Subject: [Masjid Tucson] Submission weekly reminder

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Peace be upon you,

There are perhaps 30 million people currently unemployed and looking for work in the US. An alarming figure.

But the truth is, no one is unemployed. We all have a job to do.

[Quran 90:4] We created the human being to work hard (to redeem himself).

Every day we need to be striving in the cause of God, doing righteous works, determined to succeed--not in this world but in the all-important Hereafter. It's fine to have a good job and work hard at it, but we need to remember that the real success is not money or fame or power. It is being close to God. And if we concentrate on doing God's work, then He promises us great rewards.

[Quran 3:195] Their Lord responded to them: "I never fail to reward any worker among you for any work you do, be you male or female--you are equal to one another.

[Quran 6:127] They have deserved the abode of peace at their Lord; He is their Lord and Master, as a reward for their works.

[Quran 37:61] This is what every worker should work for.

If we waste this chance on earth and don't work hard to redeem ourselves, then God spells out the consequences (Quran 11:15-16). But if we concentrate our efforts towards the Hereafter, God will reward us in this life and then the ultimate reward for eternity.

[Quran 17:19] As for those who choose the Hereafter as their priority, and work righteousness, while believing, their efforts will be appreciated.

So, remember, even if you're out of a job in the worldly sense, you are never unemployed. Your work is critical to your salvation. We all want to be among those who are led to Paradise and have this to say:

[Quran 39:74] ... "Praise be to GOD, who fulfilled His promise to us, and made us inherit the earth, enjoying Paradise as we please." What a beautiful recompense for the workers!


References:
Goals and Priorities, https://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/sp/2017/dec/page1.html
Making God the Priority, https://www.masjidtucson.org/submission/perspectives/striving/striving_God_priority.html

Peace.