World Blog by humble servant .A way of life.

What is so fascinating about Islam (Submission) is the simplicity with which it encompasses our life. It is not just mosque-based “only on Fridays”, or like the Church which hits home on Sundays. It does not encourage hertmitism (57:27) and seclusion from the world as an exhibition of faith.  It is not restricted to prayers and rituals alone but spread over the entire scope of life. Any step or deed we do for the sake of God is an act of worship. We will be duly rewarded or punished for all our actions performed in our lifetime as our activities are closely scrutinized by our Creator.

[50:16-18] We created the human, and we know what he whispers to himself. We are closer to him than his jugular vein. Two recording (angels), at right and at left, are constantly recording. Not an utterance does he utter without an alert witness.

Many people get lost in the ceremonial aspects and the detail of rituals and miss “the big picture” or purpose behind them. If one tiny detail is missed or a hair left unwashed during ablution, it need not become a federal case. At the same time you cannot live “footloose and fancy-free”. You do need to sincerely follow your worship practices.

Our acts of worship should, God willing, change our thinking and behavior. If there is no significant transformation or improvement it means that we are not   receptive (83:14). Take an example — we use a sharp knife to cut a slice of fruit and it does so cleanly. Later, the fruit is covered with a steel mesh and the same knife is used to cut it. It cannot cut it. The knife has not lost its capability but the fruit has lost its receptivity. The same is with the case of prayer.

[2:45] You shall seek help through steadfastness and the Contact Prayers (Salat). This is difficult indeed, but not so for the reverent.

To get a crop we first have to sow the seeds. God provides us the sunshine and the water. And for us, God has planted a seed of monotheism.

[30:30] Therefore, you shall devote yourself to the religion of strict monotheism. Such is the natural instinct placed into the people by GOD. Such creation of GOD will never change. This is the perfect religion, but most people do not know.

Then we must nourish it with the practices—Salat, Zakat, Fasting, Zikr and Hajj.  [33:41-42] O you who believe, you shall remember GOD frequently. You shall glorify Him day and night.

Another appealing feature of Islam is the concept of moderation and equivalence. There is no inflexibility of thought. We have the commandments of God which includes living in peace with and taking care of family, friends and the poor. Take our daily prayer schedule . What an effective device we are given to use as a “template for time management.” We should schedule our worldly activities around this and God willing, it will work out. Your total time spent on the five daily Contact Prayers (Salat),  takes no more than 20 minutes per day. If the prayer is our priority, it will not interfere with our school, work or play.

If you are having a “bad day” or worse, focus on Zikr (commemoration of God). Center on it and experience the amazing power it has to cool you off. Use it to connect with the Almighty, and a great tranquility will descend on you.

[15:98-99] You shall sing the praises of your Lord, and be with the prostrators. And worship your Lord, in order to attain certainty.

These rituals are better than the best worldly mood elevators. God does not need us to be grateful to Him; He is far above all needs.

[35:15] O people, you are the ones who need GOD, while GOD is in no need for anyone, the Most Praiseworthy.

[29:6] Those who strive, strive for their own good. GOD is in no need for anyone.

If we are thankful and grateful for God’s favors and bounties it is for our own benefit.

[14:7] Your Lord has decreed: “The more you thank Me, the more I give you.” But if you turn unappreciative, then My retribution is severe. It is the foundation of our faith and submission to God. There is nothing we can do, no matter how benevolent, to add to God’s treasury.

[15:21] There is nothing that we do not own infinite amounts thereof. But we send it down in precise measure.

We need to thank God for the guidance  He has sent us — in the Quran (2:185), or through those He chooses to do His work (2:150-152), such as prophets, messengers, saints, the ones inspired by Him, and so much more. When we give thanks we show in our conduct and behavior that we appreciate the bounties of God and we are ready to use them in a manner most pleasing to Him. We improve our condition now and in the all important Hereafter.

We need to concentrate when performing Salat and studying the Quran. Remember God is watching us at all times. Even a tiny act done with good intent may carry more weight with God than grand acts done without sincerity of purpose. [2:225] GOD does not hold you responsible for the mere utterance of oaths; He holds you responsible for your innermost intentions. GOD is Forgiver, Clement.

We have a responsibility to live our life in sync with the Decrees of God. We have to be patient, persevere and be steadfast. Implore God to strengthen our hearts and souls and strengthen us. [29:45] You shall recite what is revealed to you of the scripture, and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), for the Contact Prayers prohibit evil and vice. But the remembrance of GOD (through Salat) is the most important objective. GOD knows everything you do. There is a moral and spiritual impact. We can’t perform our 5 daily Salats and then carry on doing grave sins, because it indicates that the prayer has no moral and spiritual impact. Yet the Most Merciful gives us so many chances to repent and reform.

God is the core of Islam around which all Quranic teachings revolve. The unifying theme therein is that wherever we are and whatever we do, we must seek to please God alone. [6:162] Say, "My Contact Prayers (Salat), my worship practices, my life and my death, are all devoted absolutely to GOD alone, the Lord of the universe.

[2:207] Then there are those who dedicate their lives to serving GOD; GOD is compassionate towards such worshipers.

Try to commit yourself to God, work towards what you want and pray for it. Take your effort and your prayer, gift wrap it nicely and present it to God. Leave the net result, after that, to God. What He does with it, is His will. We have to accept it with thanks if it comes true and be patient if it does not, always keeping in mind that God is Omniscient, Most Wise and there will always be benefitfor us.

[57:11] Who would like to loan GOD a loan of righteousness, to have it multiplied for him manifold, and end up with a generous recompense?

[9:72] GOD promises the believing men and the believing women gardens with flowing streams, wherein they abide forever, and magnificent mansions in the gardens of Eden. And GOD's blessings and approval are even greater. This is the greatest triumph.

[4:147] What will GOD gain from punishing you, if you became appreciative and believed? GOD is Appreciative, Omniscient.

[35:30] He will recompense them generously, and will multiply His blessings upon them. He is Forgiving, Appreciative.

[35:34] They will say, "Praise GOD for removing all our worries. Our Lord is Forgiving, Appreciative.