BELIEVE IN THE HEREAFTER
FOR SUCCESS IN THIS LIFE

Abid Ishaq      

Everyday we come across people who do not seem convinced about facing Allah in the “Aakhirah” (Hereafter). I believe this misunderstanding is the main cause of corruption and vice in society today. This is the same misunderstanding that was rampant during the time of the prophets.

As a matter of fact, many of the people whom Prophet Muhammed (SallAllaho alaihe wa sallam) addressed in Makkah al Mukarramah thought that it was impossible for their dead and disintegrated bodies to be resurrected. They never felt that they would be held accountable for their actions. They mocked and laughed at the Prophet (SallAllaho alaihe wa sallam) when he told them about the Aakhirah and when he reminded them of their meeting with the Creator.

Let’s look at how the Quraan provides a remedy for this spiritual ailment and rectifies hopeless lives through belief in resurrection.

Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aalaa) put an end to disbelief and mockery in resurrection by revealing, “He it is He who originates creation, then brings it back again and this (the latter) is easier for Him.” (Quraan, 30:27)

Since it is Allah who created man in the first place, then why should it be impossible for him to recreate him when he dies? Logically, resurrection should be easier than creating for the first time. To believe in the possibility of the resurrection of human beings, a thinking person does not need to see a person coming to life again. It is enough to see other dead bodies coming to life. And this is beautifully explained by our Lord in the final revelation, the Quraan, “And of His signs is that thou seest the earth humble; then, when we send down water upon it, it quivers and swells. Surely He who quickens it is He who quickens the dead; surely He is Powerful over everything”. (41:39)

“Was he not a sperm drop? Then he was a blood clot, and He created and formed and He made of him two kinds, male and female. What? Is He not able to quicken the dead?” (75: 37-40) 

This brings us to another point regarding belief in resurrection. Is resurrection really required and will everyone be resurrected? 

Let’s analyze this question. Without accountability in the Aakhirah, Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aalaa) would not be the Just, Wise and Merciful God He is. There is a reason as to why Allah, the All-Knowing, created men and made them responsible for their actions. Everyday we run into those who behave well and others, who do not. Often, we find ourselves to be the cause of harm and deceit. Now if there is no future life in which the virtuous are rewarded and the vicious are punished, there would be no justice in this life or the in Akhirah (Life after death). This in return would negate the creation of human beings and the very sending of pious prophets as instructors to us would also become aimless.

However, this sort of aimlessness would not be expected of an intelligent man and is therefore impossible to consider in the case of the Most Perfect Lord. The Quraan echoes, “What? Does man reckon he shall be left to roam at will? What? Did you think that we created you only for sport and that you would not be returned to Us? (23: 115)

“Surely for the God, fearing, shall be in the gardens of bliss with their Lord. What? Shall we make those who have surrendered like to the sinners? What ails you then, how you judge? (68: 34-36)

We have not created the heavens and earth, and what is between them, for vanity; such is the thought of the unbelievers.” (38: 27)

Each and every one of us is very important. Allah created us for a very noble purpose, yet at times we are very shortsighted in understanding our role. Belief in the Aakhirah and tomorrow prods us to think about accountability of our actions today. Let’s live and act keeping our imminent tomorrow in mind.