Life After Death

Since time immemorial, humans have wondered whether death terminates our life or if it carries 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 death and there was nothing ahead, some people would feel 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. 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 their quality of life, of reincarnation of souls, a continuous sequence of birth and rebirth 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. Some Jews believed in Heaven and Hell with the notion 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 of six angels blowing the 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,” the Ark of the Covenant is seen, the four Horsemen of the Apocalypse appear (Rev. 6), while the 24 elders declare that the time of judgment has come.

Among today’s Muslims, most believe that their saints, religious leaders, Pirs and Awliyas will intercede on their behalf and escort them to Heaven.

We know that there is no intercession. 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.

Billions are duped into idol worship in this manner. We know Abraham could not intercede for his father. [9:113] Neither the prophet, nor those who believe shall ask forgiveness for the idol worshipers, even if they were their nearest of kin, once they realize that they are destined for Hell. Nor could Noah for his son [11:46] He said, “O Noah, he is not of your family. It is unrighteous to ask Me for something you do not know. I enlighten you, lest you be like the ignorant.” 

The Quran teaches us the concept of the Hereafter in an entirely different style from the mythological divulgence of other beliefs. First, we are elucidated as to why we are here, what our duties and responsibilities are and why answerability is obligatory.

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