The Quran provides a framework for life, guiding believers not only in their actions but in their constant state of mind, heart, and soul. While some commands are to be carried out when circumstances arise—such as giving charity when encountering the poor or establishing justice when a dispute occurs—there are others that must be upheld at all times, perpetually. These commands define the essence of a believer’s existence, shaping their thoughts, emotions, and spiritual awareness in every moment. While this list is not exhaustive, God willing, it can serve as a foundation of the commands we must try our best to practice at every moment of our lives.
1. God is One & He Has No Partners (Tawhid)
The foundation of true submission begins with the unwavering belief in tawhid—the absolute oneness of God. This is not merely an intellectual acknowledgment or an occasional declaration; rather, it is a perpetual conviction that shapes every aspect of a submitter’s life. The Quran affirms this fundamental truth in one of its most concise yet profound chapters, Sura 112 (Al-Ikhlaas), Absoluteness.
112:1 Proclaim, “He is the One and only GOD.
112:2 “The Absolute GOD.
“Never did He beget. Nor was He begotten.
“None equals Him.”
Belief in God’s oneness is not just a statement of faith but the very foundation of spiritual and moral conduct. It defines how one perceives the world, interacts with others, and conducts oneself in every situation. Many people claim to believe in one God, but what does that truly mean in practice? The Bible also addresses this concept in James 2:18-19:
18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
This passage highlights an essential reality: faith without action is meaningless. Belief in God’s oneness must be reflected in how we live, prioritize, and rely on Him alone. Acknowledging God’s existence as One is not enough; one must actively reject anything that challenges His absolute authority.
To declare that God is One is to simultaneously reject any notion of partnership, intermediaries, or reliance on anything besides Him. The most basic form of shirk (association with God) is to believe that something or someone besides God has the power to harm or benefit us. The Quran warns against such misplaced faith:
5:76 Say, “Would you worship beside GOD powerless idols who can neither harm you, nor benefit you? GOD is Hearer, Omniscient.”
S hirk does not always take the form of bowing and prostrating to an idol; it can manifest in trusting wealth, status, power, or other people as though they are the source of our success or protection. Many fall into this trap without realizing it—placing their hope in material possessions, fearing human judgment more than God’s, or believing that someone other than God can control their destiny.
10:106 “You shall not worship beside GOD what possesses no power to benefit you or harm you. If you do, you will be a transgressor.”
10:107 If GOD touches you with a hardship, none can relieve it except He. And when He blesses you, no force can prevent His grace. He bestows it upon whomever He chooses from among His servants. He is the Forgiver, Most Merciful.
True tawhid means recognizing that only God has control over all things—both hardships and blessings. When a person faces difficulties, no one but God can remove them. If God has decreed a person to receive blessings, no force can withhold them.
The belief that God alone has power over all things should lead to a life of complete reliance on Him. A person who internalizes tawhid does not fear worldly consequences when standing for truth. They do not compromise their principles for personal gain or seek validation from creation instead of the Creator. Their decisions, actions, and even emotions are rooted in the understanding that God alone is in control.
5:54 O you who believe, if you revert from your religion, then GOD will substitute in your place people whom He loves and who love Him. They will be kind with the believers, stern with the disbelievers, and will strive in the cause of GOD without fear of any blame. Such is GOD’s blessing; He bestows it upon whomever He wills. GOD is Bounteous, Omniscient.
Recognizing God’s oneness requires removing all spiritual, emotional, and psychological dependencies on anything else. This means placing complete trust in Him in times of both difficulty and ease, seeking His guidance in all matters, and never allowing anything to compete with His rightful place in our hearts.
True success lies in fully embracing tawhid—understanding that God alone is the source of all power, all provision, and all mercy. A submitter who truly upholds this belief in both faith and action will never be enslaved by fear, doubt, or reliance on anything but God.
Therefore, truly living by tawhid means recognizing that God alone is in control of all things—every event, every outcome, and every moment of existence. It is the understanding that nothing happens outside His will, and no power, force, or individual can alter or override His command. If we believe that someone or something else has the ability to influence events independently of God, we are, knowingly or unknowingly, associating partners with Him. This is the very essence of shirk, the gravest deviation from true submission. Dr. Rashad Khalifa emphasized this reality in several of his sermons, underscoring the absolute truth that God is doing everything, and a true submitter must internalize this understanding in both belief and action.
