Can’t take no for an answer: what are the general guidelines of having a dua accepted?

I have been in search of a Muslim wife for some time and although some proposals came through I wasn’t happy as such. All of a sudden a proposal came through and for the first time this sister had everything I was ever looking for in a wife. However she declined as she said her father would only accept some one who has a lot of knowledge of Qur'an as well as at least basic Arabic while I know only a couple of big surahs, and a few small surah's and have no knowledge of Arabic. She is nearly a hafiz alhumdullilah, and said she wishes to leave it where it is as she knows here father will not accept and she is not of a rebellious nature... I really wanted to marry this Muslimah and wondered if there was a dua which could turn the heart of her father. She has stopped pursuing proposals for the near future. I have started learning Arabic and also Surah Mulk and have increased my worship and attachment to Allaah as this event has made me realise how behind as a Muslim I really am. I also have made dua to Allaah that if this eventually comes through I will learn Surah Al-Bakarah... is it wrong for me to do this? I really really want for this one to come through as I have been in search of a wife for nearly three years and since my family is not religious, proposals through them are of a similar nature. Also some of the religious Muslimah's in the past that have come forward I have not been inclined to even after istikhaara. Also what are the general guidelines of having a dua accepted?

Assalamu Alaikum,

You might want to go and talk to the dad about your intentions and if he has any conditions you could try to fulfill them. Also, make Dua to Allah that if it is good for you, that he will turn the heart of her father to accept you as a son in-law. If for whatever reason, it doesn’t fall through, then don’t let it sadden you excessively because whatever happens in life, there is some goodness in it Insha Allah.

Please view the following:

Supplications for a Spouse

The Prayer of Need (Salat al-Hajah)

May Allah choose the best spouse for you.

Sincerely,

Nazim Mangera