Page 229 - Matter: The Other Name for Illusion

Here are two rival groups who disputed concerning their Lord. Those
who disbelieve will have garments of fire cut out for them, and boiling
water poured over their heads, which will melt the contents of their
bellies as well as their skin, and they will be beaten with cudgels made
of iron. Every time they want to come out of it, because of their

suffering, they will be driven back into it: "Taste the punishment of the
Burning!" (Surat al-Hajj: 19-22)

However, they will never be able to come to any conclusion from these
debates. The unbelievers who argued over the truth in this world, and thus
ignored it, will continue arguing in the pains of hell, in great sorrow, which will
never cease-unless God wills.
The continuation of this debate among the companions of hell is a sign
that not even when they see the fires of hell will those who do not believe come
to understand the truth of what they are talking about. They will continue to
deny, even among the torments of hell:

Those in the Fire will say to the custodians of Hell, "Call on your Lord
to make the punishment less for us for just one day." They will ask,

"Did your Messengers not bring you the Clear Signs?" They will
answer, "Yes." They will say, "Then you call!" But the calling of the
disbelievers only goes astray. (Surah Ghafir: 49-50)

The bad manners and attitude of these people, who will continue to refuse
to call on to their Lord even in the fires of hell and to be swollen with pride, are
clear for all to see. No matter how many examples are given them, no matter
how much proof, they still will not understand. God reveals how some people
will never believe in another verse:

They have sworn by God with their most earnest oaths that if a Sign
comes to them they will believe in it. Say: "The Signs are in God's
control alone." What will make you realize that even if a Sign did come,
they would still not believe? (Surat al-An'am: 109)

For that reason, we must not be surprised if some people refuse to accept
the truth of what we have been discussing here, no matter how clear and
evident it is. Their stubbornness in the face of the truth is actually a revelation

from God.

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