Opening the Qur'an: Introducing Islam's Holy Book

Nine. The Qur’an On The End Of This World And Life In The Hereafter

nine The Qur’an On The End Of This World And Life In The Hereafter We created the heavens and the earth and all between them in six days, nor did any sense of weariness touch Us. Bear then with patience all that they say.And celebrate the praises of thy Lord before the rising of the sun, and before (its) setting, and during part of the night. (Also) celebrate His praises and (so likewise) after the postures of adoration.And listen for the Day when the Caller will call out from a place quite near; the Day when they will hear a (mighty) Blast. In (very) truth, that will be the Day of Resurrection.Verily, it isWeWho give Life and Death; and to Us is the Final Goal—the Day when the Earth will be rent asunder from (men) hurrying out. That will be a gathering together quite easy for Us.We know best what they say; and thou art not one to ever awe them by force. So admonish with the Qur’an such as fear MyWarning! Surah 50:38–45, Qaf Many religions have revelations,teachings,traditions,and expectations about the connections between life in the present,death,life after death,the end of the current world,and what may happen next.The often puzzling and sometimes lurid descriptions about the end of a person’s and the cosmos’s 231 existence usually influence an individual’s ethics,a community’s sociopolitical structures and values,and views of divine intentions and powers.How literally or figuratively passages and images are to be taken is a matter of serious concern among believers and nonbelievers. Muslims debate “end-time” issues raised in the Qur’an and the Hadith . The debates escalate when non-Muslims open the Qur’an seeking information about Muslim understandings.Here we venture into this controversial territory.The chapter begins with the Qur’an’s summons to humanity in light of the imminent deaths of humans and the world and descriptions of life in the Hereafter,then turns to Quranic descriptions of an individual’s death. The third section deals with the end of this world (alDunya ), and the fourth focuses on life in the Hereafter (al-Akhira). In addition , we examine several Hadith collections that provide details and images concerning death, the end of this physical world, and the Hereafter. It is AllahWho has sent down the Book in truth and the Balance (by which to weigh conduct).And what will make thee realize that perhaps the Hour is close at hand? Only those wish to hasten it who believe not in it. Those who believe hold it in awe and know that it is the Truth. Behold, verily those that dispute concerning the Hour are far astray. Gracious is Allah to His servants. He gives sustenance to whom He pleases,and He has Power,and can carry out HisWill.(Surah 42:17–19) THE QUR’AN’S SUMMONS Praise be to AllahWho created (out of nothing) the heavens and the earth,Who made the angels messengers with wings two or three or four (pairs). He adds to Creation as He pleases, for Allah has power over all things.What Allah out of His Mercy doth bestow on mankind there is none can withhold; what He doth withhold there is none can grant apart from Him. And He is the Exalted in Power, Full of Wisdom. O men! Call to mind the grace of Allah unto you! Is there a Creator other than Allah to give you sustenance 232 T H E Q U R ’ A N O P E N E D The Qur’an on the End of This World and Life in the Hereafter 233 from heaven or earth? There is no god but He. How then are ye deluded away from the Truth? And if they reject thee [Muhammad], so were messengers rejected before thee. To Allah go back for decision all affairs. O men! Certainly the promise of Allah is true. Let not then this present life deceive you nor let the Chief Deceiver deceive you about Allah.Verily, Satan is an enemy to you; so treat him as an enemy. He only invites his adherents that they may become Companions of the Blazing Fire. For those who reject Allah is a terrible Penalty: but for those who believe and work righteous deeds is Forgiveness and a...