Is the lack of answered prayers and relief from distress due to the sole source of income being from interest on investment certificates and credit cards, thus rendering the money unlawful, and consequently, charities are not accepted and prayers are not answered?

Investment certificates in interest-based banks are a loan, and their interest is usury (riba). However, in Islamic banks, they are permissible if they adhere to the Sharia (definition) regulations regarding Mudarabah (definition) (profit-sharing partnership).

Credit cards are impermissible if they include a late payment penalty or an additional charge for cash withdrawals. They are permissible if they are free from impermissible conditions.

It is possible to substitute impermissible certificates and cards with permissible ones in Islamic banks. Impermissible ones are permitted out of necessity.

One should rely on Allah, trust in Him, and be patient during tribulation. Allah Almighty says: "And whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him." [At-Talaq (definition): 2-3]. And the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Indeed, the greatness of the reward is with the greatness of the affliction. And indeed, when Allah loves a people, He afflicts them. So, whoever is content, for him is contentment, and whoever is displeased, for him is displeasure."