Why I Try to Serve God and Others
When I was living in community with homeless people at the St Francis Catholic Worker House on the north side of Chicago and teaching at an alternative school for returning high school dropouts on the grand salary of $12,000 a year, a few people would ask me what was the use of it all.
Did I think my meager act of solidarity was going to solve poverty? Did I think helping a few former gangbangers get their GEDs was moving us any closer to educational equality?
I didn’t have satisfactory answers to their questions. Guilt no longer motivated me, not since college. My illusions of saving the world were given up soon after.
So why did I do it?
The simple answer was this – I felt like I was meant to. I felt like, inch by inch, this was what life was about.
And the more I asked other people who were living lives of service why they did it, I found a similar answer. It was as if many of us were motivated by an invisible force – one both inside of us and far beyond us - that we all felt but few of us could put in words.
I had no language for it until I re-engaged the tradition of my ancestors, Islam, and sat down with its scripture.
In the Holy Qur’an, God tells us that He created Adam (both the first human and the first Prophet according to Muslim tradition) with His breath, and made Adam His abd and khalifa – His servant and representative – on Earth, giving him responsibility for stewarding Creation.
Then God called the Angels forth and asked them to honor Adam and his role as vicegerent on Earth. The Angels pointed out Adam's flaws. They said, “Will You put there a being who will work mischief on the Earth and shed blood, while we sing Your glories and exalt Your utter holiness?”
And God responded, “I know what you do not know.” (Qur'an 2:30)
God gave humankind's first representative a giant responsibility, and believed in our ability to accomplish the task, even in the face of the Angels' questions. (This is why I, as a Muslim, feel a strong religious connection to Martin Luther King's line "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice." I believe that line contains within it an affirmation of the great goodness that God gave humankind with His breath.)
What did it mean to be God’s servant and representative? I found the answer to that question in another piece of Muslim scripture, one that pertains to Muhammad (who Muslims believe is God’s final Prophet). The scripture says of Muhammad: "We did not send you but as a special mercy upon all the worlds.” (Qur'an 21:71)
Here it was for me, clear as day. Prophet Adam was given a task for what to do– to steward Creation. Prophet Muhammad was given direction for how to do it – by being a mercy. And all of us were given the breath of God, and the gift of fitra: a natural inclination towards the good.
In the Qur'an was an articulation that confirmed what I had long felt in my being. The message is simple, the path is plain: serve others. It is what we were created for.
(for a longer explanation of the central role of mercy in Islam, see http://www.nawawi.org/downloads/article1.pdf )
By
Eboo Patel
|
August 21, 2007; 9:37 AM ET
| Category:
Personal Religion
Share: Email a Friend |
Technorati
| Del.icio.us | Digg | Facebook
Previous: The Hindu on Capital Hill |
Next: The Muslims of Jesus Camp
Posted by: beatles | July 2, 2008 8:51 AM
Report Offensive Comment
