Promoting peace and harmony from an Abrahamic perspective

What is 'Faith'?

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Faith is defined as complete trust or confidence in someone or something. The depth of our faith in God strengthens our belief in Him.

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Faithfulness denotes being reliable and trustworthy. In human relationships, these qualities are interconnected; a person's faithfulness often inspires others to trust them.

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From an Abrahamic perspective, we are encouraged to maintain unwavering faith in God through both challenges and ease. Simply claiming to believe is insufficient; our faith must be demonstrated through our actions. Life serves as a test of faith, where individuals are likened to 'trees' in Scripture. Strong faith provides deep roots that stabilize us during life's storms. Our words and actions reflect our inner faith, and like trees rooted in fertile soil, our faith allows us to produce positive outcomes for the world. The 'Word' of God embodies 'truth' and 'wisdom,' enabling us to be more 'creative,' as everything we understand is created through His 'Word.' Embracing faith in God and His 'Word' grants us access to life and the spiritual purpose of our existence.

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We often refer to various 'faiths' as different branches of religion. However, if the Source and God of these branches are the same, why not refer to it as a singular 'Faith'? This raises questions about whether we place our trust in religious figures and doctrines rather than in our Creator and His messages.

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Scripture teaches that faith is relative and infinite, varying in intensity throughout our lives and among individuals.

Declaring faith in God does not inherently make someone a 'believer.' While speech can express surrender to God's Will, it is our actions that validate our beliefs. Some may profess faith yet act contrary to their claims, while others may act righteously but fail to articulate their beliefs. There are also those who openly reject belief in a Creator, yet their honesty contrasts with the harm caused by some who claim faith. Ultimately, those who sincerely seek truth and align their speech and actions with their faith are more likely to experience true peace and harmony in their lives and relationships.

 

 

Why is Faith Important?

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Faith is a personal choice that involves trusting in something or someone. The depth of our faith correlates with the strength of our trust.

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Both 'Faith' and 'Faithfulness' are crucial for nurturing harmonious relationships—with our Creator and with one another. Similar to how 'trust' and 'trustworthiness' underpin our connections, faith serves as a foundation for our interactions.

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In the Abrahamic tradition, faith in God offers refuge, hope, and a solid foundation for our lives. Without this spiritual base, we risk our structures crumbling in times of adversity. Just as trees need roots to thrive, we require faith to reach our full potential. Without it, we remain limited beings. Through belief in God and ourselves, we discover our authenticity and purpose. Faith connects us to the Source of all Life, opening doors to new possibilities and experiences.

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From a spiritual perspective, faith in God brings Light. The stronger our faith, the brighter this Light shines. With God as our guiding Light, we can illuminate the lives of others. This divine illumination fosters wisdom, leading to greater creativity.

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How can 'Faith' help us?

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Faith in God strengthens our commitment to pursuing justice, peace, and support for those in need. A robust faith reduces doubt and fosters hope, leading to inner peace. It encourages us to believe in ourselves and to walk a path of righteousness.

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When our faith deepens, we are motivated to improve ourselves through positive speech and actions. We learn from our experiences, gain wisdom through reflection, and seek forgiveness for our missteps. This journey not only enhances our lives but also enables us to uplift others.

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Trust in God cultivates our own trustworthiness. By being truthful and honoring our commitments, we align our actions with our intentions. This authenticity fosters trust in our relationships, creating a foundation for healthy and successful connections.

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A strong faith in God also nurtures our belief in His mercy and forgiveness. It reassures us that we can seek forgiveness for our mistakes, facilitating our spiritual growth. Embracing His forgiving nature inspires us to extend that grace to others.

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Faith brings hope, a crucial element that helps us endure hardships. Hope encourages us to take risks in pursuit of our beliefs and aids us in navigating uncertainty. It serves as a guiding light during dark times, significantly enhancing our overall well-being.

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With faith comes perseverance. This resilience empowers us to face challenges head-on, allowing us to either overcome obstacles or learn from them, ultimately strengthening our faith.

