Article appeared Friday, December 29th, 2017 in The News Today, Bangladesh

The Revelation (506) yousuf mahbubul Islam, PhD

Is there a Day of Judgment? Judgment implies that we are accountable for our thoughts and
deeds during the brief sojourn that we are individually alive on earth. We may not realize it;
however, this is one of the most important questions of life that one must solve/answer for
himself or for herself! In how many ways can the question be analyzed to settle on an answer?

First let us assume that there is no way of knowing. If so, we may approach the answer from a
mathematical probability point of view, i.e., it may or may not occur. The probability question
could be how can the risk of the accountability of a Day of Judgment be minimized? Let us
consider the two possible outcomes. Either there is or there is no Day of Judgment. Considering
all the possible eventualities, we have nothing to lose and only to gain eternal benefit if we
assume that there is accountability and live our brief life accordingly. On the other hand, if we
don’t care, or think we know better, we run the risk of eternal punishment after the Day of
Judgment. Blaise Pascal (1623-1662), the French philosopher, mathematician and physicist {1}
presented a similar argument regarding the existence of God.
“Pascal argues that a rational person should live as though God exists and seek to
believe in God. If God does not actually exist, such a person will have only a finite loss
(some pleasures, luxury, etc.), whereas they stand to receive infinite gains (as
represented by eternity in Heaven) and avoid infinite losses (eternity in Hell)” {1}

So, how should a rational person seek to believe in God? Such a person may take the approach
of a researcher. The researcher or scientist may make the hypothesis that God is real; and
subsequently test the hypothesis. The hypothesis would be that He is very real and has created
each of us as a unique individual. If so, has He taken the trouble to create each needlessly or
should there be a purpose? If there is a purpose, what should He do to those who do not fulfill
their purpose?

If the hypothesis is true, would God leave mankind in the dark about their purpose? It is unlikely
that He would do so. Without revealing His purpose could He make us accountable? Religious
Scriptures claim that they contain revelation from God. Would we find the purpose in the
Scriptures? God says in the Bible that human beings are His witnesses,
““You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so
that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was
formed, nor will there be one after me.” [Isaiah 43.10, NIV] {1}

Who is a witness? How can human beings be witnesses and witnesses to what? Just like a
painting is proof of the qualities of the painter and, the performance of a brand car proof of the
qualities of the manufacturer, similarly human beings, qualities of the earth and everything else
in it are proof of the qualities of the Creator. In such a backdrop, human beings can become
witnesses by researching the qualities of God in daily life and sharing such findings with others.
In doing so, humans would have reason not only to believe in God but also testify to Him being
one and only. On the same vein, God asks in another Scripture, the Al-Qur’an,
“It is We Who have created you: why will you not witness the Truth?” [56.57]

It is clear that God has communicated His purpose through revealed Scriptures. We find that the
hypothesis, if God exists, He would be communicating His purpose confirmed. Researchers can
further take revealed Verses as hypothesis and use modern science to prove and verify the
truth. For example, how many things/systems are there on earth and heavens that benefit man?
“And He has subjected to you as from Him all that is in the heavens and on earth:
behold in that are Signs indeed for those who reflect.” [45.13]

Now, there will be those who testify to the truth (thus fulfilling the purpose of their creation) and
those who ignore their purpose. This can be done simply by serving self.
“Then see such a one as takes as his god as his own vain desire?...” [45.23]

Would it be justice for God to make a distinction between those who recognize Him from those
who ignore their purpose practicing arrogance and ingratitude for having been given existence?
How would He separate the two categories? He has set aside a Day of Judgment,
“In order that God may separate the impure from the pure put the impure one on
another heap them together and cast them into hell. They will be the ones who have
lost.” [8.37]

So, what will Day of Judgment be like?

20.108 On that Day will they follow the Caller (straight): no crookedness (can they
show) him: all voices shall humble themselves in the presence of (God) the Most
Gracious: nothing shall you hear but the sound of their feet (as they march).
We will be beckoned to a meeting point to face God, our Creator and the truth.

20.109 “On that Day shall no intercession can take place except for those for
whom permission has been granted by (God) Most Gracious and whose word is
acceptable to Him.”
There will be no one to plead on our behalf – everything would be in the Hands of God.

20.110 “He knows what (appears to His creatures as) before or after or behind
them: but they shall not compass it with their knowledge.”
All deeds hidden or open will be apparent to Him, but we will not know.

20.111 “(All) faces shall be humbled before (Him) the Living, the Self-Subsisting
Eternal: he who has done injustice to Him will fail.”

20.112 “But he who works deeds of righteousness and has faith will have no fear
of harm nor of any curtailment (of what is his due).”
It is righteousness to demonstrate gratitude and carry out activities that establish His Truth.

20.113 “Thus have we sent down an Arabic Qur'an and explained in detail some of
the warnings in order that they may fear Allah or that it may cause their
remembrance (of Him).”
The purpose of Revelation is to warn mankind of this fearful Day.
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Notes:
{1} https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal%27s_Wager
{2} https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+43:10