000 1 amv best clip dance erotic fmp gregorian him klip love music pixar rock sex simpsons tokio hotel авто анимация аниме без тебя бог боль видео видеоклип видеоклипы война выступление гадание галустян группы девушки дети дискотека 80-х друзья единоборства животные здоровье зло искусство история квн кино клип клипы концерт кошки лесби лето любовь максим музыка мульт мультик мультфильм мультфильмы наруто небо нло олимпийский оригами отдых пародия песни песня попугай прикол приколы природа путин разное реклама рок ролик семья смех собаки спорт стас михайлов стриптиз супер танец танцы тату творчество успех фильм ххх чечня шансон эротика я яой
Adriana Lima
Alec Baldwin
Alessandra Ambrosio
Alicia Silverstone
Alyssa Milano
Anna Faris
Anna Kournikova
Anna Nicole Smith
Ashlee Simpson
Ashley Tisdale
Ashton Kutcher
Aubrey O'Day
Audrina Patridge
Autumn Reeser
Beyonce
Brangelina
Britney Spears
Brooke Hogan
Caitlin Upton
Cameron Diaz
Carmen Electra
Cate Blanchett
Charlize Theron
Christina Aguilera
Christina Milian
Coco
Danielle Lloyd
David and Victoria Beckham
Denise Richards
Dita Von Teese
Drew Barrymore
Eddie Murphy
Elisha Cuthbert
Elizabeth Hurley
Elle McPherson
Eminem
Eva Longoria
Eva Mendes
Fergie
Gemma Atkinson
George Clooney
Gisele Bundchen
Gwen Stefani
Halle Berry
Harry Potter
Hayden Panettiere
Haylie Duff
Heather Mills
Heidi Klum
Heidi Montag
Hilary Duff
Howard Stern
Ian Ziering
Jackie Chan
Jake Gyllenhaal
Jamie Lynn Spears
Jamie Pressly
Janet Jackson
Jenna Jameson
Jennifer Aniston
Jennifer Garner
Jennifer Hudson
Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Love Hewitt
Jessica Alba
Jessica Biel
Jessica Simpson
Joanna Krupa
Justin Timberlake
Kate Beckinsale
Kate Hudson
Katherine Heigl
Katie Jordan Price
Keanu Reeves
Kim Kardashian
Kirsten Dunst
Kristen Bell
Kristin Cavallari
Lance Bass
Lauren Conrad
Lindsay Lohan
Lucy Pinder
Madonna
Mandy Moore
Mariah Carey
Marisa Miller
Megan Fox
Melanie Brown
Mena Suvari
Michael Jackson
Michelle Rodriguez
Mila Kunis
Miley Cyrus
Molly Sims
Naomi Watts
Natalie Portman
Nelly Furtado
Nick Lachey
Nicky Hilton
Nicole Kidman
Nicole Richie
Nicollette Sheridan
OJ Simpson
Owen Wilson
Pamela Anderson
Paris Hilton
Petra Nemcova
Pink
Ray Liotta
Reese Witherspoon
Rihanna
Rosario Dawson
Rose McGowan
Rosie O'Donnell
Ryan Reynolds
Salma Hayek
Sarah Jessica Parker
Sarah Michelle Gellar
Scarlett Johansson
Sean "Diddy" Combs
Shanna Moakler
Sylvester Stallone
Tara Conner
Tara Reid
Tila Tequila
TomKat
Uma Thurman
Usher
Vanessa Hudgens
Vanessa Minnillo
Victoria Beckham
Vida Guerra
Will Ferrell
Will Smith
Zac Efron
Alaina Alexander
Amy Davis
Antonella Barba
Blake Lewis
Carrie Underwood
Chris Sligh
Clay Aiken
David Archuleta
David Hernandez
Haley Scarnato
Jessica Sierra
Jordin Sparks
Katherine McPhee
Kelly Clarkson
Sanjaya Malakar
Season 7
Shyamali Malakar
Taylor Hicks
Анальный секс
Боди-массаж
Госпожа
Групповой секс
Доминация
Золотой дождь
Игрушки
Классический секс
Кунилингус
Легкая доминация
Лесбийский секс
Лесбис шоу
Массаж Аква
Массаж классический
Массаж урологический
Массаж эротический
Оральный секс
Пип-шоу
Рабыня
Ролевые игры
Секс мужчинам
Семейным парам
Страпон
Стриптиз
Фетиш
Экстрим
Эскорт
Posted by: beatles | July 2, 2008 8:50 AM
Report Offensive Comment
давайте займемся этим!
Posted by: секс | May 16, 2008 5:15 AM
Report Offensive Comment
давайте займемся этим!
Posted by: секс | May 16, 2008 5:14 AM
Report Offensive Comment
давайте займемся этим!
Posted by: секс | May 16, 2008 5:13 AM
Report Offensive Comment
I not understend what U want
Posted by: Вечерний макияж глаз фото | May 15, 2008 4:29 AM
Report Offensive Comment
I not understend what U want
Posted by: Вечерний макияж глаз фото | May 15, 2008 4:29 AM
Report Offensive Comment
I not understend what U want
Posted by: Вечерний макияж глаз фото | May 15, 2008 4:28 AM
Report Offensive Comment
U need antivirus?
