Written and collected by Zia H Shah MD

Introduction

Prayer (duʿāʾ) is a central act of worship in Islam, and the Qur’an repeatedly affirms that Allah listens to and answers those who call upon Him. Three verses in particular highlight this theme: Surah al-Baqarah 2:186, Surah al-Naml 27:62, and Surah al-Raʿd 13:14. These verses, addressed to believers and skeptics alike, emphasize that God is “near” to His servants, responds to the call of the distressed, and that He alone has the power to answer prayers. In this commentary, we will explore each verse in depth with insights from classical exegetes – including al-Ṭabarī, Fakhr al-Dīn al-Rāzī, and Ibn Kathīr – as well as contemporary reflections. We will also discuss the theological implications of Allah’s responsiveness, the conditions for answered prayer, and the enduring spiritual relevance of these verses for believers today.

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