Death in Quran (5) the heirs after your death

To Allah belongs the heritage of the heavens and the earth

Allah is the essential Inheritors of the entire universe after all else passes away.

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The verse 15:23 of the Noble Quran declares:

Undeniably, Allah gives life and brings death in this worldly life,

Life and death, the living and the dead, the resurrection and judgment belong to Him

Allah is the Owner of what is in the heavens and in the earth after the death of its inhabitant and before their death.

Allah will subsist after your eradication.

Allah is the heirs, who shall endure, inheriting all creation.

Life and Death will pass away but Allah will remain.

To Allah belongs the heritage of the heavens and the earth

Allah is the essential Inheritors of the entire universe after all else passes away.

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The verses 15:23 in different translations:

QARIB:

And surely, it is we who give life and make to die. we are the inheritor.

SHAKIR:

And most surely we bring to life and cause to die and we are the heirs

PICKTHAL:

Lo! And it is we, even we, who quicken and give death, and we are the inheritor.

YUSUFALI:

And verily, it is we who give life, and who give death: it is we who remain inheritors (after all else passes away).

Death in Quran (1) Death = Creature

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;-

Atheists in Quran (49) they came to eradicate Islam

The Atheists announced that they came from Makkah to Al-Madinah to kill the Prophet Muhammad and eradicate Islam and Muslims from the face of the Earth.

See what happened to them and what the Angels have done to them!

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Background of the verses 8:50-51

Date: more than 1400 years ago

Place: nearby Al-Madinah in the Arabia

Event: the first battle between the Atheists among the Arabs and the believers

The name of the battle: the Day of “Badr”

Situation: The Atheists were about 1000 well-armed men

                The believers were 300 weakly armed men

Media: the Atheists announced that they came from Makkah to Al-Madinah to kill the Prophet Muhammad and eradicate Islam and Muslims from the face of the Earth

Result: Muslims won and the Atheists severely lost the battle. About 100 Atheists killed, another 100 captivated and the rest flee from the shock of such result.

Was this the only fate of the Atheists?

No

The meanings of the verses 8:50-51

If you could see O Muhammad and believers how the angels, on the Day of Badr, take away the Atheists’ souls, smiting their faces and their backs and saying unto them:

Taste the severe punishment of burning.

This chastisement is for what your hands have done while you were unbelieving know that Allah is just to His servants, such that he would not punish them for no sin.

Know that Allah is not a tyrant to His servants such that He would take them to task without them having committed a crime.

Allah’s Justice is for all

We see the angels acting on Allah’s instructions and by His permission, reproaching the unbelievers and meting out punishment to them. They gather their souls in a very harsh manner and dole out to them the sort of treatment that befits their arrogance and conceit. Even in the most difficult of times, they remind them of their evil deeds and tell them of their inevitable destiny. There is no injustice in what they are about to suffer. It is only what they deserve.

The verse makes it clear that punishing the unbelievers for their misdeeds is a constant law that Allah has set into operation:

The two verses, however, may also be taken as a reference to a continuing situation that applies whenever the angels gather the souls of unbelievers.

In this case the opening phrase, “if you could but see”, may be understood as an address to anyone with eyes to see. This type of address is used frequently to direct attention to certain matters that need to be contemplated.

The verses portray a fearful picture of the unbelievers as the angels gather their souls, adding humiliation to their misery and combining physical suffering with death:

“If you could but see how the angels gather up the souls of the unbelievers. They strike them on their faces and their backs.”

The mode of expression then changes from that of reporting to an address:

“Taste the punishment of burning.”

This serves to bring the sight blooming as though it is happening now in front of our eyes. We almost see the fire of hell and how it burns them fiercely.

The unbelievers are severely reproached as they are pushed into it:

“[this is] in return for what your own hands have committed.”

It is all a fitting recompense. You deserve it all on account of what you have done:

“Never does Allah do any injustice to His servants.”

The infliction of suffering and humiliation on the unbelievers is a permanent law that does not change.

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The verses 8:50-51 in different translations:

QARIB:

50-If you could see the angels when they carry off the souls of the unbelievers, beating their faces and their backs, saying: ‘taste the punishment of burning!

51-That is for what your hands have forwarded, Allah is not unjust to his worshipers. ‘

SHAKIR:

50-And had you seen when the angels will cause to die those who disbelieve, smiting their faces and their backs, and (saying): taste the punishment of burning

51-This is for what your own hands have sent on before, and because Allah is not in the least unjust to the servants;

PICKTHAL:

50-If thou couldst see how the angels receive those who disbelieve, smiting faces and their backs and (saying): taste the punishment of burning!

51-This is for that which your own hands have sent before (to the judgment), and (know) that Allah is not a tyrant to his slaves.

YUSUFALI:

50-If thou couldst see, when the angels take the souls of the unbelievers (at death), (how) they smite their faces and their backs, (saying): “taste the penalty of the blazing fire-

51-“Because of (the deeds) which your (own) hands sent forth; for Allah is never unjust to his servants:

Atheists in Quran (48) No Ransom, No Exit

As for the Atheists and unbelievers, if they possessed, all that is in the earth, and the double of it with it, by which to ransom themselves from the chastisement of the Day of Resurrection, The ransom would not be accepted from them. They will desire to exit from the Eternal Fire, but they will not exit from it.

