May 2005: Page 1, 2, 3, 4

Submitters Perspective

Page 2

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

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

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.