What is the meaning of Ibn al-Zaghuni's statement quoted by Ibn Taymiyyah: "Rather, supplication is a cause for attracting benefits and repelling harms, because it is an act of worship for which the supplicant is rewarded, and through it, benefits are not attracted nor harms repelled, and this is the madhhab of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah"? And according to this statement, does supplication bring benefit and repel harm or not, and who is Ibn al-Zaghuni?

The meaning of Ibn Az-Zaghuni's words is that supplication (du'a') is a means of attracting benefit and repelling harm. For Allah is the Granter of benefit (An-Nafi') and the Inflicter of harm (Ad-Darr), and Allah has made causes for benefit and harm. The effect of a cause is dependent on Allah's response, and the Messenger of Allah sought refuge from a supplication that is not answered. Ibn Taymiyyah said that supplication, reliance on Allah (tawakkul), and righteous deeds are causes for attaining what is supplicated for, concerning the good of this world and the Hereafter. Ibn Az-Zaghuni is Abu Al-Hasan Ali bin Ubayd Allah bin Nasr, the Shaykh of the Hanbalis. He was an Imam, a jurist, and deeply knowledgeable in principles (usul) and branches (furu').