Subject: [Masjid Tucson] Submission weekly reminder

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Peace be upon you,

	The Purpose of Our Life*
[Quran 67:2] The One who created death and life for the purpose of distinguishing those among you who would do better.* He is the Almighty, the Forgiving.
*67:2 See the Introduction and Appendix 7 for details of the purpose behind this world.


We are here on earth with a purpose and a finite lifespan. The new year reminds us of time going by, and it is a good opportunity to examine ourselves. Are we on track in devoting our worship absolutely to God alone? Are we doing better than we did the year before? If the answer is yes, that's a good sign, thank God.

But if our life is not at the standard of righteousness that we are aiming for, then it is up to us to make changes. Satan may put excuses in our mind to make it difficult. Perhaps we will tell ourselves we are too busy to make changes, or come up with some other reasons not to improve our submission. But in doing so, we place ourselves at great risk. Because there will likely always be something else that takes up our energy and attention. And before we know it, yet another year will have gone by. May God forgive us and help us to do better.

Reflection question: what soul-growing activity will we work on today?


References
Why Were We Created? https://www.masjidtucson.org/quran/appendices/appendix7.html or watch https://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/videos/vid.php?vid=LKrk3v00r80
Friday Sermon of Dr. Khalifa (1 Jan 1988), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5wzQ_-6_bg&t=1435s


Peace.