Act of Submitting
Cont’d from page 1
In fact many a time, these things appear perfectly justified when
I am actually doing them, but on reflection I find that they are
in violation of God’s commandments. The simple things that
God tells us, —like no backbiting, no suspicion, no ridiculing
others (49:11-13), resorting to the nicest possible response (41:33-35)
and debating in the nicest manner—are often the ones I find
myself having a hard time upholding. Most of the time, this is because
I have forgotten to keep pleasing God as my guideline for action.
For instance, sometimes in discussing religious matters with people,
I feel that the other person is inflexible and I am wasting my time
trying to explain things to him/her. What is forgotten is the possibility:
a) My position on the issue may be wrong and, just as I may feel
that the other person is being irrational, he/she too may feel the
same way about me. Therefore one must seek refuge in God, and try
and grasp what the other person is saying.
b) Even if I am right, if I have truly dedicated all forms of striving
to God, then no time spent in God’s cause is ‘wasted’.
It is part of one’s striving and fulfilling of duties.
Another thing I forget is—that I have no right to lose my
temper, no matter how unreasonable I perceive the other person to
be. Losing my temper immediately disqualifies me as a submitter
(since it is a clear case of Objecting, rather than Submitting
to God). In context of the above points, let us focus on the words
of 41:33-35. |
Submitters
Who can utter better words than one who invites to
GOD, works righteousness, and says, “I am one of the submitters”?
(41:33)
Not equal is the good response and the bad response. You shall resort
to the nicest possible responses. Thus, the one who used to be your
enemy, may become your best friend. None can attain this except
those who steadfastly persevere. None can attain this except those
who are extremely fortunate. (41:34-35)
God commands us to resort to the nicest possible response. A response
so nice that even a person who used to be an enemy is won over in
friendship. God also tells us that this is not easy. But we have
to try.
At times I find that when I talk about some Quranic matter and
disagree with the other person, I become disagreeable as well. The
latter is unacceptable to God. Especially when debating with submitters.
God goes to the extent of saying that even when we debate with non-submitters
we must do so in the nicest possible manner (16:125, 29:46). So
with submitters we should try to be even ‘nicer’. We
should keep in mind that Satan is always trying to divide us and
drive a wedge between us. God tells us that in the following verse.
Tell my servants to treat each other in the best
possible manner, for the devil will always try to drive a wedge
among them. Surely, the devil is man’s most ardent enemy.
(17:53)
Sometimes what may start off as a small difference could widen
into a rift that is too big for us to bridge. This is just what
Satan wants. Once we are divided, we are much easier prey for him.
That is why, possibly, God exhorts us in the Quran to be
|
united (3:200, 61:4, 3:102-105, 49:10-11,
etc.).
Unity is a command, and as per 59:10 we should not harbor any hatred
towards any submitter. We are brethren and members of one big family.
This is God’s design and wisdom. Possibly since individually
we may not be strong enough (4:28), God strengthens us with each
other. When we are together it is much easier for us to maintain
our submission.
God tells us that the believing men and women are allies of one
another (9:71) and that they should consult one another (42:38).
He exhorts us to be with the believers (18:28) and to help one another
to stay away from sin (103:3, 90:17, 5:79).
You shall force yourself to be with those who worship
their Lord day and night, seeking Him alone. Do not turn your eyes
away from them, seeking the vanities of this world….(18:28)
Even the Friday Congregational Prayer can be an opportunity for
us to learn from one another. Thus it is very important for us to
try and be good and nice to each other, possibly more for our own
benefit than for anyone else’s.
Our goal in all of this is to submit to God Alone, and to do the
things that please Him.
Faiz C.
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.
(2:112)
|