Subject: [Masjid Tucson] Submission weekly reminder

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Peace be upon you,

[Quran 3:160] If GOD supports you, none can defeat you. And if He abandons you, who else can support you? In GOD the believers shall trust.

Fear: The Devil's Tool
[Quran 3:175] It is the devil’s system to instill fear into his subjects. Do not fear them and fear Me instead, if you are believers.


When we are faced with a threat of someone harming us or a dangerous or painful situation, how do we respond? Do we turn to God and implore Him for help? Or do we panic and react out of fear?

We see examples of reassurance in the Quran: when the children of Israel were trapped between Pharaoh's armies and the water, God parted the sea for them! When the prophet Muhammad was being chased by disbelievers and was one of two people in a cave with no escape, he told his friend, "Do not worry; GOD is with us." (Quran 9:40)

God says He controls every atom in the universe (Quran 10:61), and that He sends shifts of angels to guard us (Quran 13:11). And while it takes faith in God to be calm rather than afraid, choosing to trust God is good for our own mental and spiritual health. The test may not be easy. But if we can hold fast to God, the rewards of peace and happiness in this world and the Hereafter are worth it.


References:
Fear, https://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/sp/2013/aug/page3.html
Fearing only God, https://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/sp/2023/jun/page3.html

Peace.