September 2009: Page 1, 2, 3, 4

Submitters Perspective

Page 3

RIGHTEOUSNESS

Unity of All Submitters

[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.

Minimum Requirements For Salvation

[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.

I get goose-flesh whenever I read this verse. From this verse, we see that righteousness is a very important component of being a Submitter. God calls righteousness the best provision (2:197) and the best garment (7:26)

[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.

God tells us to race towards righteousness (2:148) and to compete in righteousness (5:48). In fact, God is the source of righteousness (74:56).

[74:56] They cannot take heed against GOD's will. He is the source of righteousness; He is the source of forgiveness.

Every now and then awards are given out in this world—but there’s no award for “Best Submitter”. At the end everyone is a winner, and everyone can share the trophy. ...the prophets, the saints, the martyrs, and the righteous. These are the best company. (4:69)

There are several benefits to being righteous.

1) If we are righteous, we get repaid for it manifold.

[2:245] Who would lend GOD a loan of righteousness, to have it repaid to them multiplied manifold? GOD is the One who provides and withholds, and to Him you will be returned.

God dislikes corruption and bribery. So if you are ethical in your work dealings, God is sure to repay you for it.  In fact, we get more than an equivalent reward. 

[28:84] Whoever works righteousness receives a far better reward. As for those who commit sins, the retribution for their sins is precisely equivalent to their works.

[57:11] Who would like to loan GOD a loan of righteousness, to have it multiplied for him manifold, and end up with a generous recompense?

2) Being righteous brings pardon from God. God remits our sins and you get entry to the Garden of Eden.

[4:149] If you work righteousness — either declared or concealed — or pardon a transgression, GOD is Pardoner, Omnipotent.

[64:17] If you lend GOD a loan of righteousness, He will multiply the reward for you manifold, and forgive you. GOD is Appreciative, Clement.

Conditions for Staying Within God's Protection*

[5:12]  GOD had taken a covenant from the Children of Israel, and we raised among them twelve patriarchs. And GOD said, "I am with you, so long as you observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and believe in My messengers and respect them, and continue to lend GOD a loan of righteousness. I will then remit your sins, and admit you into gardens with flowing streams. Anyone who disbelieves after this, has indeed strayed off the right path."

*5:12 If you fulfill the requirements stated in this verse, God will let you know that He is with you; you will have no doubt about it. Prominent among God's signs are mathematical signs for those who understand the Quran's miracle (Appendix One).

3) Being righteous protects and relieves us from injustice and adversity, harm and grief.

[20:112] As for those who worked righteousness, while believing, they will have no fear of injustice or adversity.

[39:61] And GOD will save those who have maintained righteousness; He will reward them. No harm will touch them, nor will they have any grief.

HOW CAN WE BE RIGHTEOUS

1. Righteousness Defined

[2:177] Righteousness is not turning your faces towards the east or the west. Righteous are those who believe in GOD, the Last Day, the angels, the scripture, and the prophets; and they give the money,

cheerfully, to the relatives, the orphans, the needy, the traveling alien, the beggars, and to free the slaves; and they observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat); and they keep their word whenever they make a promise; and they steadfastly persevere in the face of persecution, hardship, and war. These are the truthful; these are the righteous.

2. Being straightforward, not evasive, or questioning, doubting, being skeptical. If you want to ask question, then ask… Don’t give the third degree.

Do Not Beat Around the Bush

[2:189] They ask you about the phases of the moon! Say, "They provide a timing device for the people, and determine the time of Hajj." It is not righteous to beat around the bush; righteousness is attained by upholding the commandments and by being straightforward. You shall observe GOD, that you may succeed.

3. Reverence the rites dictated by God — Just being reverent during Salat, thinking about God while fasting.

[22:32] Indeed, those who reverence the rites decreed by GOD demonstrate the righteousness of their hearts.

4. Being forgiving  and just

[42:40]  Although the just requital for an injustice is an equivalent retribution, those who pardon and maintain righteousness are rewarded by GOD. He does not love the unjust.

5. Being sensitive in delicate matters of marriage and divorce.

[2:223] Your women are the bearers of your seed. Thus, you may enjoy this privilege however you like, so long as you maintain righteousness. You shall observe GOD, and know that you will meet Him. Give good news to the believers

[2:237]  If you divorce them before touching them, but after you had set the dowry for them, the compensation shall be half the dowry, unless they voluntarily forfeit their rights, or the party responsible for causing the divorce chooses to forfeit the dowry. To forfeit is closer to righteousness. You shall maintain the amicable relations among you. GOD is Seer of everything you do.

Cont’d on page 4