Posted by: antivirkaspersky7 | April 25, 2008 8:06 AM
Report Offensive Comment
U need antivirus?
Posted by: antivirkaspersky7 | April 25, 2008 8:06 AM
Report Offensive Comment
U need antivirus?
Posted by: antivirkaspersky7 | April 25, 2008 8:05 AM
Report Offensive Comment
Shari,
your post from August 21, 2007 4:06PM is foolish.
Eboo I researched is a Muslim name. Patel, is a social standing in Indian state of Gujurat. Nowhere I found (in my quick research) that he or his forefathers were converts. Even if they were what's the big deal? Are you envious? Atleast in my findings you hindus even pray to a Rat and coconuts! Come on ignorant fool come out of that Radical Hindu shell and make the future for you and your kids better. This guy has the balls to do it! You know what the price for Crude is today? Almost $115.00! In a few months it will be $150 and you will pay $6/Gal in the USA. If you get my gist of crude then you know what it means as in "future"! Power is Military and Economical
If you dont have a strong enonomy then the military might is useless. Encourage people like him not for you - you biggotted fool but for your kids future.
Ming
Posted by: Future | April 17, 2008 2:21 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Hi! I'm Dr. Phillips! I love your site - it's really good!
buy viagra online buy viagra online
[url=http://www.blinklist.com/Buy_Viagra_Online/]buy viagra[/url]
Thank you!
Posted by: buy viagra online | February 10, 2008 3:30 AM
Report Offensive Comment
Hi! I'm Dr. Phillips! I love your site - it's really good!
buy viagra online buy viagra online
[url=http://www.blinklist.com/Buy_Viagra_Online/]buy viagra[/url]
Thank you!
Posted by: buy viagra online | February 10, 2008 3:30 AM
Report Offensive Comment
Hi! I'm Dr. Phillips! I love your site - it's really good!
buy viagra online buy viagra online
[url=http://digg.com/world_news/Buy_Viagra_Online_THE_LOWEST_PRICE_GUARANTEE] buy viagra online [/url]
Thank you!
Posted by: buy viagra online | February 9, 2008 1:36 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Hi! I'm John Strass and i like your site!
cheap viagra
Thank you!
Posted by: cheap viagra | February 2, 2008 2:36 PM
Report Offensive Comment
This has been my recent epiphany. I truly believe that we are here on this earth to be of service to Humanity--but nothing more. Therein lies the very means of worship and surrender to God, Almighty. As one accepts the limitations and powers that he/she is endowed, and truly appreciate the manifest of God's glory in his/her very creations, one becomes more inclined towards goodness and Mercy.
Such a beautiful posting.
Posted by: Hikmet M. | November 19, 2007 10:14 PM
Report Offensive Comment
This has been my recent epiphany. I truly believe that we are here on this earth to be of service to Humanity--but nothing more. Therein lies the very means of worship and surrender to God, Almighty. As one accepts the limitations and powers that he/she is endowed, and truly appreciate the manifest of God's glory in his/her very creations, one becomes more inclined towards goodness and Mercy.
Such a beautiful posting.
Posted by: Hikmet M. | November 19, 2007 10:13 PM
Report Offensive Comment
If youre Ismaili, you are not Muslim. Scholars like Shaikh Hamza Yusuf have confirmed this.
my question has to do with your accreditations summary. You are on the National Committee of the Aga Khan Foundation? Why would you represent a man who proclaims he is God incarnated to millions of people? Why you take funds or a prestigious title from a man who several million people bow down to, and who has created a prayer for them that includes seeking help from him? Why would you associate yourself with a man who has french diplomatic status (why??), british, and swiss citizenship and a mass of brown people bowing to him?
Why on earth would you have anything to do with someone who's grandfather's commited treason and helped the British Imperialistis powers bring down the Ottoman Empire and the divide Muslim India?
