Fine-tuning our Submission

Cont'd from page 3

[23:96] Therefore, counter their evil works with goodness; we are fully aware of their claims.

[28:54-55] To these we grant twice the reward, because they steadfastly persevere. They counter evil works with good works, and from our provisions to them, they give. When they come across vain talk, they disregard it and say, “We are responsible for our deeds, and you are responsible for your deeds. Peace be upon you. We do not wish to behave like the ignorant ones.”

[90:11-18] He should choose the difficult path. Which one is the difficult path?  The freeing of slaves. Feeding, during the time of hardship. Orphans who are related. Or the poor who is in need. And being one of those who believe, and exhorting one another to be steadfast, and exhorting one another to be kind.  These have deserved happiness.

[13:22] They steadfastly persevere in seeking their Lord, observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), spend from our provisions to them secretly and publicly, and counter evil with good. These have deserved the best abode.

THE BEST ABODE—that is what I strive for, because that is where I can be closest to God for eternity. All these verses indicate that we must fine-tune our egos to always respond in the BEST POSSIBLE MANNER.

These Quran verses bring to mind two beautiful Bible verses in Romans 12:17 & 21: “Repay no one evil for evil.” “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” If we respond to our tests in the best possible manner, and tweak our egos sincerely intending to overcome evil with good, then, maybe, we will deserve, by God’s infinite grace and mercy, the BEST ABODE, the HIGH HEAVEN. This is what I pray for myself and for all of us who strive.

Lory

* * * * *

INDEX to 2018 Submitters Perspective Articles

Live your Life According to Quran (January)
Abraham’s Prayers (January)

How to Interact in Non-Violent Debates (February)
Quran and the 12 Steps: 1 & 2 (February)

Habits, part one (March)
Quran and the 12 Steps: 3 & 4 (March)

Opportunities to Remember God (April)
Habits, part two (April)
The Importance of Meditation (April)

Ramadan (May)
With Pain There Is Gain (May)
Ramadan (May)
AA & Submission (May)

Freedom from Prison for You and Me (June)
Quran and the 12 Steps: 5 & 6 (June)

Submission (Islam): Keeping it Simple (July)
Fulfilling Our Obligations (July)
The Reminder Reminds the Reminder (July)

Appreciating God (August)
Quran and the 12 Steps: 7 & 8 (August)

Self-Righteousness (September)
Conference Report (September)

Self-Righteousness (continued) (October)
Quran and the 12 Steps: 9 & 10 (October)

Tools of the Devil (November)
Tools in our Toolbox (November)

Quran and the 12 Steps: 11 & 12 (December)
Comparing with Others (December)
Truth (December)