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[31:12] We have endowed Luqmaan with wisdom: “You shall be appreciative of GOD.” Whoever is appreciative is appreciative for his own good. As for those who turn unappreciative, GOD is in no need, Praiseworthy.
Putting God as our priority does not mean we must turn into hermits and give away all our possessions. Instead, God’s perfect system allows for us to seek the abode of the Hereafter without giving up our share in this world (28:77). Engaging in commerce and being charitable can go hand-in-hand (2:275-276).
[28:77] “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.”
A believer dedicates his or her life to God (2:207), and uses God’s provisions to seek the ways and means to Him and strive in His cause (5:35). To God belongs all things in this world and the next. So, if the Lord is your priority, and you are thinking of God through your daily words and actions, everything else falls in place. Your job will go well, your family will love and cherish you, and your friends will respect you. The Bible’s Luke 12:29-31 states:
And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying. For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you.
The same lesson is in the Quran, 53:24-25.
By devoting our lives to God Alone, we are guaranteed never to fear or grieve (2:112), and our lives will see God’s guarantee of happiness (16:97).
[53:24-25] What is it that the human being desires? To GOD belongs both the Hereafter, and this world.
[2:112] “Indeed, those who submit themselves absolutely to GOD alone, while leading a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord; they have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.”
Happiness is God’s promise to His servants, both in this life and the next (10:62-64). The worshippers of God will have all their needs taken care of, food, shelter, peace of mind and security (24:55). All we must do is worship God Alone and never set up any idols. God promises Paradise for the content souls.
[10:62] Absolutely, GOD’s allies have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve. [10:63] They are those who believe and lead a righteous life. [10:64] For them, joy and happiness in this world, as well as in the Hereafter. This is GOD’s unchangeable law. Such is the greatest triumph.
*10:62-64 Most people think that they have to wait until the Day of Resurrection before they receive their rewards for righteousness, or the retribution for wickedness. But the Quran repeatedly assures the believers that they are guaranteed perfect happiness here in this world, now and forever. At the end of their interim here, they go directly to Paradise (see Appendix 17).
[89:27-30] As for you, O content soul. Return to your Lord, pleased and pleasing. Welcome into My servants. Welcome into My Paradise.
Millions of Muslims all over the world recognize Five Pillars of Islam (Submission). However, all the Pillars, as practiced by the Muslims of today, are in direct violation of the Quran. Let us examine the First Pillar. Verse 3:18 states:
“God bears witness that there is no god except He, and so do the angels and those who possess knowledge. He is the absolute God. There is no god except He, the Almighty, Most Wise.”
The words of “shahaada” or the First Pillar of Islam are thus decreed by God in the above verse. “There is no god except God” is repeated in the Quran numerous times. However, Muslims all over the world have a “shahaada” of their own—”I bear witness there is no god except God and I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of God.” This so called “shahaada” is not found anywhere in the Quran.
Bearing witness about the messenger of God is mentioned in the Quran only once. It is in Sura 63, entitled, “The Hypocrites” (Al Munaafeqoon). Verse 63:1 states:
“When the hypocrites come to you they say, ‘We bear witness that you are a messenger of God.’ God knows that you are his messenger and God bears witness that the hypocrites are liars.”
We understand from this verse that no matter what people utter, it is what is in their hearts that counts.
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