Subject: [Masjid Tucson] Submission weekly reminder In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful Peace be upon you, To attain the higher ranks, we must strive in the cause of God (Quran 4:95-96). While there are no more religious wars to fight for God, and no more slaves to free in the sense that it appears in the Quran, we can still strive and seek the ways and means to God (Quran 5:35). [Quran 2:207] Then there are those who dedicate their lives to serving GOD; GOD is compassionate towards such worshipers. [Quran 94:5-6] With pain there is gain. Indeed, with pain there is gain. [94:7-8] Whenever possible you shall strive. Seeking only your Lord. Strivers eagerly dedicate their money and their lives to God (Quran 9:88). This means their lives are for God, not themselves. Striving in the cause of God is a distinguishing characteristic of moving to the next level of faith, going from Submitters to Believers (Quran 49:14-15). If we truly believe in something—we go the extra mile for that that faith and for God. Peace. References & resources: * Striving: Dedicating our lives and money to God ( http://www.masjidtucson.org/submission/perspectives/striving/striving_dedicating_lives_money_to_God.html ) * Striving: Making God our priority ( http://www.masjidtucson.org/submission/perspectives/striving/striving_God_priority.html )