March 2002: Page 1, 2, 3, 4

Submitters Perspective

Page 3

SUBMISSION ... cont'd from page 2

The fourth part of 2:177 deals with keeping their word whenever they make a promise. This is one field in which I find myself to be very weak. All I do about this is ask God who has guided me so far to help me in analysing the word or the commitment before giving it by applying the carpenter’s rule, i.e. to measure twice and cut once.

The fifth part deals with steadfast-ness and persevering in the face of persecution, hardship and war. This can be handled by holding fast to the rope of God while you go through the Inevitable Test. Regarding which God says in 3:186 You will certainly be tested, through your money and your lives, and you will hear from those who received the scripture, and from the idol worshipers, a lot of insult. If you steadfastly persevere

and lead a righteous life, this will prove the strength of your faith.

As we learn also from the Quran, the proven worshipers of God ALONE start reaping the benefits of their steadfastness right in this world, and their recompense in the Hereafter will be even greater. For example, 16:97 states that Anyone who works righteousness, male or female, while believing, we will surely grant them a happy life in this world, and we will surely pay them their full recompense (on the Day of Judgment) for their right-eous works.

Going back to 2:112, it says that those have submitted themselves absolutely to God alone will re-ceive their recompense from God. And the last part of the verse says they have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve. Today if we look around we find that fear and depression are two problems

spread all over the world. One can find large collections of books prescribing methods of dealing with them.

I myself was the victim of both these problems when I was not a true submitter. I bought books of various national and international authors to solve my problems but all in vain. It gave me a temporary relief and again I was back to square one. I was fearful, sad and worried until I entered submission. Therefore, I now have a better appreciation of the statement “Happiness is Submission to God alone.”

May God help us to read, under-stand, and practice the verse 2:112 and many such verses in the ulti-mate book of guidance —Quran, the Final Testament; and Redeem us back to His kingdom.

Asif M.
Mumbai

Comments From A True Christian


To those who Believe in and Fear God,

I just went through your website quite by accident- I was reviewing the position Islam holds on the use of drugs and alcohol and I noticed that you had something to say about Jesus and Christians.

I am a Christian, moreover, I am a Christian who has submitted to the guidance of God. I follow the path laid down for me by God by recognizing little signs and wonders that lead me closer to a righteous state of being although, I will be the first to admit that I am a degenerate sinner and an ex pagan and worshipper of idols. I trust my instincts (for lack of a better word) which I believe come from God. Today, an interesting thing happened. I had always wished to know exactly what the Quran had to say about my people and you have provided the answer.

I do not, nor have ever regarded Islam as any kind of enemy. I am from America and have lived in the Philippine islands where my wife and children reside and that's right on the battle lines. On the island of Mindanao Muslims kill Christians and vice versa. I do not regard these people as people of God. Neither side is fighting for God but profit. The Catholics justify their abuse by saying that the Muslims don't regard Jesus as God while the typical Fili-pino Muslim is just interested in ripping somebody off. These Muslim terrorists (the abu Sayyaf) know absolutely nothing of Islam and have in fact admitted that. They have taken one or two verses from the Quran and have de-clared their cause holy. This is the same thing the Catholic Church did during the Crusades.

From what you say it would appear that we're all heading to great End and like I personally believe all of us (Jews, Christians, Muslims) are numbered with righteous souls who will live to stand before God in that last day. After all the fundamentals of the Bible and the fundamentals of the Quran aren't too different.

Robert S.