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realize God had already judged them, and God called him “clement, extremely kind, and obedient.” When was the last time that out of sheer sincerity and love we followed up our judgment, correction, or reminder by praying for the person’s guidance—especially those outside of our immediate family or community?
When people are guided we all benefit. We have little to lose by praying for the guidance of others and much to gain.
Sometimes, I hear the argument that since God already knows who is going to be guided and who is going to go astray then there is no point in praying for the guidance of others. But this same argument can be made towards charity since God controls all provisions. God has a system and while God knows the outcome, we don’t. Therefore, let us implore God because like charity this is an opportunity for us to grow our souls recognizing that God provides for the soul and the body.
[36:47] When they are told, “Give from GOD’s provisions to you,” those who disbelieve say to those who believe, “Why should we give to those whom GOD could feed, if He so willed? You are really far astray.”
On the topic of judgments, God teaches us in the Quran we should be extremely careful. Consider the example of David judging between two brothers regarding their sheep (38:24). Keeping in mind that David was blessed with wisdom and good logic (38:20), that he was asked to judge by the brothers (38:22), and his judgement was Quranic (4:29), he still repented because there could have been the slightest possibility that he might have done something wrong. As written in the footnote: Footnote 38:24 In this clear example, 99 on one side vs 1 on the other side, David’s extreme care to render the correct judgment caused him to ask forgiveness. Are we this careful?
When responding to someone online
are you looking for the credibility among your peers or from God? If you are more interested in receiving “likes” from humans rather than blessings from God, then you are trading away your soul for a cheap price.
[3:77] As for those who trade away GOD’s covenant, and their obligations, for a cheap price, they receive no share in the Hereafter. GOD will not speak to them, nor look at them, on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He purify them. They have incurred a painful retribution.
While there are times that we are to be harsh and stern (48:29), if we are to act out in such a way we must be absolutely sure and make a sincere assessment that we are justified in our actions. Given that as human beings we have a tendency to be mean it is worth considering leaning on the side of being kind and clement. (Appendix 32, Quran the Final Testament, by Rashad Khalifa, Ph.D.).
[4:94] O you who believe, if you strike in the cause of GOD, you shall be absolutely sure. Do not say to one who offers you peace, “You are not a believer,” seeking the spoils of this world. For GOD possesses infinite spoils. Remember that you used to be like them, and GOD blessed you. Therefore, you shall be absolutely sure (before you strike). GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do.
[16:126] And if you punish, you shall inflict an equivalent punishment. But if you resort to patience (instead of revenge), it would be better for the patient ones. [16:127] You shall resort to patience—and your patience is attainable only with GOD’s help. Do not grieve over them, and do not be annoyed by their schemes.
[59:10] Those who became believers after them say, “Our Lord, forgive us and our brethren who preceded us to the faith, and keep our hearts from harboring any hatred towards those who believed. Our Lord, You are Compassionate, Most Merciful.”
[To be continued in the next Submitters Perspective, God willing]
Reference: S. Adebiyi, 20 Easy Ways to be a self-righteous Christian
[Ed note: We often hear kind words from prisoners after they receive a copy of the Quran and learn that the worship of God is the only true path to eternal freedom. Thus, incarceration may be a blessing in disguise for some. It is a blessing from God on us that we can share these materials with people in dire need of them. We do this for the sake of God, not seeking thanks (76:9).]
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I received the Quran by Rashad Khalifa, which is the most profound translation I have ever read. It has taught me that the worship of Allah alone is the correct way of life. Why would any Muslim need anything else (Hadith), when the Quran teaches us everything?
May Allah continue to bless you and your effort to reach the multitudes of Muslims, and teach them the only true way of life, without worshiping other than Allah.
As Salaamum Alaykum
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I want to thank the brothers and sisters. I received my copy of the Quran: The Final Testament, the Understanding Islam pamphlet and 2 issues of the Submitters Perspective. They have worked wonders for me in regards to my submission and faith. I have been incarcerated for seven years. Practicing Islam the entire time, but the form of Islam I was being taught only caused more chaos as opposed to peace! The sunnah and the Arab culture were being pressed on me causing the religion to become difficult for me. This caused me to begin to despair of the mercy of Allah, driving me completely out of the fold of Islam. Up until a brother introduced me to the teaching of this Masjid and the purest form of Islam. Immediately upon receiving this information I went into my studies. After about half an hour I re-declared my faith in Allah and am a stronger, more committed Muslim than I was before! All praise and perfect thanks be unto Allah, the Most Merciful, the Oft-Forgiving. And thanks to the community of Masjid Tucson. May Allah bless and reward this community with the best in this life and the next!