Sectarianism

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[35:18] No soul can carry the sins of another soul. If a soul that is loaded with sins implores another to bear part of its load, no other soul can carry any part of it, even if they were related. The only people to heed your warnings are those who reverence their Lord, even when alone in their privacy, and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat). Whoever purifies his soul, does so for his own good. To GOD is the final destiny.

The Quran is so clear in condemning sectarianism.

Religious Sects Condemned

[6:159] Those who divide themselves into sects do not belong with you. Their judgment rests with GOD, then He will inform them of everything they had done.

[42:14] Ironically, they broke up into sects only after the knowledge had come to them, due to jealousy and resentment among themselves. If it were not for a predetermined decision from your Lord to respite them for a definite interim, they would have been judged immediately. Indeed, the later generations who inherited the scripture are full of doubts.

May God protect us from such divisions.

Alim

Letter from a freed prisoner—free in all ways by God’s grace

Exactly one year ago I was released from my 4+ year incarceration. Although I made many poor decisions that landed me in prison, it was not a death sentence. It was a tremendous blessing. By God’s immense mercy and grace I found the real me. I finally started the “one day” that most of us addicts promise ourselves will come. “One day I’ll get clean. One day I’ll stop hurting myself and others. One day this, one day that.” I want to be an example for those who are hurting, God willing. Drugs and alcohol don’t eliminate the pain you’re feeling; it’s only a mask. You have to search for what is hurting you, cut its throat and bury it, so to speak. “With pain there is gain. Indeed, with pain there is gain.” (94:5-6). Mental health is real. Every single moment of every single day brings a chance for growth. Seize the day. Live life to the fullest. Admire the sunrise and the new beginning that comes along with it. Appreciate the sunset and reflect on what you have accomplished. Love others, and more importantly, love yourself. You’re worth something. When that little voice whispers to you otherwise…. Tell him to take off. May I continue to be appreciative of my Lord’s blessing. The blessing of freedom. Physical freedom, mental freedom, spiritual freedom. Cheers and peace to all.

 

This verse sustained me every day in prison: [3:160] If GOD supports you, none can defeat you. And if He abandons you, who else can support you? In GOD the believers shall trust.

And this verse is a reminder to all: [8:38] Tell those who disbelieved: if they stop, all their past will be forgiven. But if they return, they will incur the same fate as their previous counterparts.

Ayyub

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God’s Forgiveness

[2:218] Those who believe, and those who emigrate and strive in the cause of GOD, have deserved GOD's mercy. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

[2:268] The devil promises you poverty and commands you to commit evil, while GOD promises you forgiveness from Him and grace. GOD is Bounteous, Omniscient.

[3:135] If they fall in sin or wrong their souls, they remember GOD and ask forgiveness for their sins—and who forgives the sins except GOD—and they do not persist in sins, knowingly.