Subject: [Masjid Tucson] Submission weekly reminder

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Peace be upon you,

When information about another individual is passed to us, it is important for each of us to verify that information even if the source of the news is an authority figure, a relative or a long-time friend. God holds each of us responsible for our own actions and behavior (Quran 53:38-39).

Humans are weak and subject to peer pressure (Quran 29:25). They may act without knowledge (Quran 22:3,8) or fall into suspicion, ridicule (Quran 49:11-12) or jealousy (Quran 3:19). God enjoins us to seek refuge in Him (Quran 7:200-201), verify information (Quran 17:36), be equitable and to avoid bias (Quran 4:135). God has thus forewarned us against our weaknesses, and it is in our best interest to heed God's advice.

   Crucial Advice
[Quran 17:36-38] 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. You shall not walk proudly on earth ―you cannot bore through the earth, nor can you be as tall as the mountains. All bad behavior is condemned by your Lord.


References:
Anecdote: Investigate, examine, verify, http://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/sp/2012/sep/page4.html
Godly behavior from the Bible and Quran, http://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/sp/2013/may/page1.html
What Price A Great Nation, http://www.masjidtucson.org/quran/appendices/appendix36.html
Freedom, God's Quranic Gift, http://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/sp/2003/jul/page1.html
Understanding Islam / Submission, http://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/sp/2001/mar/page1.html


Peace.