Throughout the ages, religious leaders and spiritual teachers have taught surrender to the wisdom and mercy of a supreme being, whether called Yahweh, God, Krishna, Atman, Jesus, or a Higher Power.
In some religions, the concept is more central than in others. The word "Islam" literally means "surrender"; a core principle of that religion is the complete acceptance of and surrender to the will of Allah.
Here is a sampling of quotes from a variety of sources.
Who can be better in religion than one who submits his whole self to
Allah, does good, and follows the way of Abraham the true in Faith? For
Allah did take Abraham for a friend.
Nor canst thou lead the blind out of their error. Thou canst make none to hear, save those who believe Our revelations and who have
surrendered.
Amongst us are some that submit their wills [to Allah], and some that swerve from justice. Now those who submit their wills--they have sought out [the path] of right conduct.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path. Do not be wise in your own eyes.
Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit!
Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.
Is surrender important in your faith?
Surrender unreservedly. Either surrender because you admit your inability and require a higher power to help you, or investigate the cause of misery by going to the source and merging into the Self. Either way you will be free from misery. God never forsakes one who has surrendered.
20th-century Indian sage
Even though the devotee may have surrendered himself utterly to the Lord, he must not renounce action in the world but continue to perform it, giving up the fruits of action to the Lord.
(The Philosophy of Love)
I place my spirit in His care, when I wake as when I sleep. God is with me, I shall not fear, body and spirit in His keep.
Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you.
With the ego well-subdued in self-surrender, one can then find total refuge within, which otherwise is difficult to obtain.
Many of us said to our Maker, as we understood Him: "God, I offer myself to Thee--to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will."
Let go and let God.
Love conquers all things; let us too surrender to Love.