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Truly, as for the Atheists and unbelievers who disbelieve in Muhammad and the Quran,

If they possessed, definitely, all that is in the earth, and the double of it with it, by which to ransom themselves from the chastisement of the Day of Resurrection,

The ransom would not be accepted from them.

Theirs will be a painful doom and severe chastisement.

However, they will desire to exit from the Eternal Fire, but they will not exit from it; theirs shall be a lasting, a perpetual, chastisement.

They will wish to come forth from the Eternal Fire but they will not come forth from it

Theirs will be a lasting doom; which will never be interrupted.

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Ransom = the act of holding someone or something hostage in order to get a demand met, or the money paid to get the item or person back.

Ransom = a sum of money paid to free a captive or a prisoner.

To ransom is to obtain the release of someone that has been held hostage by paying a price.

If the Atheists and unbelievers had everything on earth and twice repeated, to give as ransom for the penalty of the Day of Judgment, Allah would never accept any ransom of them.

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The Quranic unique method of description

The verses 5:36-37 of the Noble Quran portray a scene of the Atheists and unbelievers who disbelieve in Muhammad and the Quran. It is a very vivid description, because the verses do not only give a statement outlining a position, but depicts a full scene with movement and interaction.

This is, indeed, the Quranic method used in portraying scenes of the Day of Judgment. The Quran uses it for most purposes:

“If those who disbelieve had all that is on earth and as much besides to offer as ransom from the suffering of the Day of Resurrection, it would not be accepted from them. Theirs shall be a painful suffering. They will wish to come out of the Fire, but they shall not come out of it. Theirs shall be a long-lasting suffering.” (Verses 36-37)

By the longest stretch of imagination, the most that the unbelievers can have is all that is available on the face of the earth.

But the verses go far beyond that and suppose that they have all that the earth contains twice over, and portray them trying to pay all that as ransom to spare themselves the suffering of the Day of Resurrection.

The verses also portray them as they try to get out of the Fire of Hell, but they are unable to do so. They continue to endure their painful, lasting suffering.

This is a very vivid scene with actions following one another in speedy sequence. There they are at first, having everything that is on earth and as much besides. They offer it all to escape punishment. Then we see them disappointed when all their appeals fail. The Angels are then forcing them into the Fire, trying to get out, but having no means of escape. The screen then falls and they dwell there permanently.

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The verses 5:36-37 in different translations:

QARIB:

36-As for those who disbelieve, if they possessed all that the earth contains and as much besides to ransom themselves from the punishment of the day of resurrection, it shall not be accepted from them. theirs shall be a painful punishment.

37-They will wish to get out of the fire, but they shall not, theirs shall be a lasting punishment.

SHAKIR:

36-Surely (as for) those who disbelieve, even if they had what is in the earth, all of it, and the like of it with it, that they might ransom themselves with it from the punishment of the day of resurrection, it shall not be accepted from them, and they shall have a painful punishment

37-They would desire to go forth from the fire, and they shall not go forth from it, and they shall have a lasting punishment

PICKTHAL:

36-As for those who disbelieve, lo! if all that is in the earth were theirs, and as much again therewith, to ransom them from the doom on the day of resurrection, it would not be accepted from them. theirs will be a painful doom.

37-They will wish to come forth from the fire, but they will not come forth from it. Theirs will be a lasting doom.

YUSUFALI:

36-As to those who reject faith,- if they had everything on earth, and twice repeated, to give as ransom for the penalty of the day of judgment, it would never be accepted of them, theirs would be a grievous penalty.

37-Their wish will be to get out of the fire, but never will they get out therefrom: their penalty will be one that endures.

Atheists in Quran (45) their arrogance: diagnosis and treatment

This article declare three important issues about the Atheists; they are 1) How they becomes arrogant? 2) How they express their arrogance? 3) The treatment of their arrogance

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How they become arrogant?

Man habitually forgets the fact that he is a weak small creature and that whatever strength he may have does not originate from within himself, but from Allah, the source of all strength and power.

Forgetting his bond with Allah, man begins to swell and take on prides.

Arrogance, thus, begins to establish itself within the heart of human being.

On the other hand, man has an essential evident enemy, the Satan.

Satan’s job = to make man astray

Satan’s target = to lead man to hell

Satan, who doomed himself because of his arrogance, works on man to increase his arrogance knowing that through it he can bring man to deterioration.

How the Atheists express their arrogance?

The Atheist disputes Allah’s revelations even when they are clear, addressing human nature with the sort of argument that appeals to it.

The Atheist also claims to himself and others that he is only raising questions because he is not yet convinced.

However, Allah who knows the inner feelings and secret thoughts of all His creatures makes clear that all this is the result of man’s arrogance.

Such arrogance prompts man to argue and dispute Allah’s revelations over which there can be no dispute.

Such arrogance also drives man to aspire to what is beyond his status and what his nature cannot attain.

