Conference Report

TUG.

It stands for Thank U God. It’s something we need to remember every day. There’s so much to be thankful for. And one thing is our annual Submitters conference. This year it was held in Dallas, Texas August 3-5. The khutba was given by brother Yasser, who gave us the wonderful acronym to be used throughout the conference—TUG. Letter by letter, he reminded us alphabetically of things we have to be thankful for—from Allah to Zero stress! And with Allah, there is zero stress. Thank You, God.
It was wonderful to meet many submitters from all over the world attending their first conference. It is difficult to travel all the way from India, Pakistan or New Zealand, but those who made the journey from those far-flung countries were so thankful for the opportunity. We learned of their striving in God’s way and following His path. Each had words to share of their journey to submission and their appreciation of God’s continued guidance and mercy.

The speeches covered a wide range of topics, with the central theme of kindness and compassion. The speakers don’t coordinate with one another, but God is the One who orchestrates everything and He inspired so many of the speakers to focus on God’s compassion towards us and our need to be kind to one another.

[90:17] And being one of those who believe, and exhorting one another to be steadfast, and exhorting one another to be kind.

The zikr was led by many beautiful singers among us, and it was so enjoyable. It lifts your spirit to share with so many others your joy of worshiping God and striving in His cause. It is truly a unifying experience to commemorate our Lord. [15:98-9] You shall sing the praises of your Lord, and be with the prostrators. And worship your Lord, in order to attain certainty.

                  Joy for the Believers
[10:58] Say, “With GOD’s grace and with His mercy they shall rejoice.” This is far better than any wealth they can accumulate.

The hotel was very nice, with a friendly helpful staff, and the food was excellent. We also enjoyed a wonderful lunch Sunday at a Mediterranean restaurant, with a scrumptious buffet.  Praise be to God.

The Dallas community did a great job organizing and hosting the conference. Their hospitality was warm and wonderful, may God bless them. Many people were able to stay over so there was an enjoyable Quran study Sunday evening and a fabulous brunch on Monday.

This was a lovely peaceful gathering of Submitters. A time for soul growth, learning and sharing. It is such a blessing to be able to gather in the worship of God alone, to focus all of our attention on our practices and the nourishment of our souls.

May God continue to bless these conferences and allow us to continue to spread His message of joy, love and peace in the coming year.

[2:207] Then there are those who dedicate their lives to serving GOD; GOD is compassionate towards such worshipers.

[6:103] No visions can encompass Him, but He encompasses all visions. He is the Compassionate, the Cognizant

[57:9] He is the One who sends down to His servant clear revelations, in order to lead you out of the darkness into the light. GOD is Compassionate towards you, Most Merciful.

Nargis and Lydia