The Destitute Ones have their Lord

In reference to the previous post "Prayer of the needy", the ayat of the Quran mentioned by Imam Junayd al Baghdadi is discussed: 


"He Who answers the constrained, when he calls unto Him, and removes the evil". (27:62)


There are quite a few different translations for this verse due to the richness of the Arabic language and the difficulty of translation. Some tranlsations use the word "Constrained" while others use "destitute", "desperate", and "distressed".


One particular translation of this verse is by the Royal Aal-Al-Bayt institute project:

"Or He Who answers the desperate one when he calls to Him and Who removes [his] distress and makes you successors in the earth. Is there a god with God? Little do you remember."


Regardless of the translation, the subject of this verse is the seeking of help from God in a state of utter desperation for relief. And Imam Junayd's anecdote beautifully illustrates its meaning.

However, here is a commentary from Sahl al Tustari:


"Sahl was asked, ‘Who is the destitute one (muḍṭarr)?’ He replied:It is the person who, when he raises his hands [in prayer], does not see himself having any good deeds other than the profession of God’s oneness (tawḥīd), and even considers himself in danger [of losing that]. On another occasion he said:The destitute person (muḍṭarr) is the one who has washed his hands of all power (ḥawl), strength (quwwa) and reprehensible means (asbāb madhmūma). Supplication (daʿwa) from mankind is of two kinds, and is answered, without doubt, whether it be from a believer or unbeliever: the supplication of the destitute (muḍṭarr) and the supplication of the oppressed (maẓlūm); for God says, Exalted is He: Or [is] He who answers the destitute one when he calls to Him… [better]?, and He also says, and who provides for you from the heavens and [from] the earth [27:64]. The supplication of the oppressed is raised above the veil, and God, Exalted is He, responds with the words; ‘By My glory and majesty, I will come to your aid though it may be after a while.’"