Could someone explain this hadith insha allah?

[Jalal~]

"Whenever you make a supplication for another believer and he is not present, an angel will say ‘and same to you."

What does it mean when the above hadith says "and he is not present"? Does this mean when the believer is not in the same room with you, or when the believer does not know that you are making dua for him? I'm just wondering. Jazakallah Khair.

[Woodrow]

I do not see any reason to not take it as literal.

"and he is not present" means he is not present. If you took attendance in the room or visible vicinity, he would not be within range to make his presence known.

[Jalal~]

jazakallah khair for your answer brother

[ayesha.ansari]

Well when ever you are praying for some one with true believe that it will happen with him/her then ALLAH decides that is that better for the other person to reward or wait . We all pray for our loved one to come and see us or care for us May ALLAH fulfills our legal desires and help all other people who need our prayers.