THE REMINDER REMINDS THE REMINDER

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[74:49-53] Why are they so averse to this reminder? Running like zebras. Who are fleeing from the lion!  Does each one of them want to receive the scripture personally? Indeed, they do not fear the Hereafter.

This is the behavior of disbelievers. They don’t want to hear it; they turn away in aversion— [26:5] Whenever a reminder from the Most Gracious comes to them, that is new, they turn away in aversion.

[32:22] Who is more evil than one who is reminded of these revelations of his Lord, then insists upon disregarding them? We will certainly punish the guilty.

Yet, we are told to remind. [87:9] Therefore, you shall remind; perhaps the reminder will benefit. The word “remind” means to cause someone to remember something. So, this is something we need to do for one another in submission. When we remind each other that it’s time to pray, this is a benefit for everyone. When we remind each other that we need to be charitable or humble or forgiving, this benefits the person receiving the advice and the person giving it. And the person receiving the admonition needs to remember that.  [25:73] When reminded of their Lord's revelations, they never react to them as if they were deaf and blind.

Sometimes, however, advice sounds like criticism. If someone says it’s time to pray, you might react as if they are implying that without the reminder you would not remember to pray. When you’re going through some hardship and someone says, “You need to repent and reform,” this reminder might sound like a rebuke. You can react with anger and frustration—“I know what I have to do!”—or you can appreciate the caring of the other person and take the reminder to heart. And the person giving the reminder needs to intend it with heartfelt concern, first asking if there’s any way they can be of help and offering prayers of solace. Both parties need to remember that God has set up the situation for all involved, and the reminder will remind both the remindee and the reminder. For the believers, this becomes a reason for celebration and giving thanks to God.

[38:49] This is a reminder: The righteous have deserved a wonderful destiny.

[50:8] This is an enlightenment, and a reminder for every pious worshiper.

[76:29] This is a reminder: whoever wills shall choose the path to his Lord.

We are told to remind, and a reminder is always of benefit if we get our ego out of the way and open up to God’s guidance.

Lydia