Ask not

Surah 2 verses 268-272

268-Satan threatens you with poverty and bids you conduct unseemly.

God promises you his forgiveness and bounties. And God cares for all and he knows all things.
269-He grants wisdom to whom he pleases, and to whom wisdom is granted, he recieves a benefit overflowing: but none will recieve admonition except men of understanding.

270-And whatever you spend in charity or whatever promises you make, be sure God knows it all. But the wrongdoers have no helpers.

271-If you disclose acts of charity, it is ok, but if you conceal them and make it reach those in need, that is best for you: It will remove some of your stains. And God is well aquainted with what you do.
272-It is not for you to guide them to the right path. But God guides whom he pleases. Whatever of good you give benefits your own soul and you shall do so seeking God's countenance. Whatever of good you give, shall be rendered back to you and you shall not be dealt with unjustly.

As the world grapples with the potential of a global financial crises, it is appropriate to reflect on President Kennedy's famous words--but with a twist---Ask not what God can do for you, but what you can do for God.----

And what we can do for God is to have the right intentions that create right actions for the benefit of all God's creations.

What we can do, is put morality and ethics in the forefront of our bussiness practices where the benefit to our fellow man is of paramount importance rather than the amount of money one can rip off in the short term.

What we can do, is remind our politicians that they serve the people---not corporations. Their responsibility is to their fellow citizens. And what is best for people, is a moral, ethical and responsible gevernment.

What we can do, is take care of our selves, our family, our relations, our neighbours, and those in need so that we can all hope for a better future.

But what we really should do is use our intelligence to find ways on how best we can serve God.