Each of these two groups will receive a share of what they have earned, and Allah will repay them in keeping with their deeds (1) and their intentions: for those whose works are accepted the recompense will revolve around grace, beneficence, and sheer generosity, whereas for the others it will revolve around perfect justice and wisdom.
This verse proves that Allah, exalted is He, answers the call of every supplicant—Muslim or unbeliever, righteous or wicked. Yet His response to someone’s plea is not, by itself, evidence of His love or nearness, except when the request pertains to the Hereafter and to matters essential to the faith. Whoever finds his supplication granted in these lasting concerns has received glad tidings and the clearest sign of Allah’s favor and closeness.
The good that is sought in this world includes everything the servant finds pleasing and that perfects his life: ample, wholesome, lawful provision; a righteous spouse; children who gladden the eye; ease and comfort; beneficial knowledge; righteous deeds; and every other beneficial, desirable, and permissible aim.
The good of the Hereafter, on the other hand, is deliverance from the punishments awaiting God’s servants—the torment of the grave, the terrors of the Gathering, and the punishment of the Fire—together with Allah’s good pleasure, the attainment of everlasting bliss, and nearness to the Most Merciful.
Thus this supplication is the most comprehensive and perfect of prayers, and the one most worthy of preference. The Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—frequently recited it and urged others to do the same.
When Allah, exalted be He, had completed the rulings concerning the rites, He commanded abundant remembrance of Him during the appointed days—the Days of Tashrīq, according to the majority of exegetes—because of their excellence and honor, because the remaining rites are performed during them, and because during those days the pilgrims are guests of Allah. For that reason fasting on them has been forbidden, and remembrance of Allah therein has a distinction not