Yet he has no solid basis for such argument for it is rooted deeply in nothing but his own arrogance:

“As for those who dispute Allah’s revelations, with no authority granted to them, there is nothing in their hearts but a quest for a greatness they will never attain.” (Verse 56)

If only man would understand the truth about himself and the universe, recognizing his role and not trying to exceed it, appreciating

that he is one of countless creatures each doing their role by Allah’s will and according to His design which He alone knows, he would certainly feel relaxed, humble, living in peace with himself and with the world around him.

If man did this, he would easily and readily submit himself to Allah. He would also do this without any hesitation.

“Seek, then, refuge with Allah, for He is the One who hears all and sees all.” (Verse 56)

Seeking refuge with Allah against arrogance is indicative of how grisly it is.

The believers seek Allah’s refuge in order to escape what is ghastly, horrible and evil. Arrogance combines all these. Moreover, it is hard for the arrogant person and for those around him. It causes harm to the heart in which it stirs and to other people’s hearts.

Arrogance is an evil we should seek refuge with Allah from it.

Allah hears all and sees all.

Arrogance is manifested by visible action and/or audible words.

Therefore, it is left to Allah to decide upon it as He pleases.

Man is then told of his true position in this great universe: how small he is in comparison to some of Allah’s creatures, the great magnitude of which is readily visible and better appreciated on careful examination:

“The creation of the heavens and the earth is indeed greater than the creation of man; yet most people do not understand.” (Verse 57)

The heavens and the earth are there for man to see and to measure himself in relation to them. When he knows the reality of the proportions of distance, dimension, size and power, he reduces his pride, feels his smallness and almost disappears. He can only hold his own when he remembers the superior element Allah has granted him, and for which Allah has honored him.

A quick glance at the universe is sufficient to appreciate all this. The earth on which we live is merely a small satellite of the sun: its mass compared to the mass of the sun is no more than three to a million, while its size is one-millionth of the size of the sun. Yet the sun is only one of around billion suns our galaxy includes.

Man now knows that there are around billion such galaxies dispersed in the great expanse of the universe.

Still, what we have discovered of the universe is merely a small part; it is so great that we become dazed when we even try to imagine it. The distance between the sun and us is about 93 million miles. The sun is the head of the family of our planet earth, and most probably, the sun is the mother of the earth.

Therefore, the earth remains close to its mother, standing merely 93 million miles away from it!

The diameter of our galaxy = one hundred billion light years, with one light year measuring 5.8 billion miles, because light travels at the speed of 186,000 miles per second.

The closest galaxy to our own is around 750,000 light years away.

We may say again that these distances and dimensions are the best man’s little knowledge has determined.

Scientists acknowledge that all their discoveries cover only a small part of this great universe.

Allah says:

“The creation of the heavens and the earth is indeed greater than the creation of man; yet most people do not understand” (Verse 57) When we speak of Allah’s power and ability, the concepts of greater or smaller, harder or easier do not apply. He creates everything by a single word, ‘Be!’ The reference here is to how things appear in themselves and how people see and measure them. How does man compare to this great expanse of the universe?

How high can his arrogance take him in Allah’s great creation?

“The blind and the seeing are not equal; nor can those who believe and do good works and those who do evil be deemed equal.” (Verse 58)

The one who is able to see learns and understands, recognizing his station. He does not give himself prides, nor does he allow conceit to distort his judgment.

By contrast, a blind person cannot recognize his position in relation to his surroundings. Therefore, he misjudges his position and what is around him.

The same applies to those believers who do good works and those who do evil. The first group see things for what they are and form accurate ideas, while the other group misjudges all due to their blind ignorance. They harm themselves and others, and above all, they assign to themselves an erroneous position in relation to their environment.

They are blind, for true blindness is that of the mind:

“How seldom you reflect.” (Verse 58)

Had we reflected, we would have known. The whole thing is clear, needing only some reflection before it becomes very apparent.

If only we would remember the hereafter, be certain of its coming, reflect on our position then and recall how we will then stand

“The Last Hour is sure to come: of this there is no doubt. Yet most people will not believe.” (Verse 59)

Because they do not believe, they argue and give themselves prides; they do not submit to the truth and do not limit themselves to their rightful position.

The treatment of their arrogance

Addressing our worship to Allah, praying and appealing to Him, are all means to cure hearts of arrogance, which is the evil that leads people to dispute His revelations and signs without any clear evidence.

Allah opens the door for us to address and pray to Him. He tells us that He has committed Himself to respond to those who pray to Him, warning those who are too proud that they will suffer total humiliation:

“Your Lord says: Call on Me, and I shall answer you. Those who are too proud to worship Me shall enter hell humiliated.” (Verse 60)

Supplication and prayer must observe certain manners.

  • Hearts must be totally dedicated to Allah,
  • Be sure that He will answer our prayer.
  • We must not suggest a particular form, time, or circumstance for answering it. To make such a suggestion is improper when appealing to Allah. We should be clear in our minds that it is a blessing that we address our prayers to Allah, and that His response is another blessing.

Those who are too proud to pray to Allah and appeal to Him deserve their just reward, which leads them to enter hell in total humiliation.

Such is the fitting end of the arrogance that fills some hearts in this small planet and short life, forgetting the greatness of Allah’s creation, let alone His own greatness. It is suitable requital for forgetting the Last Hour, which will inevitably come.

