World Blog by humble servant.RESURRECTION

RESURRECTION

Since time immemorial, we humans have wondered whether death terminates our life or does it carry on subsequently. To arrive at the proper conclusion is of fundamental significance as it decides our conduct throughout this life. If living did come to an end with demise and there was nothing ahead, people would be justified in feeling that “we only live once and so let us eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die”

(Luke 12:19, Ecclesiastes 8:15, 1 Corinthians 15:32).

These would be the ones who think that the here and now is the be-all and end-all and that it may be okay to believe that the end would justify the means. [23:35-37] “Does he promise you that, after you die and turn into dust and bones, you will come out again? “Impossible, impossible indeed is what is promised to you” We only live this life—we live and die—and we will never be resurrected.

But we know this is not so.

[45:24-26] They said, “We only live this life; we live and die and only time causes our death!” They have no sure knowledge about this; they only conjecture. When our revelations are recited to them, clearly, their only argument is to say, “Bring back our forefathers, if you are truthful.” Say, “GOD has granted you life, then He puts you to death, then He will summon you to the Day of Resurrection, which is inevitable. But most people do not know.” 

There has always been a strong concept of resurrection. Hindus have a conviction that they will be reborn in accordance with the way they lived their life. A belief of reincarnation of souls with a continuous sequence of

rebirths till they accomplish moksha. The Egyptian Pharaohs were entombed in colossal pyramids with all their jewellery and valuable possessions to be used by them after resurrection. The ancient Greeks believed in a netherworld called Hades, the dwelling of the dead as well as a sinister purgatory. The Zoroastrians of ancient Persia were of Aryan ancestry sharing philosophies akin of recompense and chastisement as the Semitic people had—the people of Abrahamic faiths. However, in the same Abrahamic faiths the Jews believed in Heaven and Hell with the provision that being God’s chosen people, they would endure the anguish of Hell for only a restricted phase. In the Christian New Testament—the Book of Revelations—there is an explicit portrayal in figurative words of a series of events including the four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. This is followed by six angels blowing their trumpets, one after the other which will obliterate the cosmos and finally the seventh angel’s trumpet (Rev. 11:18) will announce the achievement of “God’s secret plan”, when the Ark of the Covenant is seen.

Today’s Muslims are no better. Most believe that their saints and religious leaders will intercede on their behalf and escort them to Heaven. We all know that there is no defence from God’s law.

Satan’s Most Effective Bait: The Myth of Intercession

[9:80] Whether you ask forgiveness for them, or do not ask forgiveness for them—even if you ask forgiveness for them seventy times—GOD will not forgive them. This is because they disbelieve in GOD and His messenger. GOD does not guide the wicked people.

The Quran is clear on the concept of the Hereafter. First, we are informed as to why we are here, what are our duties and responsibilities and why answerability is obligatory.

One of the primary attributes mentioned in the very first Sura of the Quran is that God is the Master of the Day of Judgment. If we truly recognise this, we should act in the most upright way during our life knowing that we are answerable about our deeds after death.

[83:10-12] Woe on that day to the rejectors. They do not believe in the Day of Judgment. None disbelieves therein except the transgressor, the sinful.

We believe in the Hereafter because God says so. We reason it out because as humans we should be conscientious and therefore accountable to our Maker for all our actions—good, bad and neutral. We know that this life at hand is transient and that it is ordained to conclude on an Hour known only to God. We also know that our winning or losing in the next life is not derived from our capacity or incapacity to obtain riches, power and influence here. [6:164] Say, “Shall I seek other than GOD as a lord, when He is the Lord of all things? No soul benefits except from its own works, and none bears the burden of another. Ultimately, you return to your Lord, then He informs you regarding all your disputes.”

We know that this earth will be replaced with a new earth and that all humankind will be recreated afresh and gathered round for verdict. It will be done for each soul in the most accurate and just manner.

[82:9-14] Indeed, you disbelieve in the religion. Oblivious to the fact that there are (invisible) keepers around you. They are honest recorders. They record everything you do. Surely, the pious have deserved bliss. While the wicked have deserved Hell. God has His angels register all our acts in a faultless document.

[45:28-29] You will see every community kneeling. Every community will be called to view their record. Today, you get paid for everything you have done. This is our record; it utters the truth about you. We have been recording everything you did.

[58:6] The day will come when GOD will resurrect them all, then inform them of everything they had done. GOD has recorded everything, while they have forgotten it. GOD witnesses all things.

If we place our hand in fire, we will get burned. This is what is so exclusive in the Quran—that we are answerable for our own actions. This is why we can say with conviction: [2:139] Say, “Do you argue with us about GOD, when He is our Lord and your Lord? We are responsible for our deeds, and you are responsible for your deeds. To Him alone we are devoted.” [34:25] Say, “You are not responsible for our crimes, nor are we responsible for what you do.

Our entire life is being tracked on a hard drive which can never be contested. It cannot be viewed by us now but will be released on the Day of Judgment when we will be told:

[17:13-14] We have recorded the fate of every human being; it is tied to his neck. On the Day of Resurrection we will hand him a record that is accessible. Read your own record. Today, you suffice as your own reckoner.

In this world, we have civil laws without which the social order cannot operate suitably. By nature, we are insensitive, egocentric and quite competent in infringing on the rights of others for individual benefit.

We know that the law of the land may punish us for contravening the rules. Nevertheless, we see that even in a well administered state many criminals go Scot free and sometimes people who are not guilty are unfairly convicted and penalised. No laws we make can ever be perfect. Enactment of justice here, though well intentioned, will never be without some bias. But God has promised us very fair dealings.

The Best Deal

[40:40] Whoever commits a sin is requited for just that, and whoever works righteousness—male or female —while believing, these will enter Paradise wherein they receive provisions without any limits.

[4:173] As for those who believe and lead a righteous life, He will fully recompense them, and shower them with His grace. As for those who disdain and turn arrogant, He will commit them to painful retribution. They will find no lord beside GOD, nor a savior.

God’s law is such that all our activities regardless of how insignificant, and even our thinking, will have their positive or negative final results.

[13:10] It is the same whether you conceal your thoughts, or declare them, or hide in the darkness of the night, or act in the daylight.

We have to have faith that God is our Initiator, our Guide and the Absolute One. Merely vocally announcing this is not adequate; this certainty should be augmented with devotion and total commitment.

[99:6-8] On that day, the people will issue from every direction, to be shown their works. Whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it. And whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.