Ash-Shura (Consultation)

26. And He answers [the invocations of] those who believe and do righteous good deeds, and gives them increase of His Bounty. And as for the disbelievers, theirs will be a severe torment.

God Almighty answers the invocations of those who believe and do righteous good deeds. It is worthy of note, however, that answering their invocations depends upon faith and doing righteous good deeds.

Thus it is said in the blessed Verse in question:

“And He answers [the invocations of] those who believe and do righteous good deeds, and gives them increase of His Bounty. And as for the disbelievers, theirs will be a severe torment.”

Taking into account the blessed Verse

“Invoke Me and I shall answer your invocations”

encompassing all men, it becomes apparent that answering invocations is solely restricted to believers. One whose heart is enlightened through faith and monotheism and obeys Divine Commands, God Almighty turns to him and answers his prayers.

It is reflected in traditions that one who approaches God Almighty one span, He will approach him one cubit:

(“One who is for God, God is for him”).

Finally, mention will be made of two traditions. Regarding the invocation in question, Imam Baqir (as) says:

“A believer’s invocation for his brother in faith shall be answered by God Almighty, since He will say that owing to his love for his brother in faith, the invoker and the one for who he invokes will be granted what they require.”1

It is narrated from Imam Sadiq (as) that:

“gives them increase of His Bounty”

makes a reference to the right of believers interceding with God Almighty on behalf of others.¹