The Hereafter

Abstract

What do the most recent scientific discoveries teach about the realities of our existence? What answers do we get for questions like, why we are here? From the beginning of human history, those from among mankind who had not heard the Divine Message or rejected it, have come up with several kinds of explanations to interpret the mysteries of this life, death and the afterlife based on logic, philosophy, empiricism and science. As time passed, the logics and philosophies had become outdated but the science paradigm has shaped a new map of understanding out existence and new discoveries. Materialistically science has brought immeasurable positive developments in micro and macro world to advance the human society. Some of the new scientific theories insofar developed are real challenges to the understanding of Islam. Will there be a time that the Word of Allah () would become an obsolete? In principle facts cannot be cancelled by mere theories, and this is universally established methodology in reaching the truth. The Truth comes from Allah(), the Creator of this life and the Hereafter, and He() says:

I swear by the Day of Resurrection; And I swear by the reproaching soul [to the certainty of resurrection].Does man think that We will not assemble his bones? Yes. [We are] Able [even] to proportion his fingertips. But man desires to continue in sin. He asks, "When is the Day of Resurrection?"(Qur'an, 75:1-6) The Qur'an is the uncreated Speech of the Almighty Allah (). He() has challenged mankind and the jinn for a similitude in many dimensions. He() also promised that the Qur'an will stand by the test of time. He() says:

"Indeed it is We who sent down the Qur'an and indeed, We will be its guardian."(15:09)

This protection by Allah() has several implications and wisdoms. Firstly, the Qur'an is the truth beyond any doubt; the truth about the creation and purpose of this life and the eternity in the Next Life; the truth about resurrection, accountability, rewards and punishments; and the truth about the unseen nature that mankind in no way could reach and that are directly linked to human beings, like recording our deeds, and misguidance by Satan, etc. Secondly, it will respond to any contradicting views, logical explanations, philosophical views or scientific theories that may appear to be dominant. Therefore how accurately various scientific theories like, Model Dependent Realism, Quantum Theory, the M-Theories or the Biocentrism or the theory of everything could teach a way that would cancel the divinely revealed knowledge? Moreover there is a Christian sect believing that in the Afterlife there is a limbo between the Paradise and Hell. However in a statement the Qur'an affirms there are only the Paradise for the good doers and Hell for the evil doers. The correct description of the Afterlife has direct positive impact in this life for mankind to dwell peacefully. The attainment of Paradise is not easy, hence one has to undergo various tests; he as to obey Allah's Command, and this is fulfilled by intention, words and action. Allah() has legislated a way of life, called Shari'ah for the believers. Also disbelievers have their own artificial legislations, wadu'ee qanoonu, or to live on earth. Some of these artificial laws were originally divine, however with the passage of time man has fabricated them. Also it is the Shari'ah which will protect the human society and the earth from various corruption and destructions. The Shari'ah is the only system that would preserve the natural resources justly so that equity will be established, poverty will be eliminated, and the threat of extinction of certain animals and plants would come to an end, thereby maintaining a balanced and preserved planet with sufficient provident for the future generations.