Subject: [Masjid Tucson] Submission weekly reminder

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Peace be upon you,

[Quran 2:208] O you who believe, you shall embrace total submission; do not follow the steps of Satan, for he is your most ardent enemy.

[Quran 35:6] The devil is your enemy, so treat him as an enemy. He only invites his party to be the dwellers of Hell.


Satan has allowed himself to be made into a cartoonish character, so that people pay him no attention. He doesn't mind that most people laugh at the notion of a devil, because that means they disregard him and thus are more susceptible to falling into his traps. Since the beginning of time he has vowed to come at us from all directions (Quran 7:17) and mislead and entice us with all kinds of diversions (Quran 4:118-9).

We must remain vigilant to all the ways Satan will trick and dupe us. With centuries of practice he is adept at knowing exactly what it is that will tempt one person and not another. And who is he really after? He already has the wicked in his pocket--and now he wants the submitter to God. He wants to achieve his goal of gathering as many of God's worshipers as possible before the Day of Resurrection, and he is relentless in his pursuit.

So how do we protect ourselves? God has given us the method: seek refuge in Him. God is our only Protector.

[Quran 7:200] When the devil whispers to you any whisper, seek refuge in GOD; He is Hearer, Omniscient.

	To Be Protected From Satan
[Quran 23:97-98] Say, "My Lord, I seek refuge in You from the whispers of the devils.
 And I seek refuge in You, my Lord, lest they come near me."

References
Our most ardent enemy, https://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/sp/2023/oct/page1.html
Satan: Fallen Angel, https://www.masjidtucson.org/quran/appendices/appendix21.html


Peace.