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The verses 40:56-60 in different translations:

QARIB:

56- (As for) those who dispute the verses of Allah without authority having been given to them, there is nothing in their chests but pride; that, they shall never attain. therefore seek refuge in Allah, surely, he is the hearer, the seer.

57-Indeed, the creation of heavens and earth is greater than the creation of mankind, yet most people do not know.

58-The blind and the seeing are not equal, nor are those who believe and do good works, and the wrongdoer yet you seldom reflect.

59-There is no doubt that the hour is coming, yet most people do not believe.

60-Your Lord has said: ‘call on me and i will answer you. those who are too proud to worship me shall enter gehenna utterly abject. ‘

SHAKIR:

56-Surely (as for) those who dispute about the communications of Allah without any authority that has come to them, there is naught in their breasts but (a desire) to become great which they shall never attain to; therefore seek refuge in Allah, surely he is the hearing, the seeing

57-Certainly, the creation of the heavens and the earth is greater than the creation of the men, but most people do not know

58-And the blind and the seeing are not alike, nor those who believe and do good and the evil-doer; little is it that you are mindful

59-Most surely, the hour is coming, there is no doubt therein, but most people do not believe

60-And your Lord says: call upon me, i will answer you; surely those who are too proud for my service shall soon enter hell abased

PICKTHAL:

56-Lo! Those who wrangle concerning the revelations of Allah without a warrant having come unto them, there is naught else in their breasts save pride which they will never attain. So take thou refuge in Allah. lo! he, only he, is the hearer, the seer.

57-Assuredly, the creation of the heavens and the earth is greater than the creation of mankind; but most of mankind know not.

58-And the blind man and the seer are not equal, neither are those who believe and do good works (equal with) the evil-doer. little do ye reflect!

59-Lo! The hour is surely coming, there is no doubt thereof; yet most of mankind believe not.

60-And your Lord hath said: pray unto me and i will hear your prayer. lo! those who scorn my service, they will enter hell, disgraced.

YUSUFALI:

56-Those who dispute about the signs of Allah without any authority bestowed on them,- there is nothing in their breasts but (the quest of) greatness, which they shall never attain to: seek refuge, then, in Allah: it is he who hears and sees (all things).

57-Assuredly, the creation of the heavens and the earth is a greater (matter) than the creation of men: yet most men understand not.

58-Not equal are the blind and those who (clearly) see: nor are (equal) those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, and those who do evil. little do ye learn by admonition!

59-The hour will certainly come: therein is no doubt: yet most men believe not.

60-And your Lord says: “call on me; i will answer your (prayer): but those who are too arrogant to serve me will surely find themselves in hell – in humiliation!”

Atheists in Quran (35) they are hasty

The Atheists try to hasten the punishment against which the Prophet Muhammad warns them. Sarcastically, they say, ‘When will this promise of resurrection and chastisement be fulfilled, if you are truthful O Muhammad?

The Quran says that 1) Man is a creature of haste; he is so hasty in his affairs and 2) Verily, messengers before you O Muhammad were derided but those who mocked them were encircled by the chastisement, which they used to deride; likewise, it shall befall those who have derided you.

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The Arabs at the time of the Prophet Muhammad were one of two:

The unbelievers deny the existence of One God and they used to worship many idols as gods

The Atheists who deny the existence of any god

Both groups deny the Resuscitation, the Day of Judgment and the Afterlife

They deny the very existence of Allah, the Most Merciful, who has created the universe and set the rules that operate in it and sustain its existence.

Herein, a likely dispute is expected.

Allah’s Messenger Muhammad speaks out against their deities, showing such inanimate idols to be useless.

On the other hand, The Atheists and unbelievers rudely deny Allah and they hurl abuse and mockery at Allah’s Messenger, saying that it is unacceptable that he should criticize their idol worship. They find nothing wrong with the arrogance that leads them to

Deny Allah’s existence,

Deny Allah’s Messenger and

Reject Allah’s revelation, the Quran.

The sarcasm of their attitude exposes to the full the far- reaching corruption that affects their nature and impairs their judgment.

Whenever they see you O Muhammad, they take you in derision and pick you out for mockery

What is more stupid of them?

They try to hasten the punishment against which the Prophet warns them.

They say, ‘When will this promise of resurrection and chastisement be fulfilled, if you are truthful O Muhammad?

Man is a creature of haste; he is so hasty in his affairs

Haste is present in man’s very nature and constitution.

He always stretches his eyes to what lies ahead, beyond the present moment, aiming to grasp it with his own hand. He wants to achieve, the moment it flashes in his mind, all that seems desirable. He wants to see all that is promised to him, even though it may be to his damage. Such is man’s nature, unless he establishes a firm relationship with Allah, which gives him strength and reassurance. He will then trust to Allah’s wisdom, leaving His will to run its course without hastening events. For faith combines trust with patience and reassurance.

Those unbelievers hastened Allah’s punishment, wondering when the promise of punishment in the hereafter, as well as in this life, would be fulfilled.

The Quran paints here for them a scene of the suffering in the hereafter, while also warning them against a similar punishment to that which befell earlier communities, which rejected the faith

If the unbelievers only knew what shall happen to them:

They would change their attitude completely.

