What is the ruling on saying "bala" (بلى) with the intention of affirming that Allah will not forsake us, and is its use linguistically correct in this context, knowing that it is used in response to a negative interrogative?

"Bala" is used to negate a denial, whether it is a simple denial or one accompanied by an interrogation, such as: (The disbelievers claim that they will never be resurrected. Say: Nay, by my Lord!) or (Did no warner come to you? They said: Yea). As for "Na'am," it is used to affirm a statement, such as: "Allah will not abandon us," its affirmation being "Na'am."

The unintentional error in using these two particles is forgivable, because what matters is the intention and purpose, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Indeed, actions are by intentions." Some of the Companions erred in their usage and were not taken to task for it. It is indeed authentically reported in Sahih Muslim that when the Prophet (peace be upon him) recited: (Our Lord, do not hold us accountable if we forget or make a mistake), Allah the Almighty said: "Yes."

Some scholars have held the view that it is permissible to answer with "bala" even if it is not preceded by a negation, which is what is found in some hadiths, such as the hadith of Amr ibn Abasa when he said to the Prophet (peace be upon him): (O Messenger of Allah, do you recognize me? He said: Yes, you are the one who met me in Mecca. Then he said: Indeed). However, Ibn Hisham considers this usage rare and not applicable to the Quran.