have other causes as well—and for the one who prays, these may in fact be a trial. We know that even the unbelievers sometimes have their requests granted: rain is sent to them, they are given victory, assisted, and provided for, all while they call upon their idols and seek their intercession.

Allah the Exalted says:
“To each—these as well as those—we extend from your Lord’s bounty; your Lord’s bounty is never withheld” (Qur’an 17:20).

He also says:
“And there were men among humankind who sought protection with men from the jinn, and they only increased them in burden” (Qur’an 72:6).

The underlying causes of what Allah decrees are numerous—too many to list here—and this is not the place to detail them. What is required of people is to follow what Allah sent His messengers with and to know that in it lies the good of this world and the Hereafter.

God willing, I shall clarify some of the reasons behind these effects in another context.