An argument I just heard...

[Karras]

Except that in the case of Muslims v Christians is especially pathetic (and no better then Catholics v Protestants really) because it is not even a different imaginary sky-daddy, it's just an argument about how best to please the same one.

It's like a bunch of kids arguing about what to buy their father for his birthday. The Christian kids want to buy him golf clubs and are arguing over what brand he prefers, whereas the Muslims think he would rather have some kind of power tools (and no doubt argue over whether he wants a drill or a jigsaw). The truth of the matter though is that any loving father would just be flattered that his kids remembered his birthday and made the effort. Equally, any truly loving god should care more than his creations put in the effort than which prayers they mumble.

As for answering prayers in general, it's like listening to a kid make excuses for their absentee, uncaring father.