2. God Consciousness (Taqwa)
One of the most fundamental and perpetual commands in submission is maintaining constant awareness of God ( taqwa). This mindfulness serves as another foundational aspect of faith. Dr. Rashad Khalifa, in his translation of the Quran, often renders taqwa as “righteousness,” though multiple Arabic words are translated as righteousness, each carrying a distinct meaning. In the case of taqwa, it signifies a perpetual state of being conscious of God, ensuring that every decision, action, and thought is aligned with His guidance.
2:2 This scripture is infallible; a beacon for the righteous;
True taqwa is not confined to moments of worship or ritual devotion—it must permeate every aspect of life. It is the awareness that God is always present, that He sees all actions and knows all thoughts, and that nothing escapes His knowledge. This consciousness guides a submitter’s moral compass, shaping their integrity, decisions, and behavior toward others.
The Quran also emphasizes that taqwa is the greatest provision a person can carry in their journey toward God. It is not wealth, status, or material possessions that bring true security, but rather the mindful observance of God’s commands.
2:197 Hajj shall be observed in the specified months. Whoever sets out to observe Hajj shall refrain from sexual intercourse, misconduct, and arguments throughout Hajj. Whatever good you do, GOD is fully aware thereof. As you prepare your provisions for the journey, the best provision is righteousness. You shall observe Me, O you who possess intelligence.
Living with taqwa means being in a continuous state of vigilance, ensuring that one’s intentions, speech, and actions remain aligned with God’s will. It is not a temporary mindset but an ongoing spiritual state that strengthens faith, promotes humility, and draws one closer to God. Those who cultivate taqwa do not live for fleeting worldly gains but for the eternal reward of nearness to their Creator.
This consciousness of God is not limited to prayers or rituals but is meant to permeate every thought and action. Appendix 27 of Dr. Rashad Khalifa’s translation of the Quran states the following regarding this topic under the title, “Who Is Your God?”
Most people are outraged upon hearing this question. “What do you mean, `Who is your god?’ they ask, `My god is the Creator of the heavens and the earth.’” And most of these people will be shocked to find out that their proclamation that their god is the Creator of the heavens and the earth is no more than lip service, and that they are in fact destined for Hell (12:106).
Your god can be your children (7:190), your spouse (9:24), your business (18:35), or your ego (25:43). This is why we note that one of the most important and most repeated commandments in the Quran is:
To put this commandment into practice, we must establish certain habits whereby we guarantee that God occupies our minds more than anything else. The Quran helps us establish such soul saving habits:
1. The Contact Prayers (Salat): those who observe the 5 daily prayers come a long way towards commemorating God a significant proportion of their waking hours. Salat helps us remember God not only during the few minutes of prayer, but also throughout the times of anticipation. At 11:00 AM, one may look at his or her watch to see if the noon prayer is due yet. This act causes one to think about God, and one is credited accordingly (20:14).
2. Commemorate God before eating: Verse 6:121 enjoins us to mention God’s name before we eat: “You shall not eat from that upon which God’s name has not been mentioned.”
3. God Willing ( IN SHAA ALLAH): “You shall not say, `I will do this or that tomorrow,’ without saying, `God willing’ (IN SHAA ALLAH). If you forget to do this, then apologize and say, `May my Lord guide me to do better next time.'” 18:24. This is a direct commandment that we must carry out, no matter who we are talking with.
4. God’s Gift ( MAA SHAA ALLAH): To invoke God’s protection for our beloved objects – our children, our cars, our homes, etc. – we are enjoined in 18:39 to say “MAA SHAA ALLAH” (This is God’s gift).
5. Glorify God day and night: When we eat anything, we shouldn’t be like animals; we must reflect on God’s creation of the food we are eating – the flavor, our enjoyment due to the senses God has given us, the perfect packaging of the banana or the orange, the varieties of sea foods created by God, etc. – and glorify Him as we enjoy His provisions. When we see a beautiful flower, or animal, or sunsets, we must glorify God. We must seize every possible opportunity to remember and glorify God, so that God may be our God.
