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Fatwa CenterDivine Decree and man's responsibility
Question
My brother was wrongly accused and he is still in the prison waiting for the decison by the judge..
I read some where that all the problems are fate.. so we could not have done any thing to avoid this problem..but I also read that you get whatyou work for.
My quesion is if it is written then why should we even try?
And also is it proven by hadith to read " La Ilaha Illa anta subhanaka inni kuntu min azzalameen 125,000/- times during time of trouble????
Answer
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 
is His slave and Messenger.
Know that belief in al-Qadar (Divine Destiny) does not mean neglecting material procedures to accomplish some goal. In other words, observing necessary and materials steps to accomplish some goal is part and parcel of Al-Qadar. Even if we strongly believe in Al-Qadar, we are ordered to take all means that lead to ends, Allah willing.
Briefly,Ibn Taymiyyah 
said: 'Depending on material procedures and means and considering them as the only causes that lead to results constitutes a form of Shirk (polytheism). At the same time, giving up means and what causes results, a thing that Allah has ordered us to do, constitutes a violation to Sharee’ah.
Al-‘Aqeedah At-Taahawiyah’s book reads: 'Some may think that At-Tawakkal (trust in Allah) and dependence on Him contradicts following material causes and needed acts as well (as some may understand), we believe in al-Qadar means that we do not need to adopt material means and procedures. Such a belief, for sure, is not sound. In reality, it is badly needed to take all material procedures and means, since some of them are obligatory, some recommendable, some permitted and others forbidden.
The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, represents the best among those who believe and put At-Tawakkul into practice. For example, he used to wear a special outfit or coat of mail for war as well as he used to visit bazaars for work and gain.
Ibn Al-Qayyim said: 'Following the material means and procedures that Allah has decided gives At-Tawheed (monotheism) its complete state, and neglecting such means contradicts At-Tawakkul on Allah concerning getting what is beneficial and getting rid of what is harmful in this world and in the Hereafter’.
Stopping At-Tawakkul means cancellation of At-Tawakkul. This means that we are ordered to adopt all material means and procedures. Otherwise, one is considered as a suspender of Sharee’ah and wise. So, one should not make his Tawakkul as a form of failure and incapacity and vice versa.
As a result, observing beneficial material means and procedures in all walks of life is included in al-Qadar, and there is no contradiction between them; otherwise, we become of those who refuse wisdom, or try to cancel divine norms, and then, spoil the public interests.
As for Du'a (supplication) you mentioned in your question, it is Du'a of Allah's Prophet Yunus (Junah) 
when he fell in distress, {……. Laa ilaaha illa Anta [none has the right to be worshipped but You (O Allah)], Glorified (and Exalted) are You [above all that (evil) they associate with You]. Truly, I have been of the wrong-doers."} [Quran 21:87]
The Prophet said: “Du’a of Zul Noon (i.e. Prophet Yunus) when he was in the belly of a whale (or fish) (there is no God but You (Allah). Glory be to You. I was indeed wrong). No doubt, any Muslim who prays to Allah for something with such words, his prayers will be answered.” [Ahmad and At-Tirmithi]
But, it is not permitted to fix a number as you mentioned since there is no Sharee’ah evidence in this concern. For sure, fixing a number is a form of innovation, i.e. it is not allowed.
Allah knows best.
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