Who is God and why should we seek Him?

[2:185] Ramadan is the month during which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the statute book. Those of you who witness this month shall fast therein. Those who are ill or traveling may substitute the same number of other days. GOD wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfill your obligations, and to glorify GOD for guiding you, and to express your appreciation.

Our worship practices include an entire month focused on glorifying God and showing our appreciation for His guidance. In this article we will be reflecting on the following questions: Who is God and why do we glorify Him? Why should we seek and appreciate His guidance?

The Quran is our guide and the first sura, The Key (Al-Fatehah), is very revealing:

Sura 1: The Key (Al-Fatehah)

[1:1] In the name of GOD, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

God is introducing himself as the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Although God has many attributes, He emphasizes His Grace (57:21, 8:29, 3:174, 17:110) and Mercy (7:153) in His book of guidance to us.

Every sura except one begins with this phrase and our daily Contact Prayers start with this reminder.

Indeed, He has provided us with so many blessings and provisions, from family and community, to the natural beauty on earth, to tasty foods and pure water. We can especially appreciate the delicious food and water during the month of Ramadan when we avoid these pleasures during the day. His blessings are countless and include His immense mercy which means we can always ask for forgiveness and repent to Him when we make mistakes.

[39:53] Proclaim: “O My servants who exceeded the limits, never despair of GOD's mercy. For GOD forgives all sins. He is the Forgiver, Most Merciful.”

[6:54] When those who believe in our revelations come to you, you shall say, “Salãmun ‘Alaykum (Peace be upon you). Your Lord has decreed that mercy is His attribute... .”

[1:2] Praise be to GOD, Lord of the universe.

God is also revealing to us that He is the Lord of the Heavens and the earth, the true Sovereign (3:189, 5:120).

He is the Most Powerful, the Almighty (59:23). He is in control of all things (4:126, 39:62). All He has to do is say “Be” and it is. We cannot fathom His greatness. God is so great and powerful that the universes are folded within His hand (allegorically).

[23:116] Most exalted is GOD, the true Sovereign. There is no other god beside Him; the Most Honorable Lord, possessor of all authority.

[2:117] The Initiator of the heavens and the earth: to have anything done, He simply says to it, “Be,” and it is.

[39:67] They can never fathom the greatness of GOD. The whole earth is within His fist on the Day of Resurrection. In fact, the universes are folded within His right hand. Be He glorified; He is much too high above needing any partners.

[1:3] Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

In the next verse, God reminds us that despite all His power, He is still the Most Gracious and the Most Merciful.

Cont’d on page 2