They would stop their mockery and hastening of what is bound to come.

Let them, then, see what is bound to come.

There, the fire surrounds them on all sides.

Nay, but it, the Resurrection, shall come upon them suddenly, dumbfounding them, confusing them, and they shall not be able to ward it off, nor shall they be granted any respite, [nor shall they] be given any [extra] time to make a repentance or offer an excuse.

We envisage their agitated movements, described implicitly in the verse, to protect their faces and their backs against the fire, but their attempt is useless. It is as if the fire engulfs them on all sides. They can neither keep it away from themselves, nor retreat to seek protection. Nor is even a short respite from it possible.

That the punishment comes suddenly is only the response for their hastening it.

Sarcastically, they used to say time after time:

“When is this promise to be fulfilled, if what you say be true?”

The answer is that it comes suddenly, perplexing their minds and paralyzing their will. Thus, they are unable to think or act. This applies to the punishment in the hereafter.

Moreover, verily messengers before you were derided but those who mocked them were encircled by the chastisement, which they used to deride; likewise, it shall befall those who have derided you.

As for this world’s punishment, it certainly befell communities before them, which ridiculed Allah’s messengers. Just as those communities were unable to ward off a punishment that wiped them out altogether, so these unbelievers are unable to avert their defeat and captivity. They are thus warned not to deride Allah’s Messenger, to avoid the punishment that befalls those who ridicule prophets. Such fate and punishment is bound to come, because it is part of Allah’s law, which will inevitably, take effect, just as the destruction of earlier communities, guilty of the same offence, proves.

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The verses 21:36-41in different translations:

QARIB:

36-When the unbelievers see you, they take you only for mockery, saying: ‘is this he who talks about your gods? ‘While they are unbelievers in the remembrance of the merciful.

37-The human was created of haste. Indeed, I will show you my signs; so do not ask me to hasten them.

38-They say: ‘if you are truthful, when will this promise come? ‘

39-If the unbelievers only knew when they will be unable to shield either their faces or their backs from the fire; when they will not be helped!

40-It will overtake them suddenly, dumbfounding them. they shall be unable to ward it off, and they shall not be respited.

41-Before you, other messengers were mocked, but the mockers were encompassed by the very thing they mocked.

SHAKIR:

36-And when those who disbelieve see you, they do not take you but for one to be scoffed at: is this he who speaks of your gods? and they are deniers at the mention of the beneficent Allah

37-Man is created of haste; now will i show to you my signs, therefore do not ask me to hasten (them) on

38-And they say: when will this threat come to pass if you are truthful?

39-Had those who disbelieve but known (of the time) when they shall not be able to ward off the fire from their faces nor from their backs, nor shall they be helped

40-Nay, it shall come on them all of a sudden and cause them to become confounded, so they shall not have the power to avert it, nor shall they be respited

41-And certainly messengers before you were scoffed at, then there befell those of them who scoffed that at which they had scoffed

PICKTHAL:

36-And when those who disbelieve behold thee, they but choose thee out for mockery, (saying): is this he who maketh mention of your gods? and they would deny all mention of the beneficent.

37-Man is made of haste. I shall show you my portents, but ask me not to hasten.

38-And they say: when will this promise (be fulfilled), if ye are truthful?

39-If those who disbelieved but knew the time when they will not be able to drive off the fire from their faces and from their backs, and they will not be helped!

40-Nay, but it will come upon them unawares so that it will stupefy them, and they will be unable to repel it, neither will they be reprieved.

41-Messengers before thee, indeed, were mocked, but that whereat they mocked surrounded those who scoffed at them.

YUSUFALI:

36-When the unbelievers see thee, they treat thee not except with ridicule. “is this,” (they say), “the one who talks of your gods?” and they blaspheme at the mention of (Allah) most gracious!

37-Man is a creature of haste: soon (enough) will i show you my signs; then ye will not ask me to hasten them!

38-They say: “when will this promise come to pass, if ye are telling the truth?”

39-If only the unbelievers knew (the time) when they will not be able to ward off the fire from their faces, nor yet from their backs, and (when) no help can reach them!

40-Nay, it may come to them all of a sudden and confound them: no power will they have then to avert it, nor will they (then) get respite.

41-Mocked were (many) messenger before thee; but their scoffers were hemmed in by the thing that they mocked.

Atheists in Quran (25) Atheists of Noah vs. Atheists today

All the Prophets sent by Allah to guide humankind to the right path are liars in the eyes of the Atheists. Thousands of years later (after Noah), such standards and values still gain the upper hand in the today Atheists’ mind.

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The verses 11:25-27 of the Noble Quran say:

Verily Allah sent Noah to his people [and he said]: ‘I am a clear warner for you, one whose warning is plain.

I am a warning Messenger who speaks a language you understand that you worship none but Allah; you confess the divine Oneness of none save Allah

Lo! I fear for you, should you worship other than Him, the chastisement of a painful day that is painful in this world and in the Hereafter.

I know that there shall come upon you if you do not believe the retribution of a painful Day, which is drowning.

