Subject: [Masjid Tucson] Submission weekly reminder

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Peace be upon you,

Submitters have a unique opportunity to build their souls (and get closer to God) by striving to spread His word (Quran 16:125, 18:29, 18:87, 41:33, etc.). God's guidance is a great blessing, and only God guides (Quran 11:88, 28:56, 21:51).  By mediating the spread of God's message, submitters earn a lot of credit with God (Quran 4:85). Submitters take advantage of each chance to strive and gain extra credit with God, and pray that God admits them to the higher ranks from Him (Quran 4:95, 9:88, 17:79, 22:78, 57:10-11).


     Higher Ranks for the Strivers 
[Quran 4:95] Not equal are the sedentary among the believers who are not handicapped, and those who strive in the cause of GOD with their money and their lives. GOD exalts the strivers with their money and their lives above the sedentary. For both, GOD promises salvation, but GOD exalts the strivers over the sedentary with a great recompense. [4:96] The higher ranks come from Him, as well as forgiveness and mercy. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful. We can spread the word of God through our actions, words and behavior among our colleagues, family and friends; those closest to us and mostly likely to get influenced.

     How to Spread God's Message
[Quran 16:125] You shall invite to the path of your Lord with wisdom and kind enlightenment, and debate with them in the best possible manner. Your Lord knows best who has strayed from His path, and He knows best who are the guided ones.



References:
Striving in the cause of God, http://www.masjidtucson.org/submission/perspectives/striving/striving_God_priority.html
Inviting to Submission, http://www.masjidtucson.org/submission/questions/questions.html#mar2012_invitingSub
Jihad and Striving, http://www.masjidtucson.org/submission/perspectives/striving/
Is Submission (Islam) spread by the sword? http://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/sp/2007/apr/page4.html
Introduction, http://www.masjidtucson.org/quran/appendices/introduction.html

Peace.