Alsalamu Alaykum, I am confused about the matter of karamas for awliya and transgression in dua. On one hand, the scholars say it is not permissible to ask for something impossible as that is transgression, and on the other I have heard that it is ok because some awliya of Allah have impossible things happening to them. For example, if a teen asks Allah to give him muscles or height or a nice face is this transgression? What about a cure for the one who has weak eyesight? Please clarify this matter for me.

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that none is worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is His slave and messenger.

Firstly, it is established that transgression in supplication is prohibited as per the Sharee'ah. Muslim scholars clarified the acts that fall under the category of transgression in supplication, one of which is asking for what is impossible and inconceivable according to universal norms and human standards. This applies to the supplication recited by this young man, asking Allah, The Exalted, to bless him with a handsome face and the like.

Secondly, asking Allah, The Exalted, for something deemed conceivable according to universal norms and human standards does not fall under the category of the prohibited transgression in supplication. That said, one may supplicate Allah, The Exalted, to bless a blind person with recovery of sight. This is evidenced by the Hadeeth stating that a blind man came to the Prophet asking him to supplicate Allah to heal him. He said to him: “If you wish I will supplicate for you, and if you wish, you can be patient, for that is better for you.” He then supplicated for him, as requested, and the man recovered his sight. [At-Tirmithi and Ibn Maajah]

Thirdly, the Karaamaat, as defined by scholars, are supernatural abilities granted by Allah to a righteous person in violation of universal norms and human standards. However, this does not mean that such a righteous person would ask Allah, The Exalted, for something deemed impossible and inconceivable according to universal norms and human standards. Rather, Allah supports him with such (unsolicited) Karaamaat from sources he does not expect, like what happened with the People of the Cave and the sustenance provided by Allah, The Exalted, to Maryam, may Allaah exalt her mention.

Fourthly, a Muslim should devote his efforts and energy to performing whatever benefits him in the worldly life and the Hereafter and avoid delving into such problematic matters, the investigation of which yields no real benefit.

Allah knows best.