Can we change our destiny by "dua"?

In Islam, the concept of destiny, or "qadar," is significant, and it is believed that while certain aspects of our destiny are predetermined by Allah, there are ways to influence outcomes through prayer, or "dua."

The Qur'an emphasizes the importance of prayer in various contexts. For instance, it teaches that when one seeks help from Allah, it can lead to changes in their circumstances. Al-Mizan notes that while everything that is to happen has already been decreed, this does not prevent the efficacy of prayer in fulfilling certain needs and desires, as it plays a role in the causal chain of events.

Specifically, a narration from Abu al-Hassan Musa states: You must pray and plead before Allah for help; pleading before Allah for help and requesting from Him repels misfortunes even though they may have already been measured - and determined, Qudiya and Quddira, and are set to take place free of all obstacles except final approval, al-‘Imda’. When Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy, is called for help and is requested to remove a misfortune, He diverts it without fail. Al-Kafi 3:3069. This highlights that prayer can indeed alter the course of events that have been predetermined.

Moreover, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also emphasized the power of dua in his teachings. He conveyed that "nothing turns away the decree (fate) except prayer (du'a)" (Al-Mizan). This indicates that while destiny has its course, sincere supplication can lead to changes in what is decreed.

In summary, while destiny encompasses certain predetermined aspects, engaging in sincere dua is a means through which believers can seek assistance from Allah and potentially alter their circumstances.