The Atheists who were the council, notables, the respected elders and the chieftains of Noah’s people said:

  1. We see you but a mortal like us, you eat and drink just as we do eat and drink
  2. You have no merit over us, for which you would deserve our following you
  3. We see that your followers are but the vilest among us
  4. Those who follow you are the riffraff among us, such as the weavers and the shoemakers
  5. Those who follow you are the most abject, the lowly and the weak among us
  6. Those who follow you are impulsively without thinking; their bad judgment lead them to believe in you.
  7. Nay, we deem you liars with regard to your claim to be bringing a Message

The Atheists among Noah’s people apply here the erroneous standards that make

  • Honor = wealth,
  • Understanding = influence
  • Position = bank balance
  • Knowledge = power.

Thousands of years later, such standards and values still gain the upper hand in the today Atheists’ mind

Finally, they accused Noah as a Liar.

The same happened to the entire prophets from Noah to Muhammad.

All the Prophets sent by Allah to guide humankind to the right path are liars in the eyes of the Atheists.

This is the attitude of people who have full pockets but empty hearts and minds.

Their pride and arrogance are limitless.

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The verses 11:25-27 in different translations:

QARIB:

25-We sent Noah to his nation. (he said:) ‘i am a warner for you, and a bearer of glad tidings.

26-Worship none except Allah. i fear for you the punishment of a painful day. ‘

27-The unbelieving council of his nation said: ‘we do not see you other than a human like ourselves. we see your followers are none but the lowliest amongst us, and their opinion is not to be considered. we do not see you superior to us, rather, we consider you liars. ‘

SHAKIR:

25-And certainly we sent nuh to his people: surely i am a plain warner for you:

26-That you shall not serve any but Allah، surely i fear for you the punishment of a painful day

27-But the chiefs of those who disbelieved from among his people said: we do not consider you but a mortal like ourselves, and we do not see any have followed you but those who are the meanest of us at first thought and we do not see in you any excellence over us; nay, we deem you liars

PICKTHAL:

25-And we sent Noah unto his folk (and he said): lo! i am a plain warner unto you.

26-That ye serve none، save Allah. Lo! I fear for you the retribution of a painful day.

27-The chieftains of his folk, who disbelieved, said: we see thee but a mortal like us, and we see not that any follow thee save the most abject among us, without reflection. we behold in you no merit above us – nay, we deem you liars.

YUSUFALI:

25-We sent Noah to his people (with a mission): “I have come to you with a clear warning:

26-“That ye serve none but Allah: verily I do fear for you the penalty of a grievous day.”

27-But the chiefs of the unbelievers among his people said: “we see (in) thee nothing but a man like ourselves: nor do we see that any follow thee but the meanest among us, in judgment immature: nor do we see in you (all) any merit above us: in fact we thing ye are liars!”

Atheists in Quran (20) their limited scope

The life of this world is alluring to those who reject faith, and they scoff at those who believe (because of their abject poverty for example).

However, those who believe shall be above them on the Day of Resurrection; and Allah sustains whomever He will without reckoning.

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Allah bestows His abundance without measures on whom He will.

Allah’s favors in this world seem unequal, and sometimes those get them who seem to deserve them least.

The verse 2:212 contrasts believers and Atheists, and the difference in their outlook.

This life, with its ephemeral interests and enjoyments, is all that the unbelievers know and aspire to. They are unable to see beyond the here-and now.

They know of no greater values or aspirations other than those of life on this earth.

Consequently, their scope is limited and they are underprivileged of the higher understanding and greater reward experienced by believers.

A believer seeks more from life than mere material or sensual enjoyment.

Believers look beyond their selfish egotistic needs and desires.

From the point of view of a person who only thinks of this life’s concerns and worldly affairs, that might seem strange or even ludicrous.

Hence, it may induce scorn and derision from unbelievers.

However, what justification could there be for such a reaction?

The unbelievers’ opinion is erroneous and utterly false. It is the view of unbelief and ignorance.

The true measure is that of Allah.

Allah said:

“Those who fear Allah shall be above them in rank on the Day of Resurrection”.

Believers should uphold their faith and disregard the mockery and scorn of the unbelievers.

Believers have Allah’s word that they shall occupy a higher position than the unbelievers shall on the Day of Resurrection,

That shall be the final Judgment.

What Allah has in store for believers is far better and far more favorable.

Allah will reward the believers in abundance as He wish and as He will here either in this life or in the Afterlife.

 “Allah grants sustenance to whom He wills beyond all reckoning.”

Allah is the gracious giver who gives directly, generously and with no restriction.

Allah’s bounty in unlimited to the just as well as the unjust in the life of this world.

In His wisdom, He may give to whomsoever He pleases.

However, the account is not taken in the life of this world, but will be taken in the end of man’s journey, when the balance will be redressed at the Day of Judgment.

In His infinite wisdom, He may give to those who do not believe much of the comforts and allurements of this world.

What He grants them is not based on any merit they may have. He also gives to the believers whatever He chooses to grant them both in this life and in the life to come. He is the sole benefactor and His choice is right, wise and most durable.

The two types of human being — believers who take their guidance and advice from Allah, and others for whom this life is the be-all and end-all, can be found in every age and every generation.

