CONFERENCE 2005 REPORTGOD loves those who fight in His cause united in one column, like the bricks in one wall. [61:4] You shall hold fast to the rope of GOD, all of you, and do not be divided. [3:103] You shall submit to Him, reverence Him, observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), and - whatever you do - do not ever fall into idol worship. [30:31]
Praise be to God, this was the 20th annual United Submitters International Conference. This year’s conference was held in Seattle, Washington August 5-7, 2005. Submitters from around the world gathered to share ideas and to commemorate God. The Friday prayer was led by the newly-engaged Amir K. He spoke about feeling a need to do more to help people around the world and to spread the message. He also talked about how each of us moves through stages and how we need to be kind and understanding with one another as we make this journey through life. His khutba set the tone of the conference with its themes of action and tolerance. Abdullah welcomed everyone, reminding us of verse 7:53: 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. He encouraged the young submitters to work together to spread God’s message, since they are the future of the world. We enjoyed hearing reports from all the communities on their activities during the past year. After dinner we had an open house for people in the Seattle area in the hopes of introducing the correct understanding of Islam. The zikr on Friday and Saturday evenings was beautiful as always. Meauvell, Parisa and Parivash led the group in musical commemoration of God. All of the talks were wonderful, interesting and informative. We had the opportunity to appreciate God through presentations ranging from polar bears to a Roman holiday, hip hop to meditation, a Quran game (SPAA) to the Great Feud. We were also blessed with inspirational talks to help us commemorate God and increase our submission, and find ways to invite others to the path of God. You shall invite to the path of your Lord with wisdom and kind enlightenment, and debate with them in the best possible manner. Your Lord knows best who has strayed from His path, and He knows best who are the guided ones. [16:125] May God bless Rukshana for her efforts in putting this conference together. It was a lovely location and a very pretty hotel. Everyone had a wonderful time and it was sad to see the conference come to an end. But we all came away with renewed resolve to work on our own submission and to spread the message of worship God alone to others. O you who believe, you shall reverence GOD and seek the ways and means to Him, and strive in His cause, that you may succeed. [5:35] [Note. If you have any comments or suggestions
about the conference, please feel free to let us know at info@masjidtucson.org] |
