Passing the Test

Cont’d from page 3

We have given them a scripture that is fully detailed, with knowledge, guidance, and mercy for the people who believe. [7:52]

It is evident to those who are blessed with knowledge that this revelation from your Lord to you is the truth, and that it guides to the path of the Almighty, the Most Praiseworthy. [34:6]

If we don’t study and strive to kill our ego, then it doesn’t matter how “intelligent” we may be. Failing this test isn’t a minor blot on our record, and we don’t get to repeat the course.

Have you noted the one whose god is his ego? Consequently, GOD sends him astray, despite his knowledge, seals his hearing and his mind, and places a veil on his eyes. Who then can guide him, after such a decision by GOD? Would you not take heed? [45:23]

Beware of a retribution that may not be limited to the evildoers among you. You should know that GOD's retribution is severe. [8:25]

Lydia

A view from behind bars

Dear Fellow Submitters,

I have read a copy of “Quran, Hadith and Islam” which you provided to Chaplain Stine at this facility. I am impressed with how simply the facts are laid out for anyone to understand. In my previous letters to you, I have explained how I have been opposed to “Hadith and Sunna” for quite sometime, and after reading Dr. Khalifa’s translation of the Quran and its appendices, I accepted the challenge to ask the Muslims here to omit the name of Muhammad from the Adhan and from the prayers. Also, to not make Muhammad’s name part of the Shahada. Just as Dr. Khalifa predicted, my requests were met with great anger. When I provided the Quranic proof for what I was asking, I was accused of rejecting the faith.

While I find comfort in my submission to God alone, I can’t help but to feel a profound sadness that people I have come to know and respect and call my brothers, are so quick to reject the words of God without even a second thought. I have made my second attempt with them, and in accordance with the Quran, since they reject the Quran and make a mockery of God’s verses, I have completely removed myself from them.

Aside from the Quran, I find comfort in knowing that there are true submitters out there who are striving as I am to live by the Quran and to spread the Truth. I don’t think I fully realized until yesterday how serious this problem is, and I fooled myself into thinking that some of the congregants would see the error of their ways and strive to become true submitters. I was wrong.

As a human I am a social creature. I want, I need to have a circle of companions who accept me for who I am, and I will do the same for them. Masjid Tucson is the only thing I have found, thus far, which seems to fit these criteria… Certainly, we are all members of the world wide community of submitters, but it would comfort me to know that there is a home base where I can always return.

I am incarcerated in Virginia, and I don’t know when I will be released. It doesn’t matter, really. To my knowledge, Masjid Tucson is unique in its capacity for true submission. As a long distance member of Masjid Tucson, I’m afraid I will not have much to offer. But I will strive to submit to God Alone and I will try to participate in functions in any way I can, even if it’s only with my prayers. From time to time, I might submit an article to Submitters Perspective…

In my situation, I have nobody to relate to. I know that it is not easy for someone out there to find time to write. And I have thoroughly enjoyed the newsletters which have been sent thus far. In the future I hope to purchase a subscription, inshaAllah.

To sum up, thank you for all of your contributions to promote True Submission to God Alone. And please count me among the membership of Masjid Tucson. I pray that God will provide a way for me to one day actually attend the services there and be a viable member of the community of Submission to God Alone.

From one who is poor before his Lord, yet constantly enriched by His Blessings.

Kyle P.