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The verse 2:212 in different translations:

QARIB:

For those who disbelieve, the worldly life is decked with all manner of decorations. They scoff at those who believe, but the cautious shall be above them on the day of resurrection. Allah gives without count to whom he will.

SHAKIR:

The life of this world is made to seem fair to those who disbelieve, and they mock those who believe, and those who guard (against evil) shall be above them on the day of resurrection; and Allah gives means of subsistence to whom he pleases without measure

PICKTHAL:

Beautified is the life of the world for those who disbelieve; they make a jest of the believers. But those who keep their duty to Allah will be above them on the day of resurrection. Allah giveth without stint to whom he will.

YUSUFALI:

The life of this world is alluring to those who reject faith, and they scoff at those who believe. But the righteous will be above them on the day of resurrection; for Allah bestows his abundance without measure on whom he will.

Atheists in Quran (11) have they read the History

The Quran asks the Atheists three questions, 1) Have not the stories of those who rejected Faith aforetime reached you? 2) Do not you realize that Allah is free of all needs? 3) You think that you will not be raised up for Judgment?

The Quran gives the answers to those who like to know.

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The verses 64:5-7 ask the Atheists three questions

The first Question:

Have not the stories of those who rejected Faith aforetime reached you?

Have not the stories of

  • Noah and the flood that swept all the Atheists
  • Aad and Thamood
  • Abraham and Nimrod
  • Moses and Pharaoh
  • Etc.

Have not these stories reached you?

Have not you read the History?

Do you know what happened to the ancient Atheists?

They tasted the evil result of their conduct in the life of this world and they had a grievous Penalty.

That was because there came to them messengers with Clear Sign; However, they said:

“Shall (mere) human beings direct us?”

So, they rejected (the Message) and turned away.

They tasted the punishment for disbelief in the life of this world.

Moreover, the evil result of their conduct in the Afterlife is awaiting for them; its culminating force will be exhibited in the grievous Penalty of the Hereafter.

The second Question:

Do not the Atheists realize that Allah, the worthy of all praise, is free of all needs?

If all human beings are believers, this will not increase Allah’s kingdom by one inch.

If all human beings are unbelievers, this will not decrease Allah’s kingdom by one inch.

O Atheists, Your obedience is not necessary to Allah, nor will your rejection of Truth affect the validity of Truth or injure the progress of Truth.

Allah is free of all needs or dependence on any circumstance whatever.

He sends His Message for the good of mankind, and it is man who suffers by ignoring, rejecting, or opposing it.

The third Question:

O Atheists, You think that you will not be raised up for Judgment.

In other words, you think that there is no future

life, and no responsibility for your actions beyond what you see in the present life.

If that were true, all the profits of fraud and roguery, which remain unpunished in this

world-and many do remain unpunished in this world-will remain with the wicked; and all the losses and pain suffered by integrity and righteousness, if they find no compensation in this life, will never find any compensation.

This would be an odd result in a world of justice. Muslims are taught:

  • That this is not true,
  • That it is certain that the balance will be redressed in a better future world;
  • That there will be a resurrection of the dead; and

O Atheists, You think that you will not be raised up for Judgment.

Verily, by my Lord, you shall surely be raised up: then shall ye be told (the truth) of all that you did. And that is easy for Allah.”

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Allah, the Almighty Creator, created all men,

Some are good and others are evil,

You wonder how the good do suffer and the evil succeed,

Remember the Final Goal, when true corrections will be made

The gainers here will be the Losers there,

The Losers here will be the Gainers there.

Good will get more than its full reward

For Allah is Bounteous, Merciful, Mighty, Wise.

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The verses 64:5-7 in different translations:

QARIB:

5-Have you not heard the news of those before you who disbelieved? they tasted the mischief of their action, and for them is a painful punishment.

6-That is because, when their messengers came to them with clear proofs they said: ‘shall humans be our guides? ‘ they disbelieved and turned away, but Allah was not in need (of them). Allah is the rich and the praised.

7-The unbelievers think that they will never be raised up. say: ‘by my Lord, yes indeed, you shall assuredly be raised up! then you shall be told of all that you have done. that is easy for Allah. ‘

SHAKIR:

5-Has there not come to you the story of those who disbelieved before, then tasted the evil result of their conduct, and they had a painful punishment?

6-That is because there came to them their messengers with clear arguments, but they said: shall mortals guide us? so they disbelieved and turned back, and Allah does not stand in need (of anything), and Allah is self-sufficient, praised

7-Those who disbelieve think that they shall never be raised. say: aye! by my Lord! you shall most certainly be raised, then you shall most certainly be informed of what you did; and that is easy to Allah

PICKTHAL:

5-Hath not the story reached you of those who disbelieved of old and so did taste the ill-effects of their conduct, and theirs will be a painful doom.

6-That was because their messengers (from Allah) kept coming unto them with clear proofs (of Allah’s sovereignty), but they said: shall mere mortals guide us? so they disbelieved and turned away, and Allah was independent (of them). Allah is absolute, owner of praise.

7-Those who disbelieve assert that they will not be raised again. say (unto them, o muhammad): yea, verily, by my Lord! ye will be raised again and then ye will be informed of what ye did; and that is easy for Allah.

