Looking Beyond
the Surface
Written By:
Zehra Nasirali
For: Mr. Cameron
Course: ENG-4AI
Date: 8th November, 1999
There are millions of riddles, problems and questions that have not been answered until today. Whether they are mind-boggling or have no answer, questions still roam the minds of man beginning from age three and above, and they multiply each day. These questions can range from, 'When it rains, how come sheep do not shrink?' to 'If man evolved from monkeys and apes, why do we still have monkeys and apes?" or to a question such as, “If someone with multiple personalities threatens to kill himself, is it considered to be a hostage situation?' It is almost certain that every man has at least a couple of questions or problems that simply cannot be solved or do not have a perfect answer. These unanswered questions can eat away at some people, and so there should be a limit to an inquisitive nature before it drives one insane. Moreover, questions are the essence for man to gain knowledge, however, not knowledge that is beyond his comprehension.'
There comes upon man a certain time in his life when he ponders a certain question, a question regarding the existence of a certain supernatural. This supernatural is in fact 'God'. Majority of humans beings turn to 'God' when in despair, whether they know He is listening to them and accepting their prayer or dismissing it like a bad cabbage. Well, whether one agrees or not, the true answer is that there definitely is a supernatural being involved in our shortcomings, our fortunes, our way of life and most importantly, our existence. However, the question now put forward by man is, "Well, why does He not seem to help us when we supplicate to Him?' and this can be answered by simply asking oneself: Do you give Him a reason not to listen to you? Do you know how to supplicate to Him? And most important of all, do you have faith in The Almighty?
One who is a true worshipper beholds an esteemed position in front of their Lord. However, if one disobeys and performs actions that are completely prohibited, does one expect their God to bestow His merciful blessings upon their dishonoured self? Indeed God is merciful and beneficial, but that does not give one right to take His mercy for granted. A good example are parents. Some are very strict while others are thoughtfully lenient. Mine fall under the latter. However, if my one wrongdoing is made known to them, I would be reprimanded but guided aright with a better understanding. I should be grateful that I have not been disowned but only grounded. In the same way do Gods work. He may not listen to one's supplication as a punishment for the ill treatment that one has given Him by ignoring His laws, although one has knowledge of it. In the Islamic religion, if a Muslim commits a very grave deed such as adultery or the drinking of alcohol, he would not ask his One God for any other bounties until he has spent a good number of nights beseeching for his God's forgiveness and promising never to commit that forbidden act again. God is our Bestower, our Creator and our Friend; He is All-Knowing and All-Seeing. One cannot blame Him for not granting one's desire if one gives Him a reason to be angry with oneself. Furthermore, He also knows what is best for us.
Some humans worship the god their forefathers used to and others do not.
These gods are different for many: the One God, Jesus Christ, Fire, Durgama and many different other gods. No matter who or in what shape one's God is, the method of supplicating is shared, and it is eminent that He deserves respect when being supplicated. One should ask him/herself, 'Do I treat God the way I would want others to treat me?' To many, the answer received from their heart astonishes them. It is but obvious that the desires of a person with an immodest behaviour, commanding tone and an uncivilised attitude, would be discarded by the Almighty almost immediately. God is supreme; He is not our slave, but we are His slaves. One should supplicate to Him from the bottom of one's heart with complete love and devotion and one should do it on a regular basis, not only when in need of His mercy. It is human nature to use praise to create a soft spot in somebody before asking him or her for a favour. This is one of the best ways to supplicate to one's Lord, because indeed He is praiseworthy. One should praise His good qualities, thank Him for his innumerable bounties which He has bestowed on them, say a little prayer for somebody in need, and then finally ask Him for one's own desires. This shows God the absence of greed and a self-centred attitude. However, there is a slight difference when praising a human and when praising your Provider; true emotions and feelings should be expressed when praising one's Provider. Remember, He is 'all-knowing' and He is your Creator; no secret can be kept from Him, neither can any ill feelings be hidden from Him. Therefore, implore His mercy with an open and clean heart.
Faith is the key to many locked doors, because God is the key to those many locked doors. Without faith and hope in God, who else will cure you of your disease via your doctor, who else will help you overcome your problems via your friends and family, or who else could have put you down on earth via your mother? As a fifth grade student once commented on God, "God is like scotch tape; you cannot see Him, but you know He is there!" Apart from all His wonderful qualities, God is known to be very merciful and simultaneously very just, and one must not forget that. Whatever He does, He does it for one's betterment and not out of spite. Every denied wish has been decided for a good reason and every denied wish opens new doors. One may not be able to look into the future to see that this is true, but it is faith that can carry someone to that future right moment. When God closes a door, opening another door is also part of His reward. For instance, when one loses a bank job, it probably saved his life from experiencing a hold-up a week later, or when one misses a flight, it probably saved him from a hijack on that very plane. There are two things that are infinite and beyond man's comprehension;
God's mercy and His intricate reasons and the only way one can replace it is with faith in Him and His doings.
Questions in general will continue to surface all around the world/however the questions that deal with supplication hove been answered in this essay. Moreover, God's personality, although complex, should be a role model to all human beings. As four other kids in the fifth grade commented, "God is like Bayer Aspirin - He works miracles; God is like Hallmark Cards -He cares enough to send His very best; God is like General Electric - He brings good things to life; and God is like Sears - He has everything." The only sad part is that when anything goes wrong one blames it on God and one refuses to look beyond the surface and believe that it could be for one's betterment. In conclusion, faith in God, supplication and optimism are the only attitudes that will keep one's spirits soaring all through life.
Teacher’s comments: 63%
A very well written essay. Your format is just fine. It’s a very easy read based on your
style. However, it was also a difficult
read due to your argument and thesis, and it would have been better if you
would just done the view or perception of one religion instead of trying to be
all-encompassing. A strong essay.