September 2000: Page 1, 2, 3

Submitters Perspective

Page 3

Hadith vs Quran

Cont'd from Page 2

Among the people, there are those who uphold baseless Hadith, and thus divert others from the path of GOD without knowledge, and take it in vain. These have incurred a shameful retribution.[31:6]

As a matter of fact, God and His messengers want us to follow the Word of God as the only source of religious guidance, otherwise we will end up disputing and dividing ourselves (3:103). The Quran is God’s word in truth and justice; a blessing and beacon for those who want to submit to the Lord of the Universe, the Almighty. It’s God’s commandment that we should read it from cover to cover (73:4). Are we waiting for somebody to explain God’s message to us while we can read it for ourselves? Therefore, read what your Creator wants to tell you for your own sake! Read it in a language that you can understand. When God says that He made the Quran easy to learn, He means it. He is the One who controls the hearts and minds of the people and guides them accordingly (28:56). He is teacher of the Quran for those who turn to Him (55:2).

GOD has revealed herein the best Hadith; a book that is consistent, and points out both ways (to Heaven and Hell). The skins of those who reverence their Lord cringe therefrom, then their skins and their hearts soften up for GOD's message. Such is GOD's guidance; He bestows it upon whoever wills (to be guided). As for those sent astray by GOD, nothing can guide them. [39:23]

Why do they not study the Quran carefully? If it were from other than GOD, they would have found in it numerous contradictions. [4:82]

All praises be to God, Lord of the Universe.

A. Arik

ANNUAL CONFERENCE REPORT

God is my Lord and your Lord; you shall worship Him alone. This is the right path. (3:51)
The first conference of the new millenium was held in Tucson, Arizona, August 4-6, 2000. The lobby of the Clarion Hotel filled with greetings of Salaamun Alaykum and happy hugs as we reunited with old friends and met new ones. Juma’a convened after lunch to ensure that everyone would be there and it was a good thing since so many flights were delayed. In fact, many submitters from the Bay area, including George Gorin who was to give the khutba, had to spend the night in LA and only arrived on Friday by God’s grace.
George gave a wonderful khutba reminding us to trust in God, never despair of His mercy, that God is in full control of all things. Then Abdullah gave a profound speech of welcome. He reminded us all of the challenges we face as submitters, including the challenge of groups and individuals who call themselves “submitters” but insist on varying their paths. We need to remain focused on the guidance as provided to us from God through the Messenger of the Covenant.
Introducing ourselves took a long time since there were more than 250 of us attending this year. How wonderful! There followed a diverse and interesting array of speeches, covering topics such as

duties of the righteous, ego, splitting of the moon, awesome power of creation, the perfect human being, horses, life’s distractions, perseverance.
The internet was a hot topic with reports on the ICS website, submission.org. Many submitters are doing great work in formulating pages on subjects such as women in Islam, animals, youth, Salat and other practices; plus answering the huge volume of questions and comments that come from people who have visited the site, hundreds of thousands of hits every month!! And we had a demonstration from a new young submitter from Sweden who has made QT for Windows, with many additional features.
As always we were thoroughly entertained with music, ranging from the wonderful Quran recitation from Bay Area sisters to the rap of James and Hakim. And the kids put on a fine skit about a dreamer facing the Day of Judgment.
Abdullah’s closing remarks reminded us to be appreciative. It’s a wonderful gift that so many of us are able to get together annually in commemoration of God.
And remind, for the reminder benefits the believers. (51:55)
…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. (31:12)

Nargis Currim