Subject: [Masjid Tucson] Submission weekly reminder

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Peace be upon you,

[Quran 73:19] This is a reminder; whoever wills, let him choose the path to his Lord.

Today is "independence day" in USA. Many countries celebrate "independence day", often to appreciate the freedoms they enjoy. One of the most important freedoms is the freedom of religion. God gave us the freedom to choose to believe in Him or not (Quran 18:29, 25:57, 74:37, 76:29, etc.). It is both a great gift and a test: will we believe in God or will we disbelieve?

As far as God's omniscience is concerned, God already knows everybody's fate in this world and in the Hereafter. However, because of our freedom, we are responsible for our decision on the Day of Judgment. We cannot blame our parents, friends, scholars, or anyone else.

May God guide us and help us choose to submit to Him.


References:
Freedom to Believe, https://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/sp/1999/jun/page1.html
Why Were We Created? https://www.masjidtucson.org/quran/appendices/appendix7.html

Peace.