Standard For Unity

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not stealing means not only refraining from shoplifting, street robbery and embezzlement, but also from any wrongful appropriation of that which is not our own (such as failure to return what was borrowed; cheating and plagiarism; failure to pay agreed-upon wages or bills in full and on time). The process of consensus which relies on discussion among people whose wills are submitted to God, can provide a strong foundation for unity. Our goal, in the long run, is to build the health of our communities?by encouragement, by support for righteousness, and not by harsh enforcement or hurting one another with accusations and suspicion (49:12). Even though we will always be as diverse as the species of God’s trees and fish, God is One, and if we earnestly seek to obey God, how can we remain disunited?

Surely, those who are reverently conscious of their Lord, and who believe in the revelations of their Lord, and who never set up any idols beside their Lord. As they give their charities, their hearts are fully reverent. For they recognize that they will be summoned before their Lord. They are eager to do righteous works; they compete in doing them. (23:57-61)

God cites the example of a man who deals with disputing partners (Hadith), compared to a man who deals with only one consistent source (Quran). Are they the same? Praise be to God; most of them do not know. (39:29)

Maria Abdin

HAVE YOU SEEN GOD?

Have you seen the night that turns into day?
Have you seen the birds that can fly like a plane?
Have you seen the stars that are o’ so bright?
The one who created has infinite light.
Have you seen the clouds with their beautiful shapes?
With one blow from God they all take their place.
God is the possessor of infinite grace.
Him alone I worship cause him I must face.
Have you seen the rise of the sun when it climbs in the East?
These are the proofs for those who truly believe.
But most do not see it except when in need
And once they receive it then again disbelieve
Have you seen the fall of the rain when in measures it’s poured?
And then drop by drop in the ground it is stored
Until a plant grows out with such colorful leaves
Be you glorified for creating all these
From the glow of the moon to the shine of the sun
From the blow of the winds to the rivers that run
You have created such a glorious place
But most do not see it, most are too dazed
Just open your eyes up look around and see
I hope that I can so that with God I be.

Shahram Bijan

Editor’s Note:
This poem was reprinted from the Elite, March Edition, 1997. The Elite is a wonderful new newsletter produced by and for our young submitters. We encourage all young submitters to contact them to receive the newsletter and to send contributions. The correspondence information is given below:

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