Man and the Resurrection

But none will keep it in remembrance except as Allah wills: He is the Lord of Righteousness, and the Lord of Forgiveness. (74: 56)

So, a couple of nights ago, I was somewhat confused by this verse. After spending last night pondering over it and reading some further chapters, I concluded that God is only trying to tell us that His will is greater than man’s will. Sure, man cannot follow the right path without personal will and effort, but he also need’s the assistance of God’s will for the fruition of his efforts. Therfore, because we are weak, we should always ask for His assistance to keep His love and forgiveness in our hearts.

Now, some verses from Surahs Al Qiyamah (The Resurrection) and Al Insan (Man).

I do call to witness the Resurrection Day; And I do call to witness the self-reproaching spirit (75:1-2)

The above verse makes two considerations: 1) That every act has to be accounted for at the Day of Judgement 2) That man’s own spirit has a conscience which would reproach him of sin, if he did not repress that inner voice.

Many sufis believe that there are three stages of development of the human soul 1) Ammarah: which is prone to evil and if not checked will lead to perdition 2) Lawwamah: which feels conscious of evil, and resists it, asks for God’s grace and repentance and tried to amend; it hopes to reach salvation (comparable to conscience in the above verse) 3) Mutmainnah: the highest stae of all, where it acheives full rest and satisfaction.

Nay, man will be evidence against himself (75-14)

The above verse states that on the Day of Resuurection, man’s tongue, head and feet will bear witness to his actions.

Nay, (ye men!) but ye love the fleeting life (75-20)

Man loves haste and things of haste. For that things he pins his faith on transitory things that comes and go, and neglects the things of lasting moment, which come slowly, and whose true value will be realized after death.

At this moment, I’ll just add that according to Islam, the punishment of sin takes place in three ways 1) it may take place in this very life, but this may be deffered to give the sinner respite 2) it may be in agony immediately after death 3) in the final Resurrection

Does man think that he will be left uncontrolled, (without purpose)? Was he not a drop of sperm emitted (in lowly form)? Then did he become a leech-like clot; then did (God) make and fashion (him) in due proportion. And of him He made two sexes, male and female. Has not He, (the same), the power to give life to the dead? (75:36-40)

We showed him the Way: whether he be grateful or ungrateful (rests on his will) (76-3)

And that’s just really beautiful.