What is meant by "prayer" in His (the Most High's) saying: (And seek help through patience and prayer)? Does it include both obligatory and supererogatory prayers? And how does prayer help in fulfilling needs and relieving distress? And does the prayer of need have a specific time, or is it permissible to perform it at any time, even during a time when prayer is prohibited?

The prayer mentioned in the noble verse "And seek help through patience and prayer" includes both obligatory and supererogatory prayers; this is due to the generality of the wording.

The scholar Al-Shinqiti mentioned that seeking help through prayer brings sustenance and restrains from indecency and evil. Al-Maraghi shows that prayer helps in subduing the soul from desires and observing Allah.

Prayer becomes a means of help in fulfilling needs and alleviating distress if the worshiper performs it, fulfilling its conditions, pillars, obligations, Sunnahs, and etiquettes, with humility, submission, and repentance. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, when faced with a difficulty, would hasten to prayer, and the coolness of his eyes was made in it.

The prayer for need is permissible at all times, except during times of prohibition or dislike.

When in distress, a Muslim can seek help through the supplication of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him: "There is no god but Allah, the Great, the Forbearing. There is no god but Allah, Lord of the Magnificent Throne. There is no god but Allah, Lord of the heavens and Lord of the earth and Lord of the Noble Throne."