Feedback

Cont'd from page 3

The system

God says He loves the steadfast (3:146) and those who trust in Him (3:159).  Sometimes when I cannot find answers, I wait, and ask God and trust He will show me at the proper time.

We should also remember that the Quran is complete (6:114). We should carefully study the Quran for answers including taking things in context (4:82) and following the whole Quran (6:19, 15:91, 5:101). We should look at things in light of God’s attributes and use common sense (17:36). The Quran talks about listening to all words and following the best. All viewpoints must be considered and compared to the Quran in its entirety to arrive at the best. Anything outside the Quran should be rejected.

[39:18] They are the ones who examine all words, then follow the best. These are the ones whom GOD has guided; these are the ones who possess intelligence.

Lip service is not enough. If I find I’m doing something wrong, I should not only acknowledge it verbally but sincerely make an effort to change. Repentance is followed by reformation (2:160, 3:89, 4:146). If I believe the book is from God, then my actions should reflect this. 

This is feedback to test my innermost convictions.

[6:54] … Your Lord has decreed that mercy is His attribute. Thus, anyone among you who commits a transgression out of ignorance, and repents thereafter and reforms, then He is Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

The test also mandates that we wholeheartedly submit, we hear and obey, and follow the system God has given us. Once we have the right answer from Quran, we must show steadfastness, trust, and confidence in God’s system. Believing in God means trusting in God.

Satanic tricks

The best of us will commit sins, even God’s prophets.  But when someone suggests we are duped by Satan, do we take it personally? We should not.

We should be careful and examine ourselves against what the Quran says. We should also be wary of Satan’s whispers that play on our ego. Satan’s lies may also try to push us away from the Quran or entice us with things that go against God’s system (7:20, 2:268, 17:64).

When someone shows us a clear verse in the Quran, Satan may say, “Be open to alternate ideas so you don’t have to change”, i.e., have doubt. Or, “How can so many people be wrong?” Satan wants us to go freewheeling, without the Quran, so we can fall off the cliff. Satan will do anything to make us go astray and fall out of God’s protection.

Be aware of bad responses (in ourselves) to feedback, including ridiculing (49:11), backbiting (49:12), being angry and belligerent (22:72). It’s usually a sign we’re wrong. Also, be aware of apathy (4:97, 5:79). And in general, anything that takes us away from being absolutely devoted to God alone and following the Quran.

How to counter Satan

We can counter Satan by following God’s system. This includes behaving nicely with each other (17:53) and discussing in a civil and logical fashion as friends, not enemies (41:33-35) and seeking refuge in God anytime the devil whispers (7:200-201, 23:97-98, 41:36).

[41:34] Not equal is the good response and the bad response. You shall resort to the nicest possible response. Thus, the one who used to be your enemy, may become your best friend.

[41:35] None can attain this except those who steadfastly persevere. None can attain this except those who are extremely fortunate.

While not easy, that is something we can consider while dealing with feedback. Reacting in a way that our “enemy” becomes our “best friend.”  We have to set the example in our own responses to reminders first, before we expect others to react perfectly. How better to remind than setting the best example?

Feroz