Subject: [Masjid Tucson] Submission weekly reminder

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Peace be upon you,

	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.

[Quran 5:35] O you who believe, you shall reverence GOD and seek the ways and means to Him, and strive in His cause, that you may succeed.

[Quran 94:7-8] Whenever possible you shall strive.
 Seeking only your Lord.


God encourages us to strive for higher ranks (Quran 4:95-6, 49:15). Some definitions of "strive" include: to exert oneself vigorously, to try hard, to make a strenuous effort, to struggle vigorously, etc. Striving requires effort, and going above and beyond the minimum requirements for salvation.

Our striving is for our own good (Quran 29:6). We can strive with our money and our lives (e.g., by spreading God's message, spending in His cause, etc.), and God gives each of us many opportunities to strive. The rest is up to us.

May God help us strive, seeking to please Him alone (Quran 94:7-8).


References:
Striving, https://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/sp/2019/jul/page1.html
Striving to please God, https://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/sp/2016/jul/page1.html
Striving, https://www.masjidtucson.org/submission/perspectives/striving/

Peace.