Page 105 - The Truth of the Life of This World

Destruction often followed when these warnings evoked no response
in the communities and when their perversity increased. All these com-
munities were punished by the wrath of Allah. They disappeared from the

pages of history and were replaced by new generations. These communi-
ties actually received benefit from the favours of Allah, led their lives in
prosperity, indulged in the enjoyment of all sorts of pleasures and, while
doing all these things, never occupied themselves with the remembrance
of Allah. They never reflected on the fact that everything in this world is
doomed to extinction. They savoured the moment and never thought
about death and beyond. To them, anything and everything to do with
worldly life seemed eternal. Yet, the real eternal life lies beyond death.
They had no gain whatsoever from this perception of life; however, histo-
ry provides sufficient evidence of their bitter destruction. Despite the pas-
sage of thousands of years, their memories remain as a warning, remind-
ing current generations of the ends of those who stray from their Creator's
path.

Thamud

Thamud are one of those communities that perished due to insolence
towards divine revelation and overlooking the warnings of Allah. As stat-
ed in the Qur'an, Thamud were known for their prosperity and power and

they were a nation who excelled in art.
And remember how He made you inheritors after 'Ad and gave you habita-
tions in the land: you build for yourselves palaces and castles in (open)
plains, and carve out homes in the mountains; so bring to remembrance the
benefits (you have received) from Allah, and refrain from evil and mischief
on the earth. (Surat al-A'raf: 74)
In another verse, the social environment of Thamud is illustrated as fol-
lows:

Will you be left secure, in (the enjoyment of) all that you have here? Gardens
and springs, and cornfields and date-palms with spathes near breaking (with
the weight of fruit)? And you carve houses out of (rocky) mountains with
great skill. (Surat ash-Shu'ara: 146-149)

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