THE TENTH WORD
The Resurrection and the Hereafter
[Note: I use metaphors and parables to ease comprehension and show how rational, proper, consistent, and coherent are the truths of Islam. The inner meanings are contained in the truths concluding them. Each story is like an allusion pointing to these truths. So, in this sense, they are not fictions but, rather, undoubted truths.]
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate.
Look upon the signs and imprints of God’s Mercy, how He revives Earth after its death. He it is Who will revive the dead [in the same way]. He is powerful over all things. (30:50)
If you wish to hear about the Resurrection and the Hereafter in simple language and style, listen to this parable: Two people1 went to a Paradise-like land (this world). They saw all doors opened and shops unlocked, as if the people did not care about protecting their possessions. The first one took whatever he wanted and, following his desire, committed every kind of injustice and indecency. The people did almost nothing to stop him.
His friend asked: “What are you doing? You’ll be punished, and you’ll get me into trouble too! This property is collectively owned, for these people are soldiers or government servants. They’re working as civilians now, and so aren’t interfering so much with you. But the order is strict. The king has installed phones, and his officers are everywhere. Go and seek forgiveness!” The foolish, obstinate man replied: “No, this property belongs to some charity or other and has no owner. Everyone can use it as he or she pleases. Why shouldn’t I use these fine things? I won’t believe unless I see with my own eyes.” He also spoke, as might a philosopher, a lot of sophistry.
A debate ensued. When the obstinate one asked: “Who is the king? I don’t know him,” his friend said: “Every village must have a headman, every needle a manufacturer and craftsperson, and every letter a writer. How could such an extremely well ordered land have no ruler? How could such wealth have no owner, when a train filled with precious and artful gifts arrives hourly, as if coming from the Realm of the Unseen?2 It unloads here and goes on. Every announcement and proclamation, each seal and stamp found on those goods, all coins and flags waving throughout the kingdom—how could they have no owner? It seems you have acquired some training in a foreign culture, for you can read the foreign, but not the Islamic, script. You also refuse to ask those who can read it. Come now, let me read the supreme decree to you.”
The obstinate one retorted: “Even if there is a king, I’m using so little of his wealth that he can’t possibly be hurt by this. What will it diminish in his treasury? I see no prison here, so why should I worry about being punished?” His friend replied: “Be serious! This land is a maneuvering ground, an exhibition of the king’s wonderful royal arts, a temporary hospice. Can’t you see that a caravan arrives daily as another one departs and vanishes? It’s constantly filled and emptied. Soon the land will be changed. Its people will be transported to another, and eternal, land where they will be rewarded or punished for their service.”
That unbeliever stated: “I don’t believe it. How can this land perish and move to another place?” His faithful friend answered: “Let me show you, O obstinate and rebellious one, some of the innumerable proofs that what I’ve told you is true.”
Bediuzzaman Said Nursi
1 God declares in the Qur’an: I shall not allow to go to waste the deed of any one of you, whether male or female. You are one from the other (3:195). It is clear that Islam does not discriminate between men and women in religious responsibility. Each gender shares most of the responsibilities, but each one has certain responsibilities that are particular to it. The Qur’an usually uses the masculine form of address, for this is one of Arabic’s characteristics. In almost every language, the masculine form is used for a group comprising both men and women, like the English word mankind, which includes both men and women. So, brotherhood also includes sisterhood, and, since the believers comprise both male and female believers, the believers are brothers and sisters. However, in order to maintain the original text and avoid repetition, usually we do not mention the feminine forms in translation. (Tr.)
2 The train indicates a year, as each spring is a carload of provisions coming from the Unseen.