Subject: [Masjid Tucson] Submission weekly reminder

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Peace be upon you,

[Quran 94:5-8] With pain there is gain.
 Indeed, with pain there is gain.
 Whenever possible you shall strive.
 Seeking only your Lord.

As many of us (in the northern hemisphere) fasted through some of the longest days in the year in Ramadan, we took comfort in the fact that it was to grow our souls and to (God willing) draw closer to God.

This does not mean God wants hardship for us (Quran 2:185). Satan has tricked some people into believing that suffering is a consequence of (or a sign of) righteousness. The opposite is true. God promises happiness as a consequence of belief and righteousness (Quran 10:62-64, 13:29, 16:97). God willing, Submitters will see tests such as fasting long days or waking up early for the Dawn Contact Prayer as opportunities. This is not suffering at all. Instead it might be compared to the pain of a well-designed workout, which may not be comfortable but helps the muscles grow. And as the muscles grow and strengthen, so does the underlying skeleton. Thus, the pain actually helps the body grow. In the end, it is not the pain that God wants for us, but the growth.

May God help us strive regularly, seeking to please only our Lord.


References:
With Pain There Is Gain, http://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/sp/2018/may/page2.html
Tests help develop our souls, http://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/sp/2012/aug/page1.html

Peace.