Subject: [Masjid Tucson] Submission weekly reminder In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful Peace be upon you, From the time we are little, we are taught to appreciate intelligence and work hard. In this world, those who are intelligent are described as "smart" or "winners". They can earn high positions and achieve a high-end life style. But how far does this intelligence and its exercise take a human being? Or to borrow from the Bible, "What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?" (Mark 8:36) The Quran describes many characteristics of the intelligent. The intelligent choose to observe God (Quran 2:197), recognize that God's revelations are the truth (Quran 13:19), reflect on the Quran and take heed (Quran 38:29), choose the guidance (Quran 39:18), reverence God (Quran 5:100), forbid evil (Quran 11:116), among other traits. [Quran 2:197] ... You shall observe Me, O you who possess intelligence. Those Who Possess Intelligence [Quran 3:190] In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of night and day, there are signs for those who possess intelligence. [3:191] They remember GOD* while standing, sitting, and on their sides, and they reflect upon the creation of the heavens and the earth: "Our Lord, You did not create all this in vain. Be You glorified. Save us from the retribution of Hell. *3:191 Your god is whoever or whatever occupies your mind most of the time. The true believers are those who remember God most of the time. See 23:84-89 and Appendix 27. Out of His infinite mercy and grace, God made us with the natural instinct to worship Him alone (Quran 7:172, 30:30). The question is: Will we listen to this instinct and act intelligently in the choices we make? References Real Intelligence, http://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/sp/2017/jul/page3.html Road To Happiness: Seek to Please God, http://www.masjidtucson.org/submission/perspectives/happiness/roadtohappiness.html Peace.