6. First Utterance: Make it a habit to say: “In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. There is no other god besides God,” the moment you wake up every morning. If you establish this good habit, this is what you will utter when you are resurrected.
3. Remembrance of God (Dkhir)
As mentioned, one of the most powerful ways to cultivate taqwa (God-consciousness) is through the constant remembrance and commemoration of God ( dhikr). This practice is not meant to be confined to moments of worship but should be a continuous state of awareness, ensuring that a submitter remains mindful of God at all times. The Quran commands believers to engage in frequent remembrance, making it an essential and perpetual act of devotion.
33:41 O you who believe, you shall remember GOD frequently.
33:42 You shall glorify Him day and night.
True remembrance of God is not limited to reciting His name during prayer or specific rituals—it is a way of life. A believer carries dhikr in their heart, reflecting on God’s greatness in every situation, whether in solitude or among others, whether in ease or in hardship. This remembrance becomes second nature, shaping how one speaks, acts, and interacts with the world. This is the main reason for the Contact Prayer (Salat). Such that five times a day we build the practice of stopping everything and reconnecting in the remembrance and commemoration of God.
29:45 You shall recite what is revealed to you of the scripture, and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), for the Contact Prayers prohibit evil and vice. But the remembrance of GOD (through Salat) is the most important objective. GOD knows everything you do.
The Quran describes the state of those who possess true intelligence: they do not merely acknowledge God’s existence but remain aware of Him in every posture, in every thought, and in their contemplation of the universe.
3:190 In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of night and day, there are signs for those who possess intelligence.
3:191 They remember GOD while standing, sitting, and on their sides, and they reflect upon the creation of the heavens and the earth: “Our Lord, You did not create all this in vain. Be You glorified. Save us from the retribution of Hell.
This level of remembrance is transformative—it aligns the heart and mind with righteousness at all times. When a submitter is immersed in dhikr, they naturally avoid sin, become more patient and grateful, and find peace even in difficulties. They see God’s signs everywhere, recognizing His presence in the smallest details of life and the vastness of creation.
41:53 We will show them our proofs in the horizons, and within themselves, until they realize that this is the truth. Is your Lord not sufficient, as a witness of all things?
Remembrance of God is not an obligation but a privilege—an unbroken connection with the Creator. It brings clarity, strengthens faith, and ensures that one’s heart remains guided by divine light. Those who engage in dhikr consistently will never feel distant from God, for their every moment is filled with His presence.
4. Appreciation (Shukr)
Appreciation ( shukr) in submission is not merely a response to receiving blessings; it is a continuous state of appreciation for all that God provides. True gratitude is an attitude of the heart that acknowledges God’s presence in every moment, recognizing that everything—whether seen as a blessing or a trial—is ultimately part of His wisdom. The Quran commands believers to remain thankful, linking gratitude to divine remembrance:
2:152 You shall remember Me, that I may remember you, and be thankful to Me; do not be unappreciative.
Even the word disbeliever (kufr) has the meaning of one who is unappreciative, as in the verse above. This signifies that in order to be considered a believer, one must be appreciative at all times.
Therefore, appreciation is more than a verbal expression—it is a way of life that prevents arrogance, entitlement, and dissatisfaction. A person who practices shukr is constantly mindful of their blessings, ensuring that they do not take what they have for granted. Those who cultivate gratitude develop a deeper sense of contentment, knowing that everything they possess is a gift from God, and that even challenges carry hidden wisdom.
Moreover, the Quran makes it clear that appreciation is not only a virtue but a means of increasing blessings. God promises that those who remain thankful will receive even more, while ingratitude leads to deprivation and hardship:
14:7 Your Lord has decreed: “The more you thank Me, the more I give you.” But if you turn unappreciative, then My retribution is severe.
Gratitude is not just about thanking God when things are going well—it is about recognizing His presence in every situation. A truly grateful person sees God’s mercy in both abundance and scarcity, knowing that every experience is an opportunity for growth. Through shukr, the heart remains light, free from the burdens of envy, greed, and dissatisfaction. It fosters humility, strengthens faith, and deepens one’s connection with God, ensuring that the submitter remains in a state of spiritual fulfillment no matter what life brings.
