Subject: [Masjid Tucson] Submission weekly reminder

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Peace be upon you,

[Quran 74:35] This is one of the great miracles. 
 [74:36] A warning to the human race. 
 [74:37] For those among you who wish to advance, or regress.


Our advancement or regression is a choice, a decision. It is an active decision made by people every day, every minute. You choose to believe or you choose to disbelieve. Most people, if asked, would say they choose belief. But if we don't work on our souls, we are choosing to regress. For example, if we live our lives being unappreciative of God's countless blessings (Quran 14:34), or are heedless of God's reminders, our souls regress. We want to actively, consciously choose every minute to be a submitter. That choice is for our own good. God is in no need of our worship, but He gives us every opportunity to do the right thing.

[Quran 3:177] Those who choose disbelief, instead of belief, do not hurt GOD in the least; they have incurred a painful retribution.

The subtitles for 17:18-19 really emphasize that conscious choice.

Choose Your Priorities Carefully: This Life
[Quran 17:18] Anyone who chooses this fleeting life as his priority, we will rush to him what we decide to give him, then we commit him to Gehenna, where he suffers forever, despised and defeated.
The Hereafter
 [17:19] As for those who choose the Hereafter as their priority, and work righteousness, while believing, their efforts will be appreciated.

Let us take heed of God's reminder: [Quran 76:29] This is a reminder: whoever wills shall choose the path to his Lord.



References:
Happiness: Consequence of our Choice, https://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/sp/2011/jul/page1.html
Choosing God, https://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/sp/2024/nov/page1.html


Peace.