Equality
Cont’d from page 1
So, if we are born to a certain gender, color, or family, there
is a reason for it. Only God knows that reason and the wisdom behind
it. However, as we get older and hopefully wiser, we might be able
to see and appreciate, by God’s grace, some of this wisdom
by looking back on what happened in our lives. Since, we cannot
see the future, we have to accept and submit to our current circumstances,
and make the best of it.
God always reminds us in the Quran to get our priorities straight.
Our lives in this world are temporary. If we give priority to this
life over the Hereafter, we may end up with losers in our eternal
life even though we may achieve our worldly goals.
Whoever seeks the rewards of the Hereafter, we multiply
the rewards for him. And whoever seeks the materials of this world,
we give him therefrom, then he receives no share in the Hereafter.
(42:20)
God does not want us to be secluded and not to enjoy this life.
On the contrary, God wants us to be better off in this life if we
can. He would rather see us wealthy with resources than poor and
dependent on others (16:75). But He wants us to be cognizant of
the source of the blessings and be appreciative of them.
Use the provisions bestowed upon you by GOD to seek
the abode of the Hereafter, without neglecting your share in this
world. Be charitable, as GOD has been charitable towards you. Do
not keep on corrupting the earth. GOD does not love the corruptors.
(28:77)
We should concentrate on the blessings God has given us, and how
we can use them best to better
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our lives while leading a righteous
life. We need to focus on seeing the glass half full, instead of
half empty. If we are appreciative of God’s blessings, we
should count what we have, not what we lack. In return, God will
bless us with even more. It is a win-win situation!
Your Lord has decreed: "The more you thank
Me, the more I give you." But if you turn unappreciative, then
My retribution is severe. (14:7)
We need to trust in God that our lives are tailored for us perfectly.
Therefore, we should not be covetous of the blessings He has given
to other people.
And do not covet what we bestowed upon any other
people. Such are temporary ornaments of this life, whereby we put
them to the test. What your Lord provides for you is far better,
and everlasting. (20:131)
Also, the physical differences in men and women are not something
to covet, but to use for complementing each other, and to strengthen
our family, community and so on.
You shall not covet the qualities bestowed upon
each other by GOD; the men enjoy certain qualities, and the women
enjoy certain qualities. You may implore GOD to shower you with
His grace. GOD is fully aware of all things. (4:32)
We have to thank God that He created all of us unique, with different
color, shape, size and abilities. If we were all the same like cloned
people, coming out of the same mold, think about how boring and
chaotic the world would be. So, let us enjoy our God-given differences
and all the blessings He bestowed on us, be appreciative of them
and maintain a positive attitude in life.
Abdullah
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Readers’
Comments on Dogs in Islam
Now THIS is what I feel Islam is all about.
I have looked over many of your articles, and love them. I was
raised in the Anglican Church, and was going to be a priest, and
during my studies, I have found how when man puts in something a
prophet was suppose to have said, it can change a religion forever
and is nothing like it once was.
I like you article on Dogs. You know, it is said Dogs can also
see things we cannot—like things in the spirit world. Maybe
this is why Satan causes the “Hadith” to speak against
them, because they might warn up of him, or his followers. I think
the Quran is great, however the Hadith takes away from the Quran,
and make Islam look very silly, and full of fables. I have seen
the idol worship in Islam. It is there. Muhammad is given a place
right along side God, and it is wrong. I would like to speak to
someone. I can follow this Islam with a clear mind.
C. W.
Salam alaikum.
Since I found the right path in Islam, I was not sure whether
I would be able to keep my wonderful German shepherd dog. I had
him since he was a puppy and I feel like he is a member of my beautiful
family and could not bear the thought that I would loose him because
of my beliefs. I was told by one Muslim that he could not have dogs
because of Islam and that made me very upset and kept ignoring the
issue so that I do not find out that I could not keep him. Even
if it was true I do not think I would of been able to give him up
and I prayed to the day I die that Allah would forgive me for this.
I must thank you for your research into this important topic which
made me almost cry when I read it. Thank you again and peace be
upon your souls.
M. K.
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