Why would you have the name of a man who gives microcredit to poor individuals and takes interest from them? The Aga Khan's "philanthropy"in Afghanistan: 5 star Serena Hotels so the warlords and foreigner can be comfortable and buying up all the telecommunications towers in the country so he and hence The West controls the countries entire ability to communicate.
Would you use the name of someone who decided you were not good enough but that he would rexplain your writings? Then why use the name of someone who has done this to God and claims Divine powers in a secret religion he made up???
If youre Ismaili, you are not Muslim. Scholars like Shaikh Hamza Yusuf have confirmed this.
Posted by: The Aga Khan Foundation???? | October 5, 2007 4:42 PM
Report Offensive Comment
wow-
mr patel- you are so strongly on the right track, and such a comfort to some of us to know that you're out there doing your best-
thank you brother and may ALLAH bless you as you deserve-
as i try to gear up for ramadan (it's a long process for me) i am heartened and glad to share this planet with people like mr patel-
hes the soul of tolerance and gentility-
possibly shari thinks all indians are hindus-
it doesnt matter shari- it really doesnt
mr patel does interfaith work with christians and jewish people and muslims and hindus and any who respond to his program to promote peace and understanding and real work and action
i dont think anyone bothered to read his link, too bad- its really worth it.
peace
Posted by: victoria | August 22, 2007 11:47 PM
Report Offensive Comment
I'm just making the point regarding Shari's rudeness and presumtion. See where it can lead one?
Posted by: Are you KIDDING?! | August 22, 2007 10:51 AM
Report Offensive Comment
"Shari looks and sounds like a stripper name"
OK AYKM. Now you've really done it. Lambchop is gonna be very very mad at you.. now get back to playing your computer game before you upset somebody else.
Posted by: Anonymous | August 22, 2007 10:21 AM
Report Offensive Comment
Nothing like an ignorance/rudeness cocktail!
Since Shari looks and sounds like a stripper name, you should do yourself a favor and invest that lap dance money in a college education so you can move out of the trailer park.
Posted by: Are you KIDDING?! | August 22, 2007 8:51 AM
Report Offensive Comment
Mr. Patel, your name sounds more like a Hindu name. Your forefathers were probably a convert to Islam from Hinduism, most probably because they did not want to pay the brutal Mughal/Muslim rulers of India the extra tax (that was imposed only on non-Muslims).
It would be wiser of you to convert back to Hinduism. We may have potentially one less violent exremist.
Posted by: Shari | August 21, 2007 4:06 PM
Report Offensive Comment
uh oh -chris is about to be offended again. don't look, chris:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dPb1bF-s4M&mode=related&search=
Posted by: Nahool | August 21, 2007 4:02 PM
Report Offensive Comment
The ability and motivation to serve others is there because we are all humans. People across many relgions serve others.
But only in one religion-Islam- are the humans motivated to kill others (and themselves) on almost daily basis worldwide.
Posted by: Jose | August 21, 2007 4:00 PM
Report Offensive Comment
It appears that some of us should be careful about what we've been smoking before posting our messages.
I wonder what Islamic message of mercy and inspiration for humanity Mr. Patel finds in the following quotation from the Koran:
"The unbelievers shall have garments of fire fitted unto them; boiling water shall be poured on their heads; their bowels shall be dissolved thereby, and also their skins; and they shall be beaten with maces of iron."
How uplifting!
Posted by: gefoojet | August 21, 2007 3:44 PM
Report Offensive Comment
To Nahool. Please don't post offensive videos on a forum such as this, where people attempt to come to read and learn about different religions by people in the religious community. I thought the original essay was great, and explains much about why a young man would sacrifice money and time to try and help others, a habit many Americans would do well to remember.
If you're insinuating...I don't know, or don't care what you're insinuating, because frankly, I don't think you know either. Just expressing a childish hate. Please stop sullying an otherwise intelligent and informative forum.
Stepping off my soapbox...goodbye.
