|
Cont’d from page 1
been lost in the last hundred years or so. We have begun to think we’re entitled to all this. We take for granted that our privileges and our blessings will always be there because we deserve them. Even Washington anticipated that God’s blessings would continue when he said: “along with an humble anticipation of the future blessings which the past seem to presage.” But he said this humbly and, I think, with a belief that our faith and trust in God would not diminish. Some months after his inauguration, he declared a day of Thanksgiving and in his proclamation he said: “… it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor…. And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations.” (See Submitters Perspective November 2012 for the whole proclamation).
And Abraham Lincoln in the midst of the Civil War also declared a day of Thanksgiving, acknowledging “…the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy…. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.”
This was in the thick of a horrible war that was dividing the nation. We are so much better off today, yet we are divided and faced with bigotry against race and religion, with ugly, angry words instead of bullets. And as Lincoln observed, God will punish us for our sins. He is Most Merciful, but He is also strict in enforcing retribution.
Can we turn this around? Can we return to a nation of prosperity and blessings? God willing, we can. God is the Forgiver. He is Most Merciful.
He is the Redeemer. So, if we remember that all blessings come only from God, if we are appreciative and thankful, if we honor and commemorate only God, He will respond with more blessings. [14:7] Your Lord has decreed: "The more you thank Me, the more I give you." But if you turn unappreciative, then My retribution is severe. He gives us more when we thank Him—we can see that in American history. When we were righteous and appreciative, our blessings came abundantly. But His retribution is also clear and obvious. We have turned away from God, thinking that humans or technology will help us. And God is showing us a taste of His retribution.
Our solution is to return to God. Remember Him with prayers of supplication and thanksgiving. Teach our children to be righteous, honest and God-fearing, God-loving. Treat each other kindly and charitably. Acknowledge that God is the Supreme Power and that we have no authority except what He gives us. Keep God in our hearts all the time. That’s the only thing that will make, and keep, America great. (see Appendix 36: What Price a Great Nation, in Quran, The Final Testament, translated by Rashad Khalifa, Ph.D.)
[16:112] GOD cites the example of a community that used to be secure and prosperous, with provisions coming to it from everywhere. But then, it turned unappreciative of GOD's blessings. Consequently, GOD caused them to taste the hardships of starvation and insecurity. Such is the requital for what they did.
[7:205-6] You shall remember your Lord within yourself, publicly, privately, and quietly, day and night; do not be unaware. Those at your Lord are never too proud to worship Him; they glorify Him and fall prostrate before Him.
[3:76] Indeed, those who fulfill their obligations and lead a righteous life, GOD loves the righteous.
[19:96] Surely, those who believe and lead a righteous life, the Most Gracious will shower them with love.
The past US Presidential race was perhaps the most followed and speculated event worldwide in 2016. What lessons can we learn from it?
Firstly, we must remember that God decides the outcome of everything. We do not know His plan but we do know that everything is in His control, and with good reason. Our job is to submit to His will and follow His commands to obey those in charge of us and cooperate in matters of righteousness (4:59, 5:2).
Now let’s consider the impact of a ruler on a country. The US President at the White House (for example) will be awarded the mandate to be the most powerful decision maker for US citizens. The President’s decisions impact you, your country and even the rest of the world. But this ‘apparent power’ is only in the earthly, material world. God is ultimate Ruler of our Earth and the universe! All rulers are subservient to the Almighty, whether people know it or not.
In this world, rulers have the power to institute change that can impact the lives of millions. But let’s focus on the entity you are really responsible to bring positive change to, constantly: Your Soul.
So consider this. What change can you bring to your life to make your soul grow better today? What change can you bring in people’s lives that will help them be better people God willing? Would you like to be the next “President?” Be at the “White House” and make decisions for real change for actions that please God?
I’m not talking about the US President or the White House in Washington D.C. I’m talking about the “White House” you will build on Earth for you and your family—the house of righteous thoughts, ideas and actions. That is the house people will
Cont'd on page 3