December 2007: Page 1, 2, 3, 4

Submitters Perspective

Page 2

Windows to the Universe

Cont’d from page 1

Some take belief and faith to mean one and the same thing whereas others do see a similarity but define them differently to suit their own lifestyle. Hence, they search for God unsuccessfully because they Humankind is the only creature who can read, write and think. We read books, newspapers, magazines, and encyclopedias. We write letters, articles, essays and books to express our thoughts in words. Through our vivid vision we learn to develop a vast imagination and thereby create unique pictures in our mind; moreover, we can draw them with various colors.

We enjoy life with our eyes—God’s gift to us. When you watch a beautiful sunset—the burning orange ball going down behind the hills, the light reflecting on the surface of the ocean like a vast necklace of shimmering diamonds, the black shadows of birds moving gracefully in front of the fading sun – you fell warm, spiritual, peaceful and indescribably happy.

The eye talks more than words themselves. The children’s eyes reflect their pure, innocent hearts. Lovers feel their love by just looking at each other. The eye displays our emotions sensitively: Happiness, sadness, anger, respect and love.

God created the heaven and the earth for a specific purpose. (Quran 14:19)

I did not create the humans except to worship Me alone. (Quran 51:56)

God thus gave us our eyes for a specific purpose. We are unable to see Him in this life, but we are capable of appreciating the beauty of the surroundings He has created only for us. The trees, the stars, the mountains, the animals all glorify Him. He has subdued them for us. These eyes of ours are witnessing God’s creations continuously so we can realize His presence and His mercy.

You shall not accept any information, unless you verify it for yourself. I have given you the hearing, the eyesight, and the brain, and you are responsible for using them. (Quran 17:36)

Naoko

 

THE MESSAGE OF THE QURAN IS UNIVERSAL

[7:35] O children of Adam, when messengers come to you from among you, and recite My revelations to you, those who take heed and lead a righteous life, will have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.

The message of the Quran is universal.  According to the Quran, God Almighty rewards any righteous believer irrespective of the name of the religion:

[2:62] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.

God Almighty decreed the same religion for all the people:

[42:13] He decreed for you the same religion decreed for Noah, and what we inspired to you, and what we decreed for Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: "You shall uphold this one religion, and do not divide it." The idol worshipers will greatly resent what you invite them to do. GOD redeems to Himself whomever He wills; He guides to Himself only those who totally submit.

The name of the religion does not matter. The submission to God Alone is the only factor that counts.

[2:111] Some have said, "No one will enter Paradise except Jews or Christians!" Such is their wishful thinking. Say, "Show us your proof, if you are right."

[2:112] Indeed, those who submit themselves absolutely to GOD alone, while leading a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord; they have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.

 

[2:113] The Jews said, "The Christians have no basis," while the Christians said, "The Jews have no basis." Yet, both of them read the scripture. Such are the utterances of those who possess no knowledge. GOD will judge them on the Day of Resurrection, regarding their disputes.

God loves righteous people irrespective of the name of their religion:

 [5:69] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the converts, and the Christians; any of them who (1) believe in GOD and (2) believe in the Last Day, and (3) lead a righteous life, have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.

 [7:26] O children of Adam, we have provided you with garments to cover your bodies, as well as for luxury. But the best garment is the garment of righteousness. These are some of GOD's signs, that they may take heed.

[7:27] O children of Adam, do not let the devil dupe you as he did when he caused the eviction of your parents from Paradise, and the removal of their garments to expose their bodies. He and his tribe see you, while you do not see them. We appoint the devils as companions of those who do not believe.

 [7:35] O children of Adam, when messengers come to you from among you, and recite My revelations to you, those who take heed and lead a righteous life, will have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.

 [17:70] We have honored the children of Adam, and provided them with rides on land and in the sea. We provided for them good provisions, and we gave them greater advantages than many of our creatures.

Cont’d on page 3