Page 94 - The Day of Judgment

92 THE DAY OF JUDGMENT

The reason why some people cannot understand this great Day is
that they trust too much in the guidance of their lower selves and
thoughts, are committed only to their own desires and interests, and
turn away from the truth, thereby blinding their consciences, which
could lift the veils of their ignorance. Allah reveals that people who
seek the world follow their selfish egos and disregard their
consciences. As a result, they have no understanding. This is the
meaning behind the Qur'anic phrase that such people will have
their hearts sealed, which makes it impossible for them to see and
distinguish the truth. But on the Day of Judgment, they will witness
Allah's existence and greatness, as well as the truth of His promise.
If a person believed in the Day of Judgment and its events even
for a moment, or considered the possibility of its truth only for a
second, he or she would feel an indescribable fear. Rejecting the
possibility of the Hereafter's existence from the outset or never
thinking about it causes some people to be misled and to think that
they will enter a state of nothingness after death. As they do not
reflect on the fear of becoming nothingness, they find it easier to
believe this than to believe in the Day of Judgment and the
Hereafter. Such is satan's strategy, for he seeks to prevent people
from contemplating such things and urges them to waste their
worldly lives with desires for unattainable superiority and cravings
for increased wealth. This is one of the main reasons why people
ignore the Hereafter. However, its reality will evoke remorse and
hair-raising fear, for they will be unable to escape this hard Day,
since:
Necks outstretched, eyes transfixed, rushing headlong to the
Summoner. The unbelievers will say: "This is a pitiless day!"
(Surat al-Qamar, 8)