The Quran is the first book on the face of the earth, which says that Death is but a creature. However, why has Allah created death?
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Interestingly, the verses 67:1-2 which say Death is created begin with “Blessed is Allah”
Blessed is Allah the exalted and transcendent above the attributes of created beings.
What do we mean when we bless the name of Allah?
We mean that we recognize and proclaim His beneficence to us.
In Allah’s hand and at His disposal, is
- All Sovereignty,
- All grace
- All Authority and
- All Power to bestow might and abasement, and
- All Power over the stores of all things
Allah has power over all things.
He is too holy to have children or partners
He is Able to do all that He wills
Allah is Lord of both visible and invisible worlds.
Allah Created Death and Life.
One of the results of Allah’s complete dominion of the universe and absolute power over all things is that He created death and life.
Herein, the Quran puts Death before Life,
Death is therefore not merely a negative state.
Death, then, is
- The state before life began, which may be nonexistence or existence in some other form:
- The state in which Life as we know it ceases, but existence does not cease
- The state of Barrier or Partition, after our visible Death and before Judgment; after that will be the new Life, which we conceive of under the term Eternity.
Why has Allah created death?
Allah created death and life that He may
- Try you between life and death,
- Test you in this life,
To see which of you is
- Best in conduct,
- Most obedient to Him
- More sincere in works
Thus, man should always be on the alert, considering every thought and every action.
When a person’s heart is alert, aware that this life is a test, and tries to keep on the right track, he is reassured of God’s forgiveness and grace. This gives man all the rest and comfort he needs.
Allah is
- the Mighty in retribution against those who disbelieve in Him
- The Mighty in His vengeance against those who disobey Him,
- The Forgiving to those who repent to Him;
- He forgives those who repent and believe in Him.
He is the Mighty in retribution against those who disbelieve in Him, (Forgiving) He forgives those who repent and believe in Him,
Creation, therefore, is not in mere game, or without a purpose with reference to man. The state before our present life, or the state after, we can scarcely understand. But our present Life is clearly given to enable us to strive by good deeds to reach a nobler state.
Allah is so Exalted in Might that He can perfectly carry out His Will and Purpose, and that Purpose is Love, Mercy, and Goodness to His creatures.
The truth Islam establishes in people’s hearts does not depict God as chasing humans to afflict or punish them.
Allah wants them to be aware of the purpose behind their existence and of their true nature. Allah wants them to rise to the level worthy of His honor when He blew of His own spirit into them, elevating them above many of His other creations.
When the believers have absorbed this truth and hold to it, they will find that His grace, mercy and forgiveness are always available to them.
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The verses 67:1-2 in different translations:
QARIB:
1-Blessed be he in whose hand is the kingdom, he is powerful over all things,
2-Who created death and life that he might examine which of you is best in deeds, and he is the almighty, the forgiving,
SHAKIR:
1-Blessed is he in whose hand is the kingdom, and he has power over all things,
2-Who created death and life that he may try you– which of you is best in deeds; and he is the mighty, the forgiving,
PICKTHAL:
1-Blessed is he in whose hand is the sovereignty, and, he is able to do all things.
2-Who hath created life and death that he may try you which of you is best in conduct; and he is the mighty, the forgiving,
YUSUFALI:
1-Blessed be he in whose hands is dominion; and he over all things hath power;-
2-He who created death and life, that he may try which of you is best in deed: and he is the exalted in might, oft-forgiving;-
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