Page 39 - Perfected Faith

THE BELIEF IN THE HEREAFTER
OF THOSE OF PERFECTED FAITH

"Those who have faith in what has been sent down to
you and what was sent down before you, and are cer-
tain about the hereafter."
(Surat al-Baqara, 4)

The severity of the pain and punishment experienced in hell is in-
comparable to any pain suffered in this world. The torment of fire is
of various kinds. The people of hell constantly scream to be saved
from fire, they are crammed into narrow places; their hands tied to
their necks, they writhe in pain. They are whipped with iron whips.
Their hunger and thirst become unbearable. Their pain never abates.
This dire situation is exacerbated by profound regret, a feeling of des-
peration and hopelessness. They wish to disappear for all eternity but
to no avail. They are addressed as follows:
Roast in it! And bear it patiently or do not bear it patiently. It
makes no difference either way. You are simply being repaid for
what you did. (Surat at-Tur, 16)
People of perfected faith continuously contemplate the torment of
hell depicted in the Qur'an and turn towards Allah. One of perfected
faith always keeps in mind that he can, at any moment, meet the an-
gels of death and thus pass on to the hereafter. His decisions, atti-