October 2003: Page 1, 2, 3, 4

Submitters Perspective

Page 3

Patience

Cont’d from page 2

God uses Moses and teacher as an example

The Quran teaches us that Moses was an impatient and curious student who was not afraid to question any lesser authority, i.e. other than God. When he came to God, he finally met the ultimate authority to which he submitted. He was even chosen despite his questioning of God’s servant. This should remind us that God is the only teacher of the Quran. When humans are unable to provide the understanding that satisfies our desire for knowledge, those with sincere hearts should continue to seek answers to their questions in the Quran following the guided path of God alone.

[10:109] Follow what is revealed to you, and be patient until GOD issues His judgment; He is the best judge.

Those who are unafraid to question could be a disbeliever or a true seeker in the process of getting rid of their doubts… why do we tend to judge them to be disbelievers?

Individuals fight the hardest before giving in. We have all experienced giving up on someone to later see him or her among us. Submitters should remember that there are several reasons for inquiries: challenge authority, doubt, disbelief as well as inquiry/interest/curiosity.

The natural tendency to view inquiry as challenge may put us on the defensive thereby causing confrontational debate with information seeker. The Quran states

that submitters should avoid suspicion so it is very important that we are careful not to prejudge each other.

God does not need a defender. The Quran (God’s word) has withstood the test of time and faced many challenges to its authenticity. We are now aware of the mathematical code that provides miraculous proof of its authorship. Therefore we should ask ourselves what’s really going on within us when we become so dogmatic with each other. Is it about God alone or our egos? Surely God guides the hearts of those who genuinely seek truth. We can use our hearing, eyesight and brains to study, question and examine the Quran (the book that contains no doubt) until all of our doubts are removed. As God says in Quran, “who wants to learn?”

Cheryl M.

Scriptural Reminder

Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good fortune for the time to come, they may lay hold of eternal life.

1 Timothy 6:17-19

Submitted by Donna A.

[Ed.’s note: God willing, if you send us your favorite verses from the scriptures, we will print them in the newsletter as the space allows, and acknowledge the submitter. Please e-mail to info@masjidtucson.org]

Ramadan 2003 USA/CANADA

God willing

October 26 - November 23

To calculate the Ramadan start date: Compare the time of the New Moon with the sunset at your location. If the new moon is born before sunset, you should fast the next day. Similarly to determine the last day of fasting, compare the time of the next New Moon with the sunset at your location. If the new moon is born before sunset, the month of Ramadan is complete on that day. For further details, see the Ramadan page on www.masjidtucson.org .