Page 136 - The Truth of the Life of This World

favours of paradise.
Believers, of whom disbelievers made fun in the world, now lead a full
and happy life, living in glorious locations, magnificent houses with beau-
tiful women, and tasting delicious food and drinks. The sight of the believ-

ers in peace and abundance further reinforces the humiliation of being in
hell. These scenes add more pain and suffering to their grief.
The regret becomes deeper and deeper. Not having followed the com-
mands of Allah in the world makes them feel profound remorse. They turn
to the believers in paradise and try to speak to them. They beg for help
and sympathy from them. Yet, these are vain efforts. The people of par-
adise also see them. Their glorious appearance and life make them feel
more grateful to Allah. The exchange between the peoples of hell and par-
adise is as follows:
(They will be) in gardens (of Delight): they will question each other, and
(ask) of the wrongdoers: "What led you into Hell Fire?"They will say: "We
were not of those who prayed; Nor were we of those who fed the indigent;
But we used to talk vanities with vain talkers; And we used to deny the day
of judgement, until there came to us (the Hour) that is certain."Then will no
intercession of (any) intercessors profit them. (Surat al-Muddaththir: 40-48)

An Important Reminder to Avoid Torment

In this chapter, we talked about two groups of people; those who have
faith in Allah and those who reject His existence. We have also provided a
general picture of hell, and one of paradise, based entirely on Qur'anic
descriptions. Our purpose here is to remind and warn disbelievers that the
Hereafter will be a horrible place for them and theirs will be an awful
doom.
After all that has been said, it is necessary to emphasise that man is, no
doubt, free to make his choice. He can lead his life as he desires. No man
has the right to force others to believe. However, as people who have faith
in the existence of Allah and in His ultimate justice, we bear the responsi-
bility of warning people against such a fearsome day. These people are
surely unaware of the situation they are in and the kind of end awaiting

134 Man's True Abode: Hereafter