Page 116 - The Truth of the Life of This World

Today, vast ruins are humbling evidence of complex civilisations that
once flourished hundreds, even thousand of years ago. Many of the
builders of the great metropolises from different epochs of history are now
nameless. Their wealth, technology or works of art did not save them from
a bitter end. It was not them but succeeding generations who took advan-
tage of their rich heritage. With few clues to guide us, the origins and fates
of these ancient civilisations are mysteries to this day. Yet two things are
evident: they assumed they would never die and they indulged in worldly
pleasures. They left behind great monuments believing that thereby they
would achieve immortality. No less than these ancient civilisations, many
groups of people today also have such a mindset. In expectation of immor-
talising their names, a majority of the members of modern societies devote
themselves entirely to accumulating more wealth or to creating works to
leave behind. Moreover, it is more than likely that they revel in more
extravagance than did earlier generations and remain heedless of Allah's
revelations. There are many lessons to be drawn from the social attitudes
and experiences of ancient communities. None of those early communities
survived. The works of art and monuments they left behind may have
helped them be remembered by succeeding generations but they did not
save them from divine punishment or prevent their corpses from decaying.
Their remains stand there only as a reminder and warning of Allah's wrath
on those who are rebellious and ungrateful for the riches bestowed by
Him.
Undoubtedly the lessons to be drawn from such historical events should
eventually lead to wisdom. Only then can one comprehend that what
befell early societies was not purposeless. One may further realise that only
Almighty Allah has the power to create any disaster at any moment. The
world is a place where man is being tested. Those who submit to Allah
will attain salvation. Those who are satisfied with this world, on the other
hand, will be deprived of a blessed eternity. No doubt, their ends will
match their deeds and they will be judged in accordance with their deeds.
Surely, Allah is the Best of Judges.

114 Past Civilisations