The greatest weapon we have (and how indeed to get this message across) but the greatest weapon we possess as humans and that we neglect so much is the power of tears shed begging and pleading to God. It is the greatest untapped resource humans of all backgrounds, cultures, and religions possess.

God created us and His care for our needs is so evident in this world. So much is provided for us so that we may live our lives. The more one ponders the more one is surprised how much care and love has gone in the design of this universe. Yet, there are those who believe that the God who cares so much for our material existence cares not for our spiritual existence. That He listens not to our prayers. And that prayers are worth nothing in this world. How the begging and pleading of someone can go unheard is beyond understanding. Centuries of evidences are available in various holy books of a God who listens and a God who speaks and a God who accepts the prayers of those whom He loves. And even the prayers of those whom He does not love as much. And in the various examples presented in various Holy Books God is shown as an answerer to prayer in this world and not only the hereafter. The Holy Books are full of stories where those whom God loved prayed to God in times of glory and times of despair. And in both cases God answered in so many words and so many actions.

But it is Islam only that tells us that the God Who used to listen has not gone deaf. In fact He still listens. And the God who used to speak has not gone dumb. But still speaks. And the God that used to show Himself to humans through His actions and signs has not suddenly disappeared. Rather He still shows support to those who pray to Him and ask for His help.

This is the major mistake made by several religious scholars. To disregard the use of prayer as a remedy to really solve our daily problems has turned so many to Atheism. And is it not a valid question why the signs of age old have to be believed in without evidence? Why not witness signs in your own life? Is logical argument even enough to prove any theory? If so then why do scientists require tests and practicals?

Haven’t you read the story of Hagar, the wife of Abraham, when she was out searching for signs of water for her baby? And truly her patience in the matter was admirable as she climbed the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times in search of water. But water she did not find. Until finally she came back to her son only to realize water had sprung forth from his feet. Does not such a sign prove that God accepted her efforts? Does it not prove that it was not merely a result of her efforts but an act of God that saved them on that day? Does not human nature crave for such evidences of God’s existence? If it does then why would God deny us now when He did not deny so many before us? Yes, all prayers do not get answered. But those that do leave a positive sign of their being accepted by God such as in the story of Hagar (may Allah be pleased with her).

It is not an exaggeration that it has truly been a humbling (even shameful) time spent writing on this topic. The concept has been basically borrowed from various sections of Barakat-ud-Dua (Urdu|English). The reason it is embarrassing is because doing justice to the original is impossible for this author. These posts are merely a reflection from a dirty mirror of the light that emanates from the sources used and quoted. A most moving passage from that book:

“Have you any notion what was the strange event that occurred in the wasteland of Arabia when hundreds of thousands of the dead were revived within a few days, and those who had been misguided through generations exhibited Divine complexion, and those who were blind began to see, and those who had been dumb began to utter words of Divine wisdom, and the world underwent a revolution which no eye had seen before and no ear had heard of. Do you know how all this came about? It was the supplications during dark nights of one who had lost himself in God which caused a revolution in the world, and showed such wonders as could never have been expected from that Unlettered and Helpless one [the Holy Prophet ﷺ].”