YUSUFALI:

5-Has not the story reached you, of those who rejected faith aforetime? so they tasted the evil result of their conduct; and they had a grievous penalty.

6-That was because there came to them messengers with clear signs, but they said: “shall (mere) human beings direct us?” so they rejected (the message) and turned away. but Allah can do without (them): and Allah is free of all needs, worthy of all praise.

7-The unbelievers think that they will not be raised up (for judgment). say: “yea, by my Lord, ye shall surely be raised up: then shall ye be told (the truth) of all that ye did. and that is easy for Allah.”

Angels in Islam (24) every man will see them-C

Either you believe in Allah or you do not, you will undoubtedly see the Angels face to face at the moment of your death. But the important question is how the Angels deal with the believers and the unbelievers and what the Angels will say to each party.

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The meanings of the verse 8:50-51

And if you could see, O Muhammad, how the Angels deal with the unbelievers at the moment of their death, you would truly have seen a terrible sight’

And if you could see, O Muhammad, when the Angels take away the disbelievers’ souls, beating and smiting their faces and their backs, with hooked iron rods, and,

They say to them: ‘Taste the chastisement of burning, Taste the severe punishment of the Eternal Fire.

That, chastisement, is for what you have done in the life of this world; you have disobeyed Allah’s Law.

And, be aware that Allah is neither unjust nor oppressor to His servants, such that he would never punish them unless they are sinful.

On the other hand, compare the above with how the Angels deal with the believers at the moment of their death (41:30-32)

The meanings of the verse 41:30-32

Truly those who say, ‘Our Lord is Allah!’ and then remain upright, adhering to the affirmation of Allah’s divine Oneness and to whatever else has been enjoined on them, how the Angels deal with them at the moment of their death?

The Angels descend upon them when their souls are taken away saying to them:

  • Do not fear death and what will come after it?
  • Do not grieve about what you have left behind (any family or children that you have left behind) for we will look after them after you, and
  • Rejoice in the good tidings of the paradise which you were promised in the life of the world..
  • We are your protecting friends in the life of this world, that is, we will look after you in it, and in the Hereafter, in other words, we will be alongside you thereat until you enter Paradise; and therein you will have whatever your souls desire, and therein you will have whatever you request,
  • This is a gift of welcome and hospitality from Allah, the Forgiving (He forgives those who repent) and the Merciful (towards those who die repentant).

 

To sum up, every man will see the Angels when he dies.

But how they look like? Are they beautiful or ugly?

Read the next article.

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The verse 8:50-51 in different translations:

QARIB:

50-If you could see the Angels when they carry off the souls of the unbelievers, beating their faces and their backs, saying: ‘taste the punishment of burning!

51-That is for what your hands have forwarded, Allah is not unjust to his worshipers. ‘

SHAKIR:

50-And had you seen when the Angels will cause to die those who disbelieve, smiting their faces and their backs, and (saying): taste the punishment of burning

51-This is for what your own hands have sent on before, and because Allah is not in the least unjust to the servants;

51-This is for that which your own hands have sent before (to the judgment), and (know) that Allah is not a tyrant to his slaves.

PICKTHAL:

50-If thou couldst see how the Angels receive those who disbelieve, smiting faces and their backs and (saying): taste the punishment of burning!

YUSUFALI:

50-If thou couldst see, when the Angels take the souls of the unbelievers (at death), (how) they smite their faces and their backs, (saying): “taste the penalty of the blazing fire-

51-“Because of (the deeds) which your (own) hands sent forth; for Allah is never unjust to his servants:

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The verse 41:30-32 in different translations:

QARIB:

30-The Angels will descend on those who said: ‘Allah is our lord, ‘ and have then gone straight, (saying 🙂 ‘Be neither fearful, nor sad; rejoice in the paradise you have been promised.

31-We are your guides in this world and in the everlasting life. there, you shall have all that your souls desire, and all that you ask for

32-As hospitality from one, the forgiving, the most merciful. ‘

SHAKIR:

30-As for) those who say: our lord is Allah, then continue in the right way, the Angels descend upon them, saying: fear not, nor be grieved, and receive good news of the garden which you were promised

31-We are your guardians in this world’s life and in the hereafter, and you shall have therein what your souls desire and you shall have therein what you ask for:

32-A provision from the forgiving, the merciful

PICKTHAL:

30-Lo! Those who say: our lord is Allah, and afterward are upright, the Angels descend upon them, saying: fear not nor grieve, but hear good tidings of the paradise which ye are promised.

31-We are your protecting friends in the life of the world and in the hereafter. there ye will have (all) that your souls desire, and there ye will have (all) for which ye pray.

32-A gift of welcome from one forgiving, merciful.

YUSUFALI:

30-In the case of those who say, “Our lord is Allah”, and, further, stand straight and steadfast, the Angels descend on them (from time to time): “fear ye not!” (They suggest), “nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings of the garden (of bliss), the which ye were promised!

31-“We are your protectors in this life and in the hereafter: therein shall ye have all that your souls shall desire; therein shall ye have all that ye ask for!-

32-“A hospitable gift from one oft-forgiving, most merciful!”