Subject: [Masjid Tucson] Submission weekly reminder

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Peace be upon you,

Satan is our most ardent enemy and is committed to lead us astray (Quran 2:208, 17:53, 35:6).  Satan and his soldiers will try their hardest to hurt our souls by inviting to the wrong path, and trying to influence our minds and actions (Quran 2:36, 3:155). It is only out of God's extreme grace and mercy that we are saved from Satan's constant efforts to harm and mislead us (Quran 4:113, 24:21).

God tells us that an effective way to protect ourselves from the sneaky whispers of Satan and his soldiers is to seek refuge in Him (God). For example, to ward off Satan's attempts to prevent us from understanding the Quran, we have verses 16:98-100.

[Quran 16:98] When you read the Quran, you shall seek refuge in GOD from Satan the rejected. [16:99] He has no power over those who believe and trust in their Lord. [16:100] His power is limited to those who choose him as their master; those who choose him as their god.
* Footnote for 16:98: Our salvation is attained by knowing God's message to us, the Quran, and Satan will do his utmost to keep us from being redeemed. Hence this commandment.

In 23:97-98 we have a similar command that says:  
     To Be Protected From Satan
[Quran 23:97] Say, "My Lord, I seek refuge in You from the whispers of the devils. [23:98] "And I seek refuge in You, my Lord, lest they come near me."

In Arabic: Rabbi aAoothu bika min hamazati shshayateen. WaAAoothu bika rabbi an yahduroon.


In conclusion, any time the devil whispers any whisper to us, we should seek refuge in God; God is the Hearer, Omniscient (Quran 7:200-201).

References:
Seeking refuge in GOD, http://www.masjidtucson.org/God/seeking_refuge_in_God.html
Why Were We Created?, http://www.masjidtucson.org/quran/appendices/appendix7.html
Introduction, http://www.masjidtucson.org/quran/appendices/introduction.html
Friday sermon (video clip) by Dr. Rashad Khalifa: http://goo.gl/GUlGS


Peace.