Page 56 - Unawareness: A Sly Threat

54 UNAWARENESS: A SLY THREAT

tually disappear, just like a mirage:
But the actions of those who do not believe are like a
mirage in the desert. A thirsty man thinks it is water. But
when he reaches it, he finds it to be nothing at all;
rather, he finds Allah there. He will pay him his account
in full. Allah is swift at reckoning. (Surat an-Nur: 39)
As the above verse makes clear, everything done for the
sake of this world will one day disappear, and individuals will
give an account in His presence only of what they did to gain
His favor. At that moment when they are confronted with His
punishment, they will realize their errors and have a sense of
endless sorrow and helplessness. When their unawareness
finally ends and they realize the whole truth, they will want to
return to this earthly life and live in accordance with His com-
mands and prohibitions. But it will be too late:
They will shout out in it: “Our Lord, take us out! We will
act rightly, differently from the way we used to act!” Did
We not let you live long enough for anyone who was
going to pay heed to do so? And did not the warner
come to you? So taste it! There is no helper for the
wrongdoers. (Surah Fatir: 37)

If only you could see the evildoers hanging their heads
in shame before their Lord: “Our Lord, we have seen and
heard, so send us back again and we will act rightly.
Truly we now have certainty.” (Surat al-Sajda: 12)
Before each person is brought alone into His presence,
he or she should understand and consider just how short and
transitory this present life is. This awareness will cause them