Posted by: Chris | August 21, 2007 3:04 PM
Report Offensive Comment
1 John 4: 19We love because he first loved us.
"Like Jesus we belong to the world living not for ourselves but for others. The joy of the Lord is our strength." Mother Teresa
Posted by: Jon Matthew | August 21, 2007 11:06 AM
Report Offensive Comment
http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/archivos_pdf/BeWiseAsSerpents01.pdf
The above is a MUST READ for anyone who wants to know truth.
Posted by: Peacetroll | August 21, 2007 10:52 AM
Report Offensive Comment
my favorite story is the one about the woman who let the cat die:
Here's a retelling from Palestian Children's TV
Posted by: Nahool | August 21, 2007 9:39 AM
Report Offensive Comment
brother patel- what a much needed (for me) link.
i read your post this morning and then followed the link- and there was nothing i could possibly add to that-
so i didnt.
for about 3 years ive had one sentence on my bedroom wall-
VERILY MY MERCY HAS OVERCOME MY ANGER
and i always tell anyone who will listen that my favorite story is the one about the woman who let the cat die and the one who gave water to the dog.
i actually did a quick search, and the first link was one of my posts from this site!
thanks brother for lifting my day and well being
peace and peace
"
Posted by: victoria | August 21, 2007 12:01 AM
Report Offensive Comment
Ok, Thomas ...whatever that was... Are you trying to say the columnist is 'evil' anyway, except for people praying for your God not to lead them into temptation?
This is where I'm not going to even try to figure out your thinking. :)
Posted by: Paganplace | August 20, 2007 11:24 PM
Report Offensive Comment
The passage in scripture that is referred to as The Lord's Prayer and also the Our Father: Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name, Thy Kingdom come, thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven, give us this day our daily Bread, forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one. OUR FATHER, as in the Father of the entire human race considering that not only did He create everyone but also everything. WHO ART IN HEAVEN, not only is He in Heaven but He is also putting the finishing touches on the Heavenly Jerusalem not to be confused with the New Jerusalem which is going to go down the tubes just like the Old Jerusalem only more so. HALLOWED BE THY NAME, actually God is Pure Love but from so many of the posts that call themselves christians, you would never know. THY KINGDOM COME, God's Kingdom which will be a Kingdom of Pure Love and it is for all of His children which is ALL OF HUMANITY. THY WILL BE DONE, Like it says in many places in the bible, it is God's Will that ALL BE SAVED, also if all that someone calling themself a christian, cares about is going to the "good place" , how christian is that, considering that on the cross Jesus said, "Father forgive them", there is not an asterick after them, them means ALL OF HUMANITY, we have all done wrong at least I have. ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN, as it says even the forces of evil, satan and his cohorts, are working toward the Will of God even if inadvertantly, besides being a liar and a thief, the deceiver is also a loser. GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD, this refers not only to that which sustains us physically but also the Eucharist which is the BREAD OF LIFE. FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US, this is a divine equation, pure and simple, Jesus told us as much. AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION, satan is the tempter and like it says when we fall which we all seem to do at times at least I have we can ask for forgiveness, we can go directly to God for forgiveness, the curtain in front of the Holy of Holies has been torn in two, yes the one that so many people are trying to sew back together. BUT DELIVER US FROM THE EVIL ONE, yes satan and his cohorts are real and in God's Plan, All of Humanity will be delivered from all evil that is why we are to be willing and active participants in God's Plan whatever we may have been called or chosen to do. Sincerely, Thomas Paul Moses Baum.
Posted by: Thomas Baum | August 20, 2007 6:11 PM
Report Offensive Comment
The comments to this entry are closed.












