Q: Is there anyone other than Allah (Exalted be He) who has the ability to relieve hardship, distress or can ward off affliction? This question implies further ten questions, as many people belonging to various Madh-hab (School of jurisprudence) ask the same question.This question is crucial but no answer is provided for it and it may lead someone to think about the different means that (Part No. 1; Page No. 145

A: Allah (Exalted be He) is the Only One that neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him, and He Alone is the One Who hears the invocations of those who supplicate wherever they are and whatever language they speak. Moreover, He answers them in respect to their conditions, whether they are sane or insane, and He (Exalted be He) is the Only One Who can bring about benefit or harm. However, Allah (Exalted be He) empowers His servants with normal causes and supports them to do such good and He arranges all the results accordingly. For example, the doctor diagnoses a disease and prescribes medication with the Support of Allah (Exalted be He) but the cure comes only from Him. In plowing, the farmer spreads the grains and waters the land and this is done by Allah's Support, and Allah is the One Who is responsible for the results of the plowing and planting of crops and trees and of finding seeds and fruits, in addition to many other examples. 1- Therefore, none but Allah (Exalted be He) removes adversity, however Allah may allow someone to be the cause of removing it; like in the previous examples of the doctor and the plowman. The Only One who can hear the supplicant from a far distance and answer him is Allah (Exalted be He). The dead can never hear the supplication and beseeching of a person and even if they hear, they will not answer, for Allah (Exalted be He) says, Such is Allâh, your Lord; His is the kingdom. And those, whom you invoke or call upon instead of Him, own not even a Qitmîr (the thin membrane over the date-stone). If you invoke (or call upon) them, they hear not your call; and if (in case) they were to hear, they could not grant it (your request) to you. And on the Day of Resurrection, they will disown your worshipping them. And none can inform you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) like Him Who is the All-Knower (of everything). (Part No. 1; Page No. 148)  2- Only Allah (Exalted be He) knows the languages of all creatures and none can hear every supplicant, understand what they say and respond to their needs. 3- If we assume that someone knows all the languages in the world - which is impossible - they will not be able to hear and fulfill the numerous needs of all the people in different places asking at the same time. 4- A human being cannot listen to all supplicants and answer their recurring needs at all times, as humans are liable to forgetfulness, negligence, weakness and sleep. The Only One Who can do this is Allah, the Ever Living, the Sustainer, the One that neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. 5- None can ever know the hidden needs and requirements of others except Allah (Exalted be He); hence, how it can be possible for anyone other than Him to fulfill their needs if they do not say it? 6-10 As previously mentioned, it is obvious that none can remove adversity or harm except Allah (Exalted be He) just as none can bring about welfare and goodness but Him. (Part No. 1; Page No. 149) He (Exalted be He) says: "And invoke not besides Allâh, any such that will neither profit you nor harm you, but if (in case) you did so, you shall certainly be one of the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers)." And if Allâh touches you with harm, there is none who can remove it but He, and if He intends any good for you, there is none who can repel His Favour which He causes it to reach whomsoever of His slaves He wills. And He is the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful. May Allah grant us Success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.