If the basic principle of supplication (du’a) is that it is answered, then why have specific times and places been designated for the answering of supplication? And does answering mean fulfilling what is requested in this worldly life instead of elevating it for the Hereafter? And what is the difference between an ordinary supplication and a supplication made at these times and in these places?

A Muslim's supplication is answered at all times if it fulfills its conditions and its impediments are removed. Certain times, places, and circumstances are specified for supplication due to their virtue, as the answer is more likely during them. The response varies: it may be hastened for the servant, or stored for him in the Hereafter, or evil similar to what he asked for may be averted from him, according to what Allah wills and knows is best for the servant, not what the servant thinks is best for him. Allah Almighty says: "But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not." The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: "No Muslim supplicates with a supplication in which there is no sin or severing of kinship ties, except that Allah grants him one of three things."