September 1996: Page 1, 2, 3, 4

Submitters Perspective

Page 2

One Universal God

Cont’d from page 1

them, the Almighty, the Forgiving.”

Reflection on the above verses by any individual who is literate and open minded will unerringly lead him to the natural religion approved of by God—that of worshipping Him alone. It is the duty of all humans, be they Jews, Christians, Muslims, Hindus, or any other religion, to recognize the absoluteness of God as Lord of the Universe and not place any idols beside Him.

As the Bhagavad Gita tells us:

He who worships Me alone, lives in Me. (Bhagavad Gita 6:30)

In the Quran 30:28:

He (God) cites for you herein an example from among yourselves: Do you ever elevate your servants or your subordinates to the level where they rival you, and to the point that you pay them as much allegiance as is being paid to you? We thus explain the revelations for people who understand.”

God elaborates further in the Quran 30:30:

Therefore, you shall devote yourself to the religion of strict monotheism. Such is the natural instinct placed into the people by God. Such creation of God will never change. This is the perfect religion, but most people do not know.

Universal unity among the true believers is thus an indication of their utmost understanding of the real religion, and is a reflection of their devotion to the creator of the universe.

Atef Khalifa

11th Annual International Submitters Conference

In The Name Of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

The submitting men, the submitting women, the believing men, the believing women, the obedient men, the obedient women, the truthful men, the truthful women, the steadfast men, the steadfast women, the reverent men, the reverent women, the charitable men, the charitable women, the fasting men, the fasting women, the chaste men, the chaste women, and the men who commemorate God frequently and the commemorating women; God has prepared for them forgiveness and a great recompense. (33:35)

The 11th annual International Submitters Conference was held from August 9-11 in Houston, Texas, and was attended by about 200 people from different parts of the world.

There was a lot of excitement as believers got together. It was a joyful reunion for many and a delightful introduction for others. Praise God for granting us this wonderful opportunity to meet and interact with each other.

The Jumah khutba (Friday sermon) by Brother Abdullah Arik focused on the importance of being united in the fundamentals of our faith, being tolerant and not being judgmental. It was a wonderful beginning for the conference. The khutba was followed by a welcome and self introductions, which is a fun way of getting to know who's who.

 

The personal sharing of brothers and sisters from all over the world was a wonderful experience. There were many first time speakers this year plus a few from previous years, and the blending of fresh ideas with the wisdom of long time submitters was very enriching.

The community reports were quite inspiring. The numbers are increasing—alhumdulillah—and there is active participation in a wide spectrum of projects.

The emcees did a great job of fitting in as many speakers as possible. It was wonderful how many people wanted to share with the whole community. The daily zikr and Quranic recitations were beautiful (especially during the thunderstorms!) and crossed all language barriers. The hotel, food and other arrangements were excellent. May God bless the Houston and Tucson communities for all their efforts.

It is always sad when the conference comes to an end, and we each go our own ways, but—inshallah—there is the next conference to look forward to. The love, warmth and sharing of the believers is a wonderful gift from God. May God, in His infinite grace and mercy, continue to guide and keep us on the right path. God bless you all.

Nargis Currim