Once a women of fair character happened to pass by a well of water. A dog was struggling there to quench his thirst, but the waster was beyond his reach. The lady wanted to help it but there was no bucket and joining the different lengths of cloth she managed to take water out of the well for the thirsty dog. Her deed received so much favour in the eyes of Allah that she got glad tidings of forgiveness of all her sins and happy reward of paradise after her death. This accidental happening brought a miraculous change in the life of a common women who otherwise was not of a remarkable character. It was the result of prayer not the prayer if a saint or a pious soul but the prayer of a inarticulate animal who received the necessity of life in the extremely needful hour.
Prayer is the most favourable thing before Allah. Everyone is irrespective of his creed or religion has some desires and aspirations which he wants to be fulfilled in addition to putting in his best of efforts. One thinks even unconsciously that there is some supreme power or a hidden being whose help is deemed essential in the consummation of his designs. Therefore, not even in formal way but in the heart of hearts everyone expresses his desire to that unknown supreme force for support and fruition. For a true Muslim that supreme authority is Almighty Allah who himself invites prayers from his men. "Pray unto Me and I will hear your prayers Lo! Those who scorn My service, they will enter hell disgraced" (Al-Quran XL-60). Allah wants his men to beseech him for help in their needs. Allah feels happy to help the needy and the woebegone. A man must pray to Allah even for his smallest need. If Allah is not prayed to He feels offended on the indifferent attitude of man who does not express his heart to Allah. The case of Allah's help is different and full of mercy as compared to that of men. Those who avoid praying to Allah, they estrange Allah and their abode will surly be hell after, prayer is an essential link between man and Allah. Prayer is the acknowledgement of man's subordination to Allah and acceptance of Allah's superiority over him. Man prays to Allah when he feels himself weak and incapable of having cherished desires in his favour. he considers Allah powerful, omnipotent and capable of fulfilling his desire. People who call some of Allah's creatures for help go astray from the right path and become victim to the wrath of Allah. Their condition is like an applicant requesting other applicants for help who themselves have come with their own applications to the competent authority. How ludicrous his action would be in view of the competent authority and how he would annoy the final authority with his foolish behaviour.
The fact remains that whenever a person receives help, it comes only from Allah whether he calls Allah or any other being of His creation. Allah has His own scheme for this universe. He elevates some men according to his own scheme irrespective of the fact they call Him for help or not. But Allah becomes unhappy over the silly behaviour of those who think the are being "helped by someone, else".
Some people have misconception that destiny is predetermined. The writing of the fate cannot be changed through prayer. They conclude that there is no need to pray. They either do not pray or pray without confidence in Allah. But for Allah the case of destiny is different. Nothing can bind Allah from doing or undoing anything. destiny is decided by Allah, it is according to His scheme of things. It is not changed ordinarily. But it can be changed by Allah through the prayer of man it the prayer stems from the core of heart. Allah is kind, his kindness surpasses all Hiss virtues. In response to prayer of help seeker, Allah's kindness surges forth, washes away the earlier writing of destiny and provides man relief that he requests for. Therefore prayers to Allah should never be half hearted. It should always be with full devotion and firm faith in the help from Allah.
Some people are too quick in the matter of prayer. They pronounce that their prayers are not heard so there is no use to pray. This is merely a misconception. Prayers are heard and responded favourably from Allah provided the prayers fulfill the requirements of a prayer. Such prayers should evolve from the purity of heart. It should be free from undue harm or damage to anyone. It should not be for the fulfillment of selfish means at the cost of others.
With the purity of heart the purity of body is also essential. The dress the person puts on, the food he eats, and the means with which he feeds contrary, a person amassing wealth through unfair means, howsoever he may cry bitterly, his prayer will be thrown back at his face unheeded.
Prayers achieve grater degree of acceptance at certain places, times, and by certain persons.
Places:
4. Loneliness
5. Mosque
Whenever Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) encountered any danger he went to Mosque and prayed to Allah.
Times/Occasions:
1. Pilgrimage
2. Odd nights of the last one third of Ramzan ul Mubarik
3. Eid Nights
5. Last moments of night before dawn (Tahajjad)
Persons:
1. Fast observer at the time of completion of fast
2. cruelty stricken and oppressed person
3. travellers for the noble cause
4. Just ruler who dispenses justice only due to the fear of accountability before Allah.
One should resort to Allah for prayers in all circumstances and for all things the smallest or the greatest. Prayer accomplishes not only the desired objectives but also it renews man's pledge of total submission and confession of humility to Allah. With an optimistic hope one must pray to Allah for his own self, family welfare country's development and the whole humanity. He would be showered with blessings, peace and protection in this world and a favourable reward in the life to come.
