November 2004: Page 1, 2, 3, 4

Submitters Perspective

Page 2

GIFT: Meditation

Cont’d from page 1

Therefore, for my own good, it was important that I just try harder and do a better job of meditation.

I began to think of what could help me comfortably settle into an earnest meditation session, just like I seemed to have no problem finding efficient solutions for other things in the day. Quickly, God reminded me that the practical way to approach tasks was to make a work plan or agenda and move through it step by step. Similarly, if I made a list of things I could meditate on or about, God willing I could do a better job since there was a goal in place and an appropriate plan to work with.

So once the ‘strategy’ was decided, listing the points in the agenda was next. While thinking about what to put in the meditation agenda, I thought about what a great and priceless GIFT Submission was to us from God. In fact, by His grace, it soon showed me that the word GIFT itself contained the answer I was looking for, as each letter in it seemed to represent an aspect I could use for meditation! So here is what I figured I would currently make as my agenda for meditation. Note that this is only a personal list of aspects I try and fulfill during meditation. It is not all-inclusive, and it will be great to have other believers share similar ideas so we can keep improving ourselves, God willing.

G stands for the command to Glorify God

[20:130] Therefore, be patient in the face of their utterances, and praise and glorify your Lord before sunrise and before sunset. And during the night glorify Him, as well as at both ends of the day, that you may be happy.

[30:17] Therefore, you shall glorify GOD when

you retire at night, and when you rise in the morning.

[30:18] All praise is due to Him in the heavens and the earth, throughout the evening, as well as in the middle of your day.

Next comes I for Implore God

God is the Only Provider (spiritual and material), so we must implore Him for anything and everything – His mercy, grace, guidance, provisions, forgiveness, help, solutions, victories, steadfastness, protection from Satan, protection from falling in sin, relief of problems, adversities or worries …

[40:60] Your Lord says, "Implore Me, and I will respond to you. Surely, those who are too arrogant to worship Me will enter Gehenna, forcibly."

[2:186] When My servants ask you about Me, I am always near. I answer their prayers when they pray to Me. The people shall respond to Me and believe in Me, in order to be guided.

Then we have F for seek
Forgiveness from God

Believers must remember that we are here because of God’s mercy and we cannot be redeemed unless He forgives us. Therefore, we must keep killing the ego and develop a habit of frequently asking for forgiveness.

[11:90] You shall implore your Lord for forgiveness, then repent to Him. My Lord is Most Merciful, Kind.

[40:55] Therefore, be patient, for GOD's promise is true, and ask forgiveness for your sin, and glorify and praise your Lord night and day.

[47:19] You shall know that: "There is no other

god beside GOD," and ask forgiveness of your sins and the sins of all believing men and women. GOD is fully aware of your decisions and your ultimate destiny.

[110:3] You shall glorify and praise your Lord, and implore Him for forgiveness. He is the Redeemer.

Cannot forget T for Thank You God

At any given time, God is showering us with great bounties for our enjoyment and opportunities to be redeemed. So it is natural that we must show our appreciation and thank Him.

[2:152] You shall remember Me, that I may remember you, and be thankful to Me; do not be unappreciative.

[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.

Lastly, I wish to remind believers that in the Quranic sense, meditation means meditation on God and His attributes, marvels etc. It is an active process that involves thinking and being consciously aware of God. Some people confuse other mediation techniques such as making the mind go blank (for apparent relaxation) with meditating or reflecting upon God.

[7:205] You shall remember your Lord within yourself, publicly, privately, and quietly, day and night; do not be unaware.

Kais R.

[This article is based on some personal tips for Meditation shared by Br. Kais at the August 2004 Tucson conference. His original article with more sample verses to reflect on can be accessed at www.masjidtucson.org site. Similar ideas and suggestions are always welcome. Ed.]