5. Steadfastness ( Sabr)
Steadfastness ( sabr) is not merely a virtue exercised in times of hardship; it is a constant state of being that must guide every aspect of a submitter’s life. It is the ability to persevere in faith, to remain patient in adversity, and to maintain devotion to God in both prosperity and struggle. God reminds believers that true strength lies in endurance, seeking divine support through prayer and unwavering trust.
2:45 You shall seek help through steadfastness and the Contact Prayers (Salat). This is difficult indeed, but not so for the reverent,
A true submitter does not waver in faith based on external circumstances. Their devotion remains firm whether they are experiencing ease or hardship. Steadfastness is the defining trait of those who understand that trials are part of God’s wisdom and that success in this life and the Hereafter is granted to those who remain patient.
The Quran highlights a recurring human tendency—turning to God in desperation during adversity but forgetting Him in times of ease. Many people recognize God’s authority when they are afflicted but revert to heedlessness once relief comes.
Bad Weather Friends
17:67 If you are afflicted in the middle of the sea, you forget your idols and sincerely implore Him alone. But as soon as He saves you to the shore, you revert. Indeed, the human being is unappreciative.
30:33 When adversity afflicts the people, they turn to their Lord, totally devoting themselves to Him. But then, as soon as He showers them with mercy, some of them revert to idol worship.
These verses expose a common spiritual flaw: seeking divine help only when in distress while neglecting gratitude and devotion during times of ease. This conditional faith is not true submission but rather a transactional approach to God—one that collapses under pressure.
Steadfastness is a requirement for true faith, distinguishing those who are genuinely devoted from those whose belief is fragile. Some people worship God only when it suits them, abandoning their faith when faced with trials. Such individuals do not experience the peace and fulfillment that comes from sincere submission.
Fair Weather Friends
22:11 Among the people there is the one who worships God conditionally. If things go his way, he is content. But if some adversity befalls him, he makes an about-face. Thus, he loses both this life and the Hereafter. Such is the real loss.
29:10 Among the people there are those who say, “We believe in God,” but as soon as they suffer any hardship because of God, they equate the people’s persecution with God’s retribution. But if blessings from your Lord come your way, they say, “We were with you.” Is God not fully aware of the people’s innermost thoughts?
These verses warn against the dangers of conditional faith. True belief does not fluctuate with circumstances; it is a firm conviction that remains steadfast whether one is experiencing abundance or hardship. Those who abandon their faith when faced with difficulty demonstrate that their devotion was never sincere. They measure faith by worldly comfort rather than by trust in God’s wisdom.
6. Absolute Devotion to God Alone ( ikhlas)
True submission requires complete and unwavering devotion to God alone ( ikhlas). This sincerity is not just about belief; it must be reflected in every thought, action, and moment of worship. Devotion to God means prioritizing Him above all else, ensuring that no other attachment—whether to people, desires, or worldly concerns—compromises our allegiance to Him. True sincerity is a state of being, a continuous awareness that shapes our worship, decisions, and interactions with the world.
7:29 Say, “My Lord advocates justice, and to stand devoted to Him alone at every place of worship. You shall devote your worship absolutely to Him alone. Just as He initiated you, you will ultimately go back to Him.”
This devotion is not limited to formal acts of worship but extends to the very essence of our faith. Every prayer, every charitable act, and every righteous deed must be performed with complete sincerity, seeking only God’s pleasure. The Quran states:
98:5 All that was asked of them was to worship GOD, devoting the religion absolutely to Him alone, observe the contact prayers (Salat), and give the obligatory charity (Zakat). Such is the perfect religion.
This level of devotion is what distinguishes the true submitters from those who are easily led astray. Even Satan himself acknowledged that he could mislead most people—except for those who are absolutely devoted to God alone.
15:39 He said, “My Lord, since You have willed that I go astray, I will surely entice them on earth; I will send them all astray.
15:40 “Except those among Your worshipers who are devoted absolutely to You alone.”