SPIRIT OF ISLAM AUGUST 2O13

44 Spirit of Islam Issue 8 August 2013 people to submit themselves to God is the Islamic point of departure; war is only resorted to when the other party starts hostilities, and forces the preachers of Islam to take up arms to defend themselves. The Egyptian scholar, Rasheed Raza Misri, has noted in his commentary of the Quran that the words 'for the cause of God' are equally applicable to those who strive to spread the word of God. The best way to give alms 'for the cause of God' in the present age, is to contribute to the training of preachers, and to their dispatch by Islamic organizations to other lands, and to continue to give financial support to these preachers. (Tafseer Manar) What is Thanksgiving? Thanksgiving for man is to acknowledge the blessings of God. This acknowledgement first arises in the heart. Then, taking the form of words, it comes to the lips of the grateful person. From birth, man has been superbly endowed in body and mind by his Creator. All his requirements have been amply catered for, every object in the heavens and on earth having been pressed into his service. All the things necessary for his leading a good life on earth and the building of a civilization have been provided in abundance. Man experiences these blessings at every moment. It is, therefore, incumbent on man to thank God for His blessings at all times. His heart should be eternally brimming with gratitude for these divine blessings. Thanksgiving is the most comprehensive form of worship: gratefulness is the essence of the godly life. The best expression of that gratefulness is the expenditure of time and money in the way of God. It is God after all, who has given man the reason to worship Him and the means to do so. o Please send your questions to askmaulana@thespiritofislam.org