When does God answer a prayer?

God answers prayers by the same principle by which good parents grant their children’s wishes: He gives what is good and deserved, and withholds what would cause harm. Someone who turns to God only when they need something, and ignores His call the rest of the time, cannot expect the same as a faithful child.

The answering of prayers follows the same principle we know from human relationships. Do parents grant every wish their children make? No. They give when the child deserves it and when it is good for the child. The only difference is that people often do not know what their child truly deserves, and often cannot give it. God knows exactly, and He can give whatever He wills.

Sometimes a small child cries for something dangerous, such as wanting to touch a live electric wire. It screams and kicks, but no mother will allow it. How then could God grant every request, even one that would cause harm? Whether a prayer is answered therefore also depends on what we ask for and how we ask.

There are also obedient children and rebellious ones. A child who never listens to its parents does not receive as readily what a loving child receives. Many people treat God in exactly this way. They come only when they need something, and ignore His call to recognise Him and to do good to others. In this way they treat God like a servant who is supposed to fulfil their wishes.

When such a request is not granted, some turn away from God entirely and say He does not exist. The hadith above warns against precisely this impatience. The first verse shows the right way: God is near and answers, and we in turn should listen to Him and believe in Him.