Many Muslims ask whether it is permissible to repeatedly say "La Hawla wa La Quwwata Illa Billah" with the intention of having their prayers answered and seeking relief from hardship.

Islamic scholars agree that Hawqala is one of the greatest forms of remembrance (dhikr) and that Muslims are encouraged to recite it frequently. However, they should believe that all benefit, relief, and acceptance of prayers come from Allah alone, while this remembrance is one of the means of drawing closer to Him.

What Is Hawqala?

Hawqala refers to the phrase:

"La Hawla wa La Quwwata Illa Billah."
(There is no power and no strength except through Allah.)

This blessed phrase expresses complete reliance on Allah and recognition that no one has the ability to accomplish anything without His help.

The Virtue of Saying "La Hawla wa La Quwwata Illa Billah"

Authentic hadiths highlight the immense virtue of this remembrance. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said to Abdullah ibn Qays:

"Shall I not tell you of a treasure from the treasures of Paradise? It is: La Hawla wa La Quwwata Illa Billah."
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

Because of this, scholars describe it as one of the greatest forms of dhikr that strengthens faith and reliance upon Allah.

The Meaning of "La Hawla wa La Quwwata Illa Billah"

Scholars explained that this phrase means:

• There is no power to avoid sin except with Allah's protection.
• There is no strength to obey Allah except with His help.
• No one can bring benefit or remove harm except by Allah's will.

These meanings reinforce sincere trust in Allah while continuing to take lawful means.

The Islamic Ruling on Hawqala for Answered Prayers

It is permissible to repeat "La Hawla wa La Quwwata Illa Billah" with the intention of seeking Allah's mercy, relief, and acceptance of one's supplications, as it is an authentic form of remembrance encouraged in Islam.

However, Muslims should not believe that repeating it a specific number of times guarantees the acceptance of a prayer, as no authentic text from the Quran or Sunnah prescribes a particular number for fulfilling needs.

Hawqala During the Last Third of the Night

The last third of the night is among the best times for supplication and remembrance. The Prophet ﷺ taught that Allah descends to the lowest heaven in a manner befitting His Majesty and says:

"Who is calling upon Me so that I may answer him? Who is asking of Me so that I may give him? Who is seeking My forgiveness so that I may forgive him?"

For this reason, many Muslims increase their remembrance, supplication, and Hawqala during this blessed time.

Scholars' Views on the Virtue of Hawqala

Islamic scholars explain that Hawqala strengthens reliance upon Allah, brings peace to the heart, and reminds believers that all power belongs to Allah alone.

They also emphasize that it is a treasure from the treasures of Paradise and one of the greatest words of remembrance taught by the Prophet ﷺ.

Benefits of Frequently Reciting Hawqala

Among the benefits of regularly saying "La Hawla wa La Quwwata Illa Billah" are:

• Strengthening trust in Allah.
• Increasing remembrance of Allah.
• Bringing peace and reassurance to the heart.
• Helping believers remain steadfast in worship.
• Earning great rewards promised in the Sunnah.

Is it permissible to say "La Hawla wa La Quwwata Illa Billah" for answered prayers?

Yes. It is permissible to recite it frequently while hoping that Allah accepts your supplications, knowing that only Allah grants acceptance.

Is Hawqala a treasure from Paradise?

Yes. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ described it as a treasure from the treasures of Paradise in an authentic hadith.

Is there a specific number for repeating Hawqala?

No. There is no authentic evidence prescribing a specific number of repetitions to fulfill needs or guarantee answered prayers.

When is the best time to recite Hawqala?

It may be recited at any time, especially during the last third of the night, after prayers, and throughout the day as part of regular remembrance.

What does "La Hawla wa La Quwwata Illa Billah" mean?

It means that no one has the power or strength to obey Allah, avoid sin, or achieve any good except through Allah's help and permission.