Page 316 - Islam and Far Eastern Religions

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We did not give any human being before you immortality. And if
you die, will they then be immortal? Every self will taste death. We
test you with both good and evil as a trial. And you will be returned
to Us. (Surat al-Anbiya’: 34-35)
People who have sought immortality or to live for a thousand
years are mentioned in the Qur’an. Allah says in one verse:

Rather you will find them the people greediest for life, along with
the idolaters. One of them would love to be allowed to live a thou-
sand years. But being allowed to live would not save him from the
punishment. Allah sees what they do. (Surat al-Baqara: 96)
There is not one human being who has been able to protect him-
self against aging and death, and there is no one who will not die, be-

cause man is not the proprietor of his body and life. The fact that he has
not himself chosen to live is proof for this. Another indicator of this is
the fact that he cannot prevent his death. The Owner of all life is the

Taoists hold the irrational
belief that they can obtain
power and the imaginary en-
ergy of nature with odd
dances performed in their
temples.