Subject: [Masjid Tucson] Submission weekly reminder

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Peace be upon you,

	Perfect Happiness: Now and Forever
[Quran 41:30] Those who proclaim: "Our Lord is GOD," then lead a righteous life, the angels descend upon them: "You shall have no fear, nor shall you grieve. Rejoice in the good news that Paradise has been reserved for you.
[41:31] "We are your allies in this life, and in the Hereafter. You will have in it anything you wish for; you will have anything you want.
[41:32] "(Such is your) ultimate abode, from a Forgiver, Most Merciful."


Given a choice between this world and eternal Paradise, wouldn't we readily choose the latter? The word Paradise evokes joy and happiness. A place where we can have anything you wish for with no problems whatsoever. In comparison, this world, as beautiful as it is, feels confining, almost like a "prison". And yet we are here by choice. We foolishly failed to make a firm stand with God's absolute authority, opting to see if Satan can run this world without misery and chaos (Quran 20:115, 33:72).

God, in His mercy, gave us many freedoms in this most amazing "prison". We have the freedom to move around, to dress as we like and eat the foods we prefer. But with those freedoms comes responsibility. If we commit more crimes here, forget God, let our ego rule us, show impatience or anger, idolize anything beside God--there is a consequence. It may not be immediately apparent, but like Joseph, but it will result in our staying in prison for a longer sentence.

Our goal is to be released into heaven. That is what we're striving for. So while it may not seem like a punishment, every day that we cannot be with God in Heaven is truly a heavy price to pay.


References:
Freedom From Prison For You And Me, https://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/sp/2018/jun/page1.html
Why were we Created?, https://www.masjidtucson.org/quran/appendices/appendix7.html

Peace.