Subject: [Masjid Tucson] Submission weekly reminder

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Peace be upon you,

The Heifer*
[Quran 2:67] Moses said to his people, "GOD commands you to sacrifice a heifer." They said, "Are you mocking us?" He said, "GOD forbid, that I should behave like the ignorant ones."
 [2:68] They said, "Call upon your Lord to show us which one." He said, "He says that she is a heifer that is neither too old, nor too young; of an intermediate age. Now, carry out what you are commanded to do."
...
 [2:71] ... They finally sacrificed her, after this lengthy reluctance.
*2:67 Although this sura contains important laws and commandments, including the contact prayers, fasting, Hajj pilgrimage, and the laws of marriage, divorce, etc., the name given to the sura is "The Heifer." This reflects the crucial importance of submission to God and immediate, unwavering obedience to our Creator. Such submission proves our belief in God's omnipotence and absolute authority. See also the Bible's Book of Numbers, Chapter 19.


Sura 2, The Heifer, is the longest chapter in the Quran. As discussed in the footnote to 2:67 seen above the takeaway from the story of the heifer is the importance of submitting to God. God knows what is best for us. And the sooner we submit our will to His, the better it is. In the story of the heifer, God used the sacrificed heifer to revive a murder victim. While we may not see worldly revival each time we submit, our submission to and remembrance of God leads to eternal redemption (Quran 87:14-15).


References:
Introduction to the Quran, https://www.masjidtucson.org/quran/appendices/introduction.html or view at: https://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/videos/vid.php?vid=inTWqQHSK8I
Road to Happiness, https://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/sp/2020/feb/page3.html
Happiness is Submission to God, https://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/sp/2007/jul/page1.html

Peace.