000 1 amv best clip dance erotic fmp gregorian him klip love music pixar rock sex simpsons tokio hotel авто анимация аниме без тебя бог боль видео видеоклип видеоклипы война выступление гадание галустян группы девушки дети дискотека 80-х друзья единоборства животные здоровье зло искусство история квн кино клип клипы концерт кошки лесби лето любовь максим музыка мульт мультик мультфильм мультфильмы наруто небо нло олимпийский оригами отдых пародия песни песня попугай прикол приколы природа путин разное реклама рок ролик семья смех собаки спорт стас михайлов стриптиз супер танец танцы тату творчество успех фильм ххх чечня шансон эротика я яой
Adriana Lima
Alec Baldwin
Alessandra Ambrosio
Alicia Silverstone
Alyssa Milano
Anna Faris
Anna Kournikova
Anna Nicole Smith
Ashlee Simpson
Ashley Tisdale
Ashton Kutcher
Aubrey O'Day
Audrina Patridge
Autumn Reeser
Beyonce
Brangelina
Britney Spears
Brooke Hogan
Caitlin Upton
Cameron Diaz
Carmen Electra
Cate Blanchett
Charlize Theron
Christina Aguilera
Christina Milian
Coco
Danielle Lloyd
David and Victoria Beckham
Denise Richards
Dita Von Teese
Drew Barrymore
Eddie Murphy
Elisha Cuthbert
Elizabeth Hurley
Elle McPherson
Eminem
Eva Longoria
Eva Mendes
Fergie
Gemma Atkinson
George Clooney
Gisele Bundchen
Gwen Stefani
Halle Berry
Harry Potter
Hayden Panettiere
Haylie Duff
Heather Mills
Heidi Klum
Heidi Montag
Hilary Duff
Howard Stern
Ian Ziering
Jackie Chan
Jake Gyllenhaal
Jamie Lynn Spears
Jamie Pressly
Janet Jackson
Jenna Jameson
Jennifer Aniston
Jennifer Garner
Jennifer Hudson
Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Love Hewitt
Jessica Alba
Jessica Biel
Jessica Simpson
Joanna Krupa
Justin Timberlake
Kate Beckinsale
Kate Hudson
Katherine Heigl
Katie Jordan Price
Keanu Reeves
Kim Kardashian
Kirsten Dunst
Kristen Bell
Kristin Cavallari
Lance Bass
Lauren Conrad
Lindsay Lohan
Lucy Pinder
Madonna
Mandy Moore
Mariah Carey
Marisa Miller
Megan Fox
Melanie Brown
Mena Suvari
Michael Jackson
Michelle Rodriguez
Mila Kunis
Miley Cyrus
Molly Sims
Naomi Watts
Natalie Portman
Nelly Furtado
Nick Lachey
Nicky Hilton
Nicole Kidman
Nicole Richie
Nicollette Sheridan
OJ Simpson
Owen Wilson
Pamela Anderson
Paris Hilton
Petra Nemcova
Pink
Ray Liotta
Reese Witherspoon
Rihanna
Rosario Dawson
Rose McGowan
Rosie O'Donnell
Ryan Reynolds
Salma Hayek
Sarah Jessica Parker
Sarah Michelle Gellar
Scarlett Johansson
Sean "Diddy" Combs
Shanna Moakler
Sylvester Stallone
Tara Conner
Tara Reid
Tila Tequila
TomKat
Uma Thurman
Usher
Vanessa Hudgens
Vanessa Minnillo
Victoria Beckham
Vida Guerra
Will Ferrell
Will Smith
Zac Efron
Alaina Alexander
Amy Davis
Antonella Barba
Blake Lewis
Carrie Underwood
Chris Sligh
Clay Aiken
David Archuleta
David Hernandez
Haley Scarnato
Jessica Sierra
Jordin Sparks
Katherine McPhee
Kelly Clarkson
Sanjaya Malakar
Season 7
Shyamali Malakar
Taylor Hicks
Анальный секс
Боди-массаж
Госпожа
Групповой секс
Доминация
Золотой дождь
Игрушки
Классический секс
Кунилингус
Легкая доминация
Лесбийский секс
Лесбис шоу
Массаж Аква
Массаж классический
Массаж урологический
Массаж эротический
Оральный секс
Пип-шоу
Рабыня
Ролевые игры
Секс мужчинам
Семейным парам
Страпон
Стриптиз
Фетиш
Экстрим
Эскорт