Subject: [Masjid Tucson] Submission weekly reminder In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful Peace be upon you, The Winter Olympics begin today. So many people have put in so much effort for a few minutes of glory. For some it will be the culmination of a career, everything put into doing the very best they can in hopes of the ultimate reward of a gold medal. And if they fall short of expectations, they will devastated. But what's the real ultimate reward? It's not a medal or a ribbon or prize money. It's not fame and glory on this earth. The ultimate prize is with God. Athletes train hard every day. We must put in the same kind of effort every day so that we can exercise our soul and strive for first place, to be among those closest to God (Quran 56:11). The best part about God's system is that everyone has an opportunity to win. Unlike the Olympics where there can only be one winner, with God, every person who submits to God's will and worships God alone can cross the finish line victorious (Quran 40:51, 3:185, 9:72, 10:62-64). So, as we watch and enjoy the Olympic coverage. Or cheer for our favorite athletes from our favorite countries. Let us always keep in mind the real prize, the real gold medal, the ultimate reward. Paradise. [Quran 56:10-14] Then there is the elite of the elite. They are those who will be closest (to God). In the gardens of bliss. Many from the first generations. Few from the later generations. *56:13-40 People who believe and nourish their souls through worshiping God alone are destined for the High Heaven. The contemporary followers of each messenger invariably suffer persecution from the traditionalists and adherents of the corrupted religion. Thus, they have a special place reserved for them in the High Heaven. All people who die before the age of 40 go to the Lower Heaven, at least (46:15). References: Elite of the Elite (56:10) A Most Fortunate Generation, http://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/sp/1989/jun/page4.html Why Were We Created ? http://www.masjidtucson.org/quran/appendices/appendix7.html Peace.