SUBMISSION TO GOD
Islamic Perspective
EVERYTHING in the universe submits itself to the will of God. Therefore, submission to God is the true religion for both man and the universe. Everything or being in the universe, including man, must strictly obey the commands of God without any deviation or alteration.
Indeed, the central characteristic of all followers of the Islamic faith is their belief in the one God. The word Islam literally means ‘surrender’ or ‘submission’ and those who follow the religion of Islam are called Muslims. A Muslim then is one who surrenders or submits completely to the Will of God. Submission to God, however, is not a passive but a positive act of bringing one’s likes and dislikes, attitudes and behaviour into harmony with God’s Will. Correct belief and action together are absolutely vital. One is worthless without the other. Furthermore, a true Muslim believes that submission and obedience to the Will of God is the only way in which an individual can ever achieve real peace of mind. The knowledge he needs to have of the Will of God must inevitably be derived from the Quran, the last of the divine books revealed by God to His Final Prophet Muhammad.
The fear of accountability to God is the secret of all good. A believer should bear in mind that one day he will die and shall have to give an account of himself to God.
Following Islam also means living in harmony with nature. And this in turn means that at all times man must unfailingly do as God desires. Moreover, he should lead his life acknowledging the greatness of his Creator and showing appreciation of His favours.
He should focus all his attention on God alone, who is the Creator of everything on this Earth and in the universe. He should entirely subordinate his intention and thinking to the Will of God.
Doing as God enjoins creates harmony, earns God’s favour and banishes evil. It follows, therefore, that a society of those individuals who follow the teachings of the Quran and the teachings of God’s last Messenger will be free of social ills. The fear of accountability to God is the secret of all good. A believer should bear in mind that one day he will die and shall have to give an account of himself to God. There can be no better rein upon an individual’s actions than the thought that God will one day call upon him to give an account of his deeds.