 

How can 'Faith' help others?

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Faith in God not only strengthens our own spirits but also serves as a guiding light for others. Just as our faith illuminates our path through darkness, it can inspire others to seek the same light. When individuals turn to God and fully place their trust in Him, they, too, can become beacons of faith, guiding others in their journeys. This creates a chain of support, where we act as vessels of His light, sharing strength, hope, and guidance as we navigate our paths toward our Creator, the ultimate Source of Light, Knowledge, and Wisdom.

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By deepening our own faith, we become better role models, influencing others through our words and actions. Faith fosters love for our Creator, which in turn enables us to extend kindness, compassion, and forgiveness to one another. These qualities plant seeds of faith in others' hearts, encouraging us to treat each other as we wish to be treated. This collective faith unites us in a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood, forming a family-like bond grounded in our shared belief in the Universal God. From this foundation of fait

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How to Strengthen Our Faith in God

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Here are several key strategies, based on Scripture, to nurture and affirm our faith in God:

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• Directly Ask God for Assistance

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• Embrace Humility (refer to the Humility section)

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• Practice Repentance and Forgiveness (see the Forgiveness section)

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• Be Truthful and Sincere (consult the Truth and Integrity section)

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• Pursue Truth through Knowledge by questioning, using intellect, and remaining authentic (see the Seeking Knowledge section)

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• Seek Wisdom through knowledge and experience (refer to the Seeking Wisdom section)

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• Engage in Reflection and Mindfulness (see the Reflection and Mindfulness section)

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• Express Gratitude through words and actions (consult the Gratitude section)

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• Establish Regular Prayer or Meditation for remembrance of God (see the Prayer section)

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• Maintain God-Consciousness in all our actions

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• Engage in Fasting or Acts of Sacrifice (refer to the Sacrifice section)

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• Commit to Regular Charitable Giving to support those in need (see the Charity section)

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• Demonstrate Perseverance (consult the Perseverance section)

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• Pursue Justice (see the Justice section)

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• Respect Diversity (refer to the Respect section)

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• Take Responsibility for Our Words and Actions

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• Treat Others as We Wish to Be Treated

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Imagine a world where everyone takes responsibility for their words and actions, uniting in faith in our Universal God. By showing loving kindness to one another, regardless of our differences in race, background, culture, gender, or language, we can foster a deeper connection with our Creator and, consequently, with each other.

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Scripture quotes about 'Faith.'

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'Your Word is a Lamp to guide my feet and light for my path.' Psalm 119:105

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'God is The Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His Light is like a niche within which is a lamp, the lamp is within a glass, the glass as if it were a pearly (white) star lit from ( the oil of) a blessed olive tree, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would almost glow even if untouched by fire. Light upon light. God guides to His Light whom He wills. And God presents examples for the people, and God is Knowing of all things. In Temples God has allowed to be raised up, and His Name to be commemorated therein; therein glorifying Him, in the mornings and the evenings. People whom neither commerce nor trafficking diverts from the remembrance of God and to perform the prayer, and to pay the alms, fearing a day when hearts and eyes shall be turned about and God may recompense them for their fairest works and give them increase of His Bounty; and God provides whomsoever He will, without reckoning.' Quran 24:35-36

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'The Lord is my Light and my Salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the Stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?' Psalm 27:1

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'Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him. Truly He is my Rock and my Salvation; He is my Fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my Mighty Rock, my Refuge. Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our Refuge.' Psalm 62:5-8

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'Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.' Hebrews 11:3

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'Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.' Psalm 27:10

 

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'Let the morning bring me Word of your Unfailing Love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I entrust my life.' Psalm 143:8

'But I trust in You, Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in Your Hands.' Psalm 31:14-15

 

'I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in Your Presence, with eternal pleasures at Your Right Hand.' Psalm 16:7-8, 11

 

 

'Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.'  Psalm 23:4            

 

'Into Your Hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my Faithful God.' Psalm 31:5

