The Interaction between Duʿāʾ and Amr Allāh: A Bidirectional Analysis within the Framework of the Qur’anic Text

Authors
R. tayyarinejhad 1
A. Khoshmanesh 2
1 Doctoral student of Quran and Hadith Sciences, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
2 University of Tehran
Abstract
God calls human beings to engage in duʿāʾ (supplication), opening a linguistic and dialogical channel of interaction between Himself and humanity. In significant instances within the Qur’anic text, duʿāʾ is closely linked to the concept of amr Allāh (amr ilāhī-divine command or decree). This study aims to analyze the interaction between these two concepts using thematic content analysis, striving to develop a Qur’anic model of the interplay between duʿāʾ and amr Allāh. The findings indicate a dynamic, threefold interaction among the concepts of amr Allāh, ṭamaʿ (hope or longing), and duʿāʾ within a unified context. This interaction reveals that amr Allāh, understood as the special governance of God, is the primary source of ṭamaʿ in the sense of worldly hope, while duʿāʾ is an action emanating from such hope. An analysis of verses from Surahs al-Aʿrāf, Ar-Raʿd, Ibrāhīm, An-Naḥl, As-Sajda, and Ghāfir demonstrates that duʿāʾ derives its meaning in the context of amr Allāh—a reality that encompasses both the established natural laws (sunan) of creation and the possibility of direct divine intervention beyond natural causes. By understanding that the universe is founded upon amr Allāh, human beings come to believe that God is capable of changing any state or condition. From this perspective, duʿāʾ invites humans to active participation in the administration of the world and the possibility of altering destiny. It is recognized as a key means in fulfilling human vicegerency (khilāfat Allāhī), reminding individuals of their responsibility toward the world. Sincerity (ikhlāṣ) and knowledge (awareness of the status of amr Allāh) are identified as two necessary conditions for the efficacy of duʿāʾ, illustrating that human involvement in the governance of the world is conditional upon their spiritual and ethical development.

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Subjects

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Quranic and Hadith Researches of Modares
Volume 11, Issue 20
August 2025
Pages 114-143