Distraction Recognition
Cont’d from page 1
God has given us a proven, miraculous scripture, and we have no
better source (7:185, 12:111, 39:23). The messenger that is still
with us is the Quran (11:1-2, 27:76-77). Even Dr. Khalifa based
his ideas pertaining to religion on the guidance within the Quran.
His job was to confirm what had previously been sent by God in order
to set the religion straight, and the mathematical miracle of the
Quran was supporting proof—inherent in the Quran (3:81, 98:1).
The interlocking nineteen-based proofs from the Quran encourage
belief in God and in His guidance. These tangible proofs expose
the disbelief of those that fight or reject the miracle of nineteen
as a whole (74:31). However, God’s standards of righteousness
never change and the pious through the ages have followed the same
criteria. God made the religion simple to comprehend and easy to
follow.
Understanding the mathematical miracle is not a prerequisite for
admission into God’s kingdom, and it is not meant to divide
those that submit to His will. While knowledge and guidance increases
accountability (2:211, 5:114-115), they do not make us keepers of
the religion—God takes care of His religion and He takes care
of the believers (3:125-126, 5:11, 5:117-118, 6:112-113, 8:62).
He is the only One to know the hearts of people around the world
(3:167, 6:3) and the only One Almighty enough to take care of throngs
of believers to come (110:1-2)!
God is also the One who guides and He controls |
the hearts and minds of all people
(6:110, 8:63), but in particular, those that sincerely submit to
His will. He gives us the means to distinguish the truth from falsehood
when it is necessary for our souls. People will be guided or repelled
despite what we do. If we stick to God’s guidance and not
let our egos or Satan’s many other distractions get in the
way, we can attain a rank equal or better in righteousness to any
of the messengers or prophets because they were only humans like
us (4:69).
God’s system works when we steadfastly observe all of God’s
commandments, including the ones concerning how we treat each other.
People who strive to worship God alone are few and far between,
so we should treat them with due respect.
Should everyone believe
exactly as we do?
Proposing an idea is very different from pushing the acceptance
of our opinions. Sometimes discussions turn into ego exhibitions
and campaigns, instead of the actual exchange of knowledge that
they should be. Rallying support for ideas is divisive and generates
a distraction from the real message (20:16). Our goal should never
be to make everyone believe exactly as we do. This type of opinion
pushing as absolute “truth” is misleading. New understandings
and research should be open to calm discussion, so that all involved
may acquire more insight. We need to examine our ideas fairly and
not be so set on them that we could find ourselves fighting or rejecting
guidance from God (2:88, 41:52). Admitting to a lack of understanding
may hurt egos, but it is far safer than creating lies about God
(11:18) or mistreating others (31:18). |
Our real trial is outlined in the following
verses:
Do you not recognize the fact that GOD possesses
the kingship of the heavens and the earth; that you have none besides
GOD as your Lord and Master? Do you wish to demand of your messenger
what was demanded of Moses in the past? Anyone who chooses disbelief,
instead of belief, has truly strayed off the right path. Many followers
of the scripture would rather see you revert to disbelief, now that
you have believed. This is due to jealousy on their part, after
the truth has become evident to them. You shall pardon them, and
leave them alone, until GOD issues His judgment. GOD is Omnipotent.
You shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory
charity (Zakat). Any good you send forth on behalf of your souls,
you will find it at GOD. GOD is seer of everything you do. (2:107-110)
Whatever happens, God is still the All-Powerful Ruler that is in
control of everything. We shouldn’t jeopardize our souls by
losing sight of that fact. What God prescribes for us is better:
Forgiveness, steadfastly observing the Contact Prayers, charitable
works—in other words, we need to make sure we nurture our
souls by maintaining righteousness in the process, no matter what.
All answers rest with God. It isn’t worth feeding our egos,
if it costs us our righteous work and consequently the growth of
our souls. It is better to push aside our egos and be patient. Turning
to God whole-heartedly is the major portion of the answer to any
problem. Not being distracted from the worship of God alone is a
requirement in the process.
|