 

 

'Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.' Psalm 37:3-4

 

 

 

'He will cover you with His Feathers, and under His Wings you will find refuge; His Faithfulness will be your Shield and Rampart.' Psalm 91:4

 

'Be still, and know that I am God.' Psalm 46:10

 

 

 

'But you, Lord, are a Shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.  I call out to the Lord, and He answers me from his Holy Mountain.  I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.' Psalm 3:3-5

 

 

'I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.' Psalm 121:1-2

 

'I call on You, my God, for You will answer me; turn Your Ear to me and hear my prayer. Show me the wonders of Your Great Love, You who save by Your Right Hand those who take refuge in You from their foes. Keep me as the apple of Your Eye; hide me in the Shadow of Your Wings.' Psalm 17:6-8



'In You, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. In Your Righteousness, rescue me and deliver me; turn Your Ear to me and save me. Be my Rock of Refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for You are my Rock and my Fortress. Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel. For You have been my Hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. From birth I have relied on You; You brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever Praise You.' Psalm 71:1-6

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'Yet I am always with You; You hold me by my right hand. You guide me with Your Counsel, and afterward You will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the Strength of my heart and my portion forever…. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my Refuge; I will tell of all Your Deeds.' Psalm 73:23-26, 28: 

 

 

 

'When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? The Lord is with me; He is my Helper. I look in triumph on my enemies.' Psalm 118:5-7: 

'I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.' Psalm 34:4-5



'Send me Your Light and Your Faithful Care, let them lead me; let them bring me to Your Holy Mountain, to the place where You Dwell.' Psalm 43:3

 

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'So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My Righteous Right Hand.' Isaiah 41:10: 

 

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'When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.' Isaiah 43:2

 

 

'You will keep those in perfect Peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because they trust in You. Trust in the Lord Forever, for the Lord, the Lord Himself, is the Rock Eternal.' Isaiah 26:3-4: 

 

 

'You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” See, the Sovereign Lord comes with Power, and He Rules with a Mighty Arm. See, his reward is with Him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.' Isaiah 40:9-11: 

 

 

'Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the Everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His Understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.' Isaiah 40:28-31: 

 

 

'Have not I commanded you? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be you dismayed: for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.' Joshua 1:9

 

 

'Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.'  Proverbs 3:5-6

 

 

'Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to tread on the heights.' Habakkuk 3:17-19

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‘Have you not considered how God presents an example, [making] a good word like a good tree, whose root is firmly fixed and its branches [high] in the sky? It produces its fruit all the time, by permission of its Lord. And God presents examples for the people that perhaps they will be reminded. And the example of a bad word is like a bad tree, uprooted from the surface of the earth, not having any stability. God keeps firm those who believe, with the firm word, in worldly life and in the Hereafter. And God sends astray the wrongdoers. And God does what He wills.’Quran 14:24-27

 

 

‘Two groups among you almost failed, but GOD was their Lord. In GOD the believers shall trust.’ Quran 3:122

 

 

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‘... and trust in GOD. GOD loves those who trust in Him.* If GOD supports you, none can defeat you. And if He abandons you, who else can support you? In GOD the believers shall trust.’ Quran3:159-160

 

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‘O you who believe, remember GOD's blessings upon you; when some people extended their hands to aggress against you, He protected you and withheld their hands. You shall observe GOD; in GOD the believers shall trust.’ Quran 5:11

 

 

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‘Two men who were reverent and blessed by GOD said, "Just enter the gate. If you just enter it, you will surely prevail. You must trust in GOD, if you are believers."’ Quran 5:23

 

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‘The true believers are those whose hearts tremble when GOD is mentioned, and when His revelations are recited to them, their faith is strengthened, and they trust in their Lord.’ Quran 8:2

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‘... if one puts his trust in GOD, then GOD is Almighty, Most Wise. Quran 8:49

 

 

‘Say, "Nothing happens to us, except what GOD has decreed for us. He is our Lord and Master. In GOD the believers shall trust."’ Quran 9:51

