Ethics

 Most people pray to God at certain times for certain reasons. Almost everybody knows what praying signifies, but the believers' prayers are completely different from those of the unbelievers. Believers turn to God at all times and pray wholeheartedly. Prayers made to impress others, pursue one's self-interest, or ward off disaster may not be acceptable by God. The following verses deal with this matter:

He is the Living - there is no deity but Him - so call on Him, making your religion sincerely His. (Qur'an, 40:65)

Call on your Lord humbly and secretly. (Qur'an, 7:55)

Restrain yourself patiently with those who call on their Lord morning and evening, desiring His face. (Qur'an, 18:28) If My servants ask you about Me, I am near. I answer the call of the caller when he calls on Me. They should therefore respond to Me and believe in Me, so that, hopefully, they will be rightly guided. (Qur'an, 2:186)

Both the Bible and the Torah stress the importance of prayer and provide examples of the believers' prayers. We relate some of these below: And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. (Ephasians, 6:18)

And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites. (Matthew, 6:5) And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans. (Matthew, 6:7) If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. (Matthew, 21:22)

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (Colossians, 4:2) The Torah reveals that praying is an important act of worship, how prayers should be made, and that God answers prayers: The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear [and respect] Him; He hears their cry and saves them. The LORD watches over all who love Him. (Psalms, 145:18-20) I spread out my hands to You; my soul thirsts for You like a parched land. Answer me quickly... Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul. Rescue me from my enemies, O LORD, for I hide myself in You. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God... in Your righteousness, bring me out of trouble. (Psalm, 143:6-11)

Adapted from: "A Call for Unity" by: "Harun Yahya"