Author: Abu Ayesha
Resurrection After Death (part 35)
Belief in the Hereafter and Its Impact on Human Life
The Most Important Benefits and Positive Effects of Belief in the Hereafter (Continued)
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Purification and Self-Development
Among the most significant effects of belief in the Hereafter is spiritual purification and self-development. A person who has attained certainty regarding the Day of Judgment strives to reform himself, cultivate noble qualities, and acquire the moral virtues upon which true human dignity depends. One who believes in the Hereafter seeks guidance from Divine Revelation in order to improve himself and refine his character.
When individuals engage in the purification of their souls and cleanse themselves of moral vices, society as a whole becomes healthy and upright, for the reform of society depends upon the reform of individuals.
Allah the Exalted says: (وَلَا تَزِرُ وَازِرَةٌ وِزْرَ أُخْرَى وَإِنْ تَدْعُ مُثْقَلَةٌ إِلَى حِمْلِهَا لَا يُحْمَلْ مِنْهُ شَيْءٌ وَلَوْ كَانَ ذَا قُرْبَى إِنَّمَا تُنْذِرُ الَّذِينَ يَخْشَوْنَ رَبَّهُمْ بِالْغَيْبِ وَأَقَامُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَمَنْ تَزَكَّى فَإِنَّمَا يَتَزَكَّى لِنَفْسِهِ وَإِلَى اللَّهِ الْمَصِيرُ) Translation: “No bearer of burdens shall bear the burden of another. If a heavily laden soul calls another to carry some of its load, nothing of it will be carried, even if the latter is a close relative. You can only warn those who fear their Lord unseen and establish prayer. Whoever purifies himself does so only for his own benefit, and to Allah is the final return.” [1]
In the book Uṣul al-Din wa Mabadiʾuhu (The Fundamentals and Principles of Religion), the consequences and effects of belief in resurrection after death are described as follows:
Belief in the Last Day—particularly resurrection after death and the gathering of mankind for judgment—has numerous effects and consequences for both the individual and society, including:
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Belief in the Last Day and hope for its reward motivate a person to obey Allah the Exalted and, out of fear of His punishment and accountability, to refrain from sin and disobedience.
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Belief in the Last Day brings comfort and reassurance during the hardships caused by the loss of worldly blessings and possessions, because the believer looks forward to the rewards and recompense of the Hereafter.
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Belief in the Last Day enables a person to understand his destiny after death and assures him that he will inevitably receive the recompense for his deeds. If he performed righteous deeds, he will receive a good reward; and if he committed evil actions, he will likewise receive their due punishment. He also realizes that he will be held accountable, that justice will be established regarding those whom he wronged, and that the rights of those against whom he committed injustice or transgression will be restored.
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Belief in the Last Day prevents a person from oppressing others and violating their rights. When people truly believe in the Hereafter, they become safe from committing injustice against one another, and the rights of all are preserved.
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Belief in the Last Day teaches a person to view this world as merely one stage of existence rather than the entirety of life. This worldly life will inevitably come to an end, sooner or later. Therefore, the servants of Allah are obligated to prepare themselves for that momentous Day. [2]
It should be understood that belief in resurrection after death and accountability for one’s deeds is among the strongest motivations for strengthening one’s commitment to righteous actions. Through continual practice, these good deeds become second nature to a person. As a result, the soul becomes purified and naturally inclines toward righteousness without coercion or external pressure.
Such an individual does not require constant supervision or the enforcement of penalties to remain upright. Nor does he engage in sinful behavior when alone and beyond the sight of others. Rather, those who sincerely believe in this Day remain conscious that Allah the Exalted is always observing their actions, and they constantly fear Him in every circumstance. [3]
Just as belief in the Hereafter brings countless benefits and immeasurable positive effects, neglecting or denying this fundamental belief carries numerous harms and dangers that can threaten and corrupt society.
In order to avoid these calamities and remain safe from the punishment of Allah the Exalted, it is necessary that we continually remind one another of this important reality and explain to those who deny resurrection after death or reject the Day of Judgment the serious consequences of such denial.
In the next section, we shall discuss some of the most significant harms and negative consequences of denying the Day of Judgment and resurrection after death.
To be continued…
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References:
- Surah Fāṭir, Verse 18 (35):18.
- Al-Suḥaym, Dr. Muḥammad ibn ʿAbdullah ibn Ṣāliḥ, Islam: Its Foundations and Principles, n.d., p. 85.
- Ibn ʿĀshūr al-Tūnisī, Muḥammad al-Ṭahir ibn Muḥammad, Al-Taḥrīr wa al-Tanwīr (Taḥrīr al-Maʿnā al-Sadīd wa Tanwīr al-ʿAql al-Jadīd min Tafsīr al-Kitāb al-Majīd), 1984, Vol. 30, p. 565.
