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MASJID TUCSON United Submitters International
PO Box 43476 Tucson AZ 85733-3476 USA
Tel/Fax: (520) 323 7636
Masjid Tucson site: https://www.masjidtucson.org
Masjid Tucson e-mail: info@masjidtucson.org
Happiness is
Submission to God Alone
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We talk frequently about idols and what they are. We know from the Quran that idols may not be just statues, or messengers. Idols could be material things such as money, cars, a business we own, the job we have. They could be also our spouses, girl friends or children—anything, anybody that occupies our minds most of the time, and takes priority before God. This made me think about many things that happened in my life.
For example, my first car. It was a little red car. I fixed the interior and the car looked really good. I used to wax it all the time, and be really proud of the car. What happens? One day on the way to work, I had an accident. The entire front end was crushed. When I got to work, I was really upset.
Shortly after my car accident, someone gave a khutba (sermon) on Friday about idols, and I realized that my car had become an idol. I said to myself that God took the car because I had been thinking more about my car than God. I had forgotten my prayers, missed the Quranic studies because this car occupied my mind most of the time. This was a reminder from God. However, God is really merciful, and He helps us if
we repent, ask forgiveness from God and are sincere in our repentance.
After that khutba, I went home and found a message on my machine. The insurance company was going to pay for all repairs. There would be extra money for me too. I sold the car for much more than I paid for it. I made a lot of money out of that little car. I said, “Thank you God, I will never idolize my car again.”
I bought another car. This time a BMW. I said to myself, “I don’t care about this car as much. I will not idolize my car again.” Well, soon I was showing it off, telling everyone about it. What happens? The car’s engine breaks down. I had to put a lot of money into that car. I said, “I’m sorry, God. I’ll never idolize my car again.”
Sometimes we get tied up in our daily lives, and make idols out of many things without even realizing it. We need to remember and fear God more than anything else in this life. If things are not working out for us, we should consult the Quran, find the answer, and correct our actions. God guarantees that He will make us kings and queens on earth if we do this. Following the word of God should be our number one priority.
Any blessing you enjoy is from God. Yet, whenever you incur any adversity you immediately complain to Him. Yet, as soon as He relieves your affliction, some of you revert to idol worship. [16:53-54]
You shall submit to Him, reverence Him, observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), and?whatever you do?do not ever fall into idol worship. [30:31]
When adversity afflicts the people, they turn to their Lord, totally devoting themselves to Him. But then, as soon as He showers them with mercy, some of them revert to idol worship. [30:33]
It has been revealed to you, and to those before you that if you ever commit idol worship, all your works will be nullified, and you will be with the losers. [39:65]