Remembrance 7 from Chapter 338

Imam al-Ghazālī says: “If it be asked: ‘What is the benefit of du‘ā’ when destiny cannot be avoided?’ then know that one of the things that are predestined is the avoidance of tribulation by means of du‘ā’. Du‘ā’ is the means of warding off tribulations and for the existence of mercy, just as a shield is the means of defence against a weapon and water is the cause of plants coming out of the earth. As a shield wards off an arrow, so they oppose one another; it is likewise with du‘ā’ and tribulation. It is not a condition of acknowledging and accepting destiny that one not carry a weapon, for Allah says: ‘They should be on their guard and keep hold of their weapons.’ ^[10].

Read entire context