FOOD FOR THOUGHT

In Quran we read: "Say, We believe in God, and in what has been revealed to us, and what was reveled to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and in what was given to Moses, Jesus and the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to God we submit.”

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
By Anwer Mahmood Khan,
Baitul Hameed Mosque, Chino CA - USA
October 13, 2009

HOW BELIEF AND CONVICTION IN THE UNITY OF GOD SHAPES OUR LIFE?

In our daily life we observe that our actions are usually dictated by the conscious or subconscious sets of beliefs and convictions.  We see the weather pattern and viewing it from the window in the rainy season, we take our umbrella when we go out.  Occasionally, we are cruising on the highways at a higher than the posted speed limit, we see in our rear view mirror a cop at quite a distance, suddenly we look at our speedometer and slow down.   These are minor examples but even these reflect that our actions are constantly being guided by the information, knowledge and beliefs we have about things.


Now let us say that we are agnostic and do not believe in any God of any faith, our lives would be typically devoid of any modes of worship etc., however, when any of us is confronted with, or is subjected to, a set of circumstances where fear takes over the best of us and we are totally frightened, e.g. if we are drowning; although being agnostic, we may subscribe to no Creator, yet, subconsciously we cry out O my God!  With an overwhelming hope in the midst of extreme fear, we beseech for help.  Even the hardest of all the Pharaohs, Ramses II while drowning cried out, this day I accept in the God of Moses.

Now let us take another group who subscribe to the notion that there exists one Omnipotent God, the Creator of the Universe.  Those among us who retain a firm belief in the Creator, irrespective of any institutional or faith affiliation, shape our lives on this conviction that an Almighty God has created us.  As such then it would follow a belief in the Unity of mankind.  The color, the national origin, race, gender, religion and so on would have no impact on our treatment with the fellow human. Holy Prophet rightfully said:  We are all children of Adam and Adam was born out of clay.  This conviction in the Unity of God is the beginning of peace on earth.  Conflicts occur if we consider some of us more equal than others.
Let us review one-liners of all faiths that are rampant today.

Islam:
In Quran we read: "Say, We believe in God, and in what has been revealed to us, and what was reveled to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and in what was given to Moses, Jesus and the Prophets from their Lord.  We make no distinction between any of them, and to God we submit.”  (Ch.3, v 85)

Juadaism:
Rabbi Joshua said: ‘There are righteous men among the nations who have a share in the world to come’ (Sanhedrin 13, 2)

Christianity:
And Peter opened his mouth and said:’ Truly I perceive that God shows no partiality, but in every nation any one who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him’ (Acts 10:34-35)

Hinduism:
As men approach me, so I receive them.  All paths, Arjuna, lead to me. (Bhagwat Gita 4,11)

Jainism:
My Lord!  You are one although variously appearing. (Hemachandra)

Confucius Ideology:
Prophet Confucius said: "Heaven helps the man who is true.  He who walks in truth and is devoted in his thinking, and furthermore reassures the worthy, is blessed by Heaven"  ( I ching I.12.1)

Gautama Buddha relates:
“If you wish to find the true way, right action will lead you to it directly.”  (Sutra of Hui Neng 2)

ALL NOBLE MESSENGERS SENT BY GOD FOR OUR REFORMATION HAD ONLY TWO MESSAGES:  Believe and worship One Creator and shun evil.

Let us truly reflect and evaluate the intensity and magnitude of our belief in one God.  Do we truly believe in Him wholeheartedly, affectionately, sincerely, and above all truly, if we do not, then let us revisit our God by TRULY worshipping Him, praising His beauties, bounties, providence and His Grace.   May He guides us towards His ways and we begin to treat our fellow humans with dignity and honor.

LOVE FOR ALL HATRED FOR NONE