[Editor’s Note: This article is a reprint that was published online on May 14, 2014.]
In my last article I used the word “ocean.” Later, I came to see that my article contained one word that is wrong. I should have used the word “lake” instead of the word “ocean.” A lake is very different from an ocean.
That part of last week’s article should have read “A few days later, while looking over the lake, we saw three of the planes.”
Why am I writing this now? I’m writing of three experiences that some have had. I’ll explain fully, Allah willing.
*********
(I took this photo that you see in this article. My purpose for taking photos of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan is related to my writing in The Final Call newspaper.)
*********
The word “attitude” generally means: “a mental position with regard to a fact or state; a feeling or emotion toward a fact or state; state of mind.”
There are words similar to or synonymous with “attitude” such as: “mood, idea about, viewpoint, point of view, standpoint, outlook, perspective, demeanor, condition of mind, habitual mode of regarding something, disposition of mind, state of feeling, mindset, manner of thinking, way of looking at things, proclivity, bent, inclination, propensity, temper, temperament, sensibility, disposition, mental state, view, approach, stance, stand, frame of mind.”
The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan has made it clear, time and again, that our attitude–in all circumstances–is a major factor in energizing us to do what we must do to properly relate to self, kind and others, in order to realize our potential.
Moreover, Minister Farrakhan has set an inspiring example of the principles involved in self-development and proper attitude. The lessons he has taught on this subject will prove more valuable than ever in the upcoming weeks and months.
Even when we do not see all that Allah has done, and is presently doing for us, the proper attitude towards Him is an absolute requirement for us to be benefited by His blessings; chief of which is divine guidance to become ourselves, by becoming like Him. Obviously, we must first be convinced that Allah exists. If we doubt this most fundamental of all facts or truths, we will doubt that He hears our prayers.
Again, do we know enough about Allah’s nature, character and power to be convinced that He is always true to His own nature? Do we have confidence in the integrity of God? Our attitude towards Allah, profoundly influences not only our attitude towards everyone but also our power to act on His word, especially when we are not in trouble, which is seldom, in this evil world.
Hebrews 11:6 reads, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him. For he that cometh to God must believe that He is. And that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”
If we don’t have confidence in His integrity, we cannot achieve oneness with Him. We won’t be able “to please Him,” nor will we “diligently seek Him.” Then we’ll become remote from Him. Remoteness from God is the nature of hell.
Our view of the reality of the nature, the character, aims and purposes of the true God, determines how clear we see that which comes from Him. That which comes from Him includes His instructions and all those means He has granted us, to improve us, which often includes persons who taught and teach aspects of His Will to us.
Minister Farrakhan is from the Supreme Ruler of the universe and from the Christ of the scriptures.
Now, even when certain knowledge and events that come from God are not immediately understandable to us, the question still is: Do we trust Him?
One thing is clear, we will quickly become like a wishbone in a turkey if we continue straddling the fence, pretending to serve both God and His enemies. This cannot be done without suffering that which wishbones in turkeys must suffer, sooner or later.
Certainly, justice is the basis of the coming of God. We are fortunate to be living now when this world is going out and the one God promised is being grown right here in the United States of America.
Many of us are under the misconception that even after learning God’s truths, we should not experience injustices. That’s being immature. It is unnatural to think justice was to be set up instantly. In fact, God factored injustices into His plans to grow us.
Now when we are deprived of justice (in whole or in part, by one or ones, who are evil, or both good and evil, or seemingly all good), and regardless of the quality of the understanding and the intentions of the one or ones who treated us unjustly, and regardless to our own faults in the matter, and even in those few instances in which we are totally without fault, the most vital factor is this: Allah’s hands are always over the entire matter.
Muslims are always convinced that Allah’s hands are always over all hands. Muslims are always convinced that Allah is always working out things in a way that is best. Nothing escapes His attention. He is perfectly just and true. Furthermore, He has the power to bring about the best for us.
So, Allah’s involvement in withholding what is really our due is always for reasons that are best for us. Too often we narrow our focus on the one or ones we see as responsible for our pain. Too often we stop there. However, if we remain too long in the “stop” mode, rather than in the “pause” mode, we stunt our growth.
More next issue, Allah willing.
