GIFT: Meditation
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Therefore, for my own good, it was important that I just try harder
and do a better job of meditation.
I began to think of what could help me comfortably settle into
an earnest meditation session, just like I seemed to have no problem
finding efficient solutions for other things in the day. Quickly,
God reminded me that the practical way to approach tasks was to
make a work plan or agenda and move through it step by step. Similarly,
if I made a list of things I could meditate on or about, God willing
I could do a better job since there was a goal in place and an appropriate
plan to work with.
So once the ‘strategy’ was decided, listing the points
in the agenda was next. While thinking about what to put in the
meditation agenda, I thought about what a great and priceless GIFT
Submission was to us from God. In fact, by His grace, it soon showed
me that the word GIFT itself contained the answer I was looking
for, as each letter in it seemed to represent an aspect I could
use for meditation! So here is what I figured I would currently
make as my agenda for meditation. Note that this is only a personal
list of aspects I try and fulfill during meditation. It is not all-inclusive,
and it will be great to have other believers share similar ideas
so we can keep improving ourselves, God willing.
G stands for the command to Glorify God
[20:130] Therefore, be patient in the face of their
utterances, and praise and glorify your Lord before sunrise and
before sunset. And during the night glorify Him, as well as at both
ends of the day, that you may be happy.
[30:17] Therefore, you shall glorify GOD when
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you retire at night, and
when you rise in the morning.
[30:18] All praise is due to Him in the heavens and
the earth, throughout the evening, as well as in the middle of your
day.
Next comes I for Implore God
God is the Only Provider (spiritual and material), so we must implore
Him for anything and everything – His mercy, grace, guidance,
provisions, forgiveness, help, solutions, victories, steadfastness,
protection from Satan, protection from falling in sin, relief of
problems, adversities or worries …
[40:60] Your Lord says, "Implore Me, and I will
respond to you. Surely, those who are too arrogant to worship Me
will enter Gehenna, forcibly."
[2:186] When My servants ask you about Me, I am always
near. I answer their prayers when they pray to Me. The people shall
respond to Me and believe in Me, in order to be guided.
Then we have F for seek
Forgiveness from God
Believers must remember that we are here because of God’s
mercy and we cannot be redeemed unless He forgives us. Therefore,
we must keep killing the ego and develop a habit of frequently asking
for forgiveness.
[11:90] You shall implore your Lord for forgiveness,
then repent to Him. My Lord is Most Merciful, Kind.
[40:55] Therefore, be patient, for GOD's promise
is true, and ask forgiveness for your sin, and glorify and praise
your Lord night and day.
[47:19] You shall know that: "There is no other
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god beside GOD,"
and ask forgiveness of your sins and the sins of all believing men
and women. GOD is fully aware of your decisions and your ultimate
destiny.
[110:3] You shall glorify and praise your Lord, and
implore Him for forgiveness. He is the Redeemer.
Cannot forget T for Thank You God
At any given time, God is showering us with great bounties for
our enjoyment and opportunities to be redeemed. So it is natural
that we must show our appreciation and thank Him.
[2:152] You shall remember Me, that I may remember
you, and be thankful to Me; do not be unappreciative.
[14:7] Your Lord has decreed: "The more you
thank Me, the more I give you." But if you turn unappreciative,
then My retribution is severe.
Lastly, I wish to remind believers that in the Quranic sense, meditation
means meditation on God and His attributes, marvels etc. It is an
active process that involves thinking and being consciously aware
of God. Some people confuse other mediation techniques such as making
the mind go blank (for apparent relaxation) with meditating or reflecting
upon God.
[7:205] You shall remember your Lord within yourself,
publicly, privately, and quietly, day and night; do not be unaware.
Kais R.
[This article is based on some personal tips
for Meditation shared by Br. Kais at the August 2004 Tucson conference.
His original article with more sample verses to reflect on can be
accessed at www.masjidtucson.org site. Similar ideas and suggestions
are always welcome. Ed.]
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