The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) – Volume III — Page 90
Seal of the Prophets - Volume III 90 Quite the contrary, the central point of this discussion is whether prayers are actually accepted and whether anything does in fact come about as a result of prayer. If the result of the acceptance of prayer is discerned and is discerned in such a state where no possibility of a misconception exists and an insightful, reliable and truthful community of people testify to it and then in different circumstances such an observance is substantiated by recurrent experience, then in such a case, no reasonable individual can doubt it. In other matters, we base our decisions on the testimony of reliable individuals and the entire world accepts this approach to decision-making. Moreover, even new scientific discoveries, at least initially, are accepted upon the testimony of scientists, despite how unexpected or strange they may be. Therefore, there is no reason why the acceptance, miracles and marvels of prayer be denied in the existence of testimony by wise and truthful people, as is commonly found amongst various people of different eras. A Common Principle Between Science & Prayer Moreover, if it is alleged that the discoveries of science are such that every individual who wishes to acquire their knowledge and employs the course which is specified for the acquisition of this knowledge and utilises the tools and means which are necessary in ascertaining those matters, then it is possible. Then the answer to this is, “O our misinformed brothers! May Allāh open your eyes!” Precisely so is the case in the matter of prayer, miracles and supernatural phenomena. In other words, the same eternal law is applicable to those things as well. An individual who is truly desirous of experiencing their verities and treads the path which is the path for the acquisition of this knowledge and employs the means which are specified for the discovery of its truth and in this endeavour one does not tread the wrong path and go astray; then it is impossible that he is deprived from reaching the true results, which are destined for every individual who works honestly and appropriately, whether it relates to the field of science or the field of spirituality. For the source of both is the being of God and both are subjected to a single, eternal rule. Alas! With relation to the knowledge of this world people believe that it cannot be acquired without true endeavour and without true effort and striving. For this reason, they remain engaged day and night and are faced with hundreds of failures due to their own mistakes. Even so, they do not tire. However, in the field of spirituality, by a mere desire of the heart or by a