “O Allah, be gentle with us in what the decrees have brought about”

The questioner:
May Allah reward you, Your Eminence, father. The questioner asks: What is the ruling on this supplication, “O Allah, be gentle with us in what the decrees have brought about”?

The Shaykh:
May Allah.

The questioner:
“Be gentle with us in what the decrees have brought about.” He asks: What is the difference between this and the supplication, “O Allah, we do not ask You to change the decree, but we ask You for gentleness in it”?

The Shaykh:
There is nothing wrong with the supplication “Be gentle with us in what the decrees have brought about.” This means: lighten for us what You have decreed for us. Lightening is from Allah the Exalted, and assistance is from Allah the Exalted, as are patience and seeking reward. This is part of Allah’s gentleness, unlike despair and complaining, which are among what is forbidden. It is forbidden to despair, to be discontent, or to complain about what the decrees have brought about. Yes.