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money. Which is not always the case. God says He will test us through many ways, [2:155] We will surely test you through some fear, hunger, and loss of money, lives, and crops. This means sometimes the situation calls for reassurance, kindness and compassion (48:29).
When a believer goes through a test, we may think what they need is a reminder about what they did in the past that caused this test for them. But what they may really need in that situation is support from their real family. Most Submitters are already trying hard to seek God’s guidance and forgiveness on their own. So, it may be our test in that situation if we incorrectly assume what they need instead of imploring God for His guidance for us to do the right thing.
Of course, reminders are good, in fact, God encourages in the Quran (51:55) And remind, for the reminder benefits the believers. But we need to remind in the best possible manner, and we have some beautiful verses from Quran which can help people avoid despair and seek God out of reverence and hope (7:56).
65:2 ... Anyone who reverences GOD, He will create an exit for him.
65:4 ... Anyone who reverences GOD, He makes everything easy for him.
65:5 ... Anyone who reverences GOD, He remits his sins, and rewards him generously.
I heard these reminders from some: "You must seek forgiveness, you must have done something wrong. All good is from God and bad from us (4:79)." Yes, this reminder is true, and any reminder from God and His words is good and to be appreciated. But this is not the only reminder we can share from Quran. In my test, I appreciated the reminders from sura 65 because I found them helpful and encouraging.
God says each one of us will be tested. He created each of us unique. Thus, our tests are also designed uniquely for our souls.
So, we should remember we may not know the reasons for anybody else’s test and what’s going on in their lives. Rather than assuming the worst, we should assume the best as we offer our support, compassion and love as we would to a brother or sister in our family.
God is the best supporter (22:78). God never burdens any soul beyond its ability/means (23:62). And while God does not need us to do anything, I feel it is in my own soul’s interest to help someone if God gives me the opportunity to (90:12-17). With God’s help, the love and care we show towards a family member will make them feel that they indeed have a family whom they can rely on. This was how those believers treated me when I was going through my test.
In fact Quran teaches us to strive to reach an extraordinary level.
Treat Each Other Amicably
[17:53] Tell My servants to treat each other in the best possible manner, for the devil will always try to drive a wedge among them. Surely, the devil is man’s most ardent enemy.
Submitters
[41:33] Who can utter better words than one who invites to GOD, works righteousness, and says, “I am one of the submitters”? [41:34] Not equal is the good response and the bad response. You shall resort to the nicest possible response. Thus, the one who used to be your enemy, may become your best friend. God tells us to work on our responses so that even our enemies become our friends (41:33-34). So we definitely have a greater responsibility when it comes to fellow believers.
All those who follow God’s commandments in 2:62 and 5:69 are Submitters. We are united through faith as part of an extended family. We may have some differences, but the common and most important thing between us is our devotion to God alone. It’s like we all are travelers on our way to our beloved God. And there are so many paths to reach Him. And we always have something to serve with our co-travelers in this spiritual journey with our spiritual family.
If we have a car, we can give them a lift. If we don’t have a car we can walk along with them. If we are blessed with strength, we can carry their baggage, share our food and water. If they fall we can lend them a hand. There are so many ways to serve God and help one another.
One of God’s attributes is, He is the Most Merciful. If one truly believes in Him and this quality of His, then one would strive to be merciful, kind and loving towards other creatures.
May God continue to guide us and bless us to show love, mercy, compassion towards our fellow brothers and sisters.
[49:10] The believers are members of one family; you shall keep the peace within your family and reverence GOD, that you may attain mercy.
[59:10] … “Our Lord, forgive us and our brethren who preceded us to the faith, and keep our hearts from harboring any hatred towards those who believed. Our Lord, You are Compassionate, Most Merciful.”
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God created all humans as descendants of Adam and Eve. [49:13] O people, we created you from the same male and female, and rendered you distinct peoples and tribes, that you may recognize one another. The best among you in the sight of GOD is the most righteous. GOD is Omniscient, Cognizant.
We are all from the same race biologically. So, everyone on the planet is a distant relative. Whether it’s the queen of England or a pauper. Yes, there are differences among us. But these differences in skin color or other bodily features were put in place so we can recognize one another. Color or ethnicity does not make one human better than another.
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