Assalaamu alaykum. I have a simple question. A person whom I know prays to Allaah for wealth, power, and wisdom so that he can help his Ummah (Islamic community) (besides praying for it). However, he does not know how he would help and is neither rich nor intelligent. Is this type of praying good, or is he merely burdening himself?

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

It is prescribed to supplicate Allah for wealth, power, wisdom, and similar good things. Ibn ‘Abbaas said, "The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, embraced me and supplicated, 'O Allah, teach him wisdom.'" [Al-Bukhaari]

Al-Bukhaari allocated a chapter in his book Saheeh Al-Bukhaari entitled, "Chapter: To supplicate Allah for the increase of wealth along with blessing." He cited the following hadeeth in it: Anas reported that (his mother) Umm Sulaym said to the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, "O Messenger of Allah, Anas is your servant; supplicate Allah in his favor." The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said, "O Allah, increase his wealth and offspring and bless for him what you give him."

For more benefit, please refer to fatwa 88282.

There is no doubt that the sincere believer will not fail to find a way to help his Ummah by means of providing food for the hungry and clothing for the unclothed, helping the distressed, supporting the wronged, maintaining ties of kinship with the relatives, teaching the ignorant, guiding those who have gone astray, and the like of the endless righteous deeds.

Allah knows best.