 

 

‘Moses said, "O my people, if you have really believed in GOD, then put your trust in Him, if you are really submitters." They said, "We trust in GOD. Our Lord, save us from the persecution of these oppressive people.’ Quran 10:84-85

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‘He said, "O my people, what if I have solid proof from my Lord; what if He has provided me with a great blessing? It is not my wish to commit what I enjoin you from. I only wish to correct as many wrongs as I can. My guidance depends totally on GOD; I have put my trust in Him. To Him I have totally submitted.’ Quran 11:88

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‘To GOD belongs the future of the heavens and the earth, and all matters are controlled by Him. You shall worship Him and trust in Him. Your Lord is never unaware of anything you do.’ Quran 11:123 

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‘And he said, "O my sons, do not enter from one door; enter through separate doors. However, I cannot save you from anything that is predetermined by GOD. To GOD belongs all judgments. I trust in Him, and in Him shall all the trusters put their trust."’ Quran 12:67

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‘Their messengers said to them, "We are no more than humans like you, but GOD blesses whomever He chooses from among His servants. We could not possibly show you any kind of authorization, except in accordance with GOD's will. In GOD the believers shall trust. Why should we not trust in GOD, when He has guided us in our paths? We will steadfastly persevere in the face of your persecution. In GOD all the trusters shall trust."’ Quran 14:11-12

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‘You shall put your trust in the One who is Alive―the One who never dies―and praise Him and glorify Him. He is fully Cognizant of His creatures' sins.’ Quran 25:58

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‘Therefore, put your trust in GOD...' Quran 27:79

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‘And put your trust in GOD. GOD suffices as an advocate.’ Quran 33:3

 

 

‘Do not obey the disbelievers and the hypocrites, disregard their insults, and put your trust in GOD; GOD suffices as an advocate.’ Quran 33:48

 

 

‘If you ask them, "Who created the heavens and the earth?" they will say, "GOD." Say, "Why then do you set up idols beside GOD? If GOD willed any adversity for me, can they relieve such an adversity? And if He willed a blessing for me, can they prevent such a blessing?" Say, "GOD is sufficient for me." In Him the trusters shall trust.’ Quran 39:38

 

 

‘Whatever you are given is no more than temporary material of this life. What GOD possesses is far better and everlasting, for those who believe and trust in their Lord.’ Quran 42:36

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‘Secret conspiracy is the devil's idea, through which he seeks to hurt those who believed. However, he cannot hurt them against GOD's will. In GOD the believers shall trust.’ Quran 58:10

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‘GOD: there is no other god besides Him. In GOD the believers shall trust.’ Quran 64:13

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‘And will provide for him whence he never expected. Anyone who trusts in GOD, He suffices him. GOD's commands are done. GOD has decreed for everything its fate.’ Quran 66:3

 

 

 

‘Say, "He is the Most Gracious; we believe in Him, and we trust in Him. ..."’Quran 67:29

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‘...When Job prayed, "Lord, I have been afflicted with hardships. Have mercy on me; You are the Most Merciful of those who have mercy, So We answered him, and removed the affliction that was upon him, and We gave his people, and the like of them with them, mercy from Us, and a Reminder to those who serve.’ Quran 21:83-84

 

 

‘...And [mention] the man of the fish, when he went off in anger and thought that We would not decree [anything] upon him. And he called out within the darknesses, "There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers." So We responded to him and saved him from the distress. And thus do We save the believers.’ Quran 21:87

 

 

‘...And Zachariah -- when he called unto his Lord, 'O my Lord, leave me not solitary; though Thou art the best of inheritors. We answered his prayer and granted him his son, John, by making his wife fruitful. They were people who would compete with each other in good deeds and pray to Us with love and reverence. With Us they were all humble people...’ Quran 89:90

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‘And she who guarded her virginity, so We breathed into her of Our spirit and appointed her and her son to be a sign unto all beings.’ Quran 21:91

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