Page 76 - The Truth of the Life of This World

It is evident from the verses that people will no longer attach any
importance to women, friends, brothers or sisters on the day of judgement.
In their desperate efforts to be saved, everybody will be willing to pay their

immediate family or relatives as a ransom for their own personal salvation.
Furthermore, these people will curse each other since they never warned
each other against such a terrible end. In the Qur'an, the case of Abu Lahab
who deserved eternal punishment in hell and his wife is recounted:
The power of Abu Lahab will perish, and he will perish. His wealth and gains
will not exempt him. He will be plunged in flaming fire, and his wife, the
wood-carrier, will have upon her neck a halter of palm-fibre. (Surat al-Masad:
1-5)

The type of marriage acceptable in the presence of Allah is, however,
based on totally different criteria. Contrary to the marriages common in an
ignorant society, where people are heedless about earning the good plea-
sure of Allah, the criteria is not money, fame or beauty but a marriage
intended to gain His good pleasure. For believers, the only criterion is
taqwa, in other words, 'the avoidance of all that is prohibited, the fulfil-
ment of all that is commanded, and the fear of Allah. Consequently, a
believer can only marry someone who displays a deep loyalty to Allah.
People find peace and happiness in this marriage. The relevant verse fol-
lows:
And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among your-
selves, that you may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and
mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are Signs for those who reflect.
(Surat ar-Rum: 21)
Taqwa being the sole bond, believers will surely meet a pleasant life in
the Hereafter. As they remind each other righteousness and guide one
another to the paradise all through their lives, they will also remain close
friends for all eternity. Their relations are described as follows:
The believers, men and women, are protectors one of another: they enjoin
what is just, and forbid what is evil: they observe regular prayers, practice
regular charity, and obey Allah and His messenger. On them will Allah pour
His mercy: for Allah is exalted in power, Wise. (Surat at-Tawbah: 71)

74 The Lure of Worldly Goods