Article appeared Friday, May 24th, 2019 in The News Today, Bangladesh

The Revelation (572) yousuf mahbubul Islam, PhD

Living through day-to-day life, do any questions regarding life itself pop up in our heads?
For example, why are we here, and that too, why only temporarily, on earth? Is there a
desire to know how we happen to be alive, how we happen to have intelligence and,
whether there is something after death? These questions take on a greater importance/
significance if we like/love ourselves, if we like being alive, i.e., like having an existence,
and would like to extend life beyond death/or if possible, not die at all.

If finding answers to such questions is important, should we simply conjecture? Or

should we make efforts to find out? Where can answers be found? More appropriately,
who would know the answers? Obviously, the “One” who created us individually in our
mother’s wombs? Since we ourselves cannot create a human being or even an ant, the
One who created us must possess supreme intelligence and power beyond our
imagination. If we call the Supreme Being the Creator, would it be logical for Him to
answer our questions? Obviously, again, He must have a purpose in creating human
beings. Would He also want to let us know His Purpose in creating humans – so that we
can chose to fulfill our purpose? How would He let us know?

There could be a variety of methods through which the answers or messages could be
delivered. The methods, whatever they might be, must involve human languages in
order for humans to understand. One method could be to train a few selected individuals
as “trainers” or deliverers of the answers over the ages. Another method could be to
have the answers written down as texts in books. The delivery methods may also be
matched with the level of understanding of the individuals involved and the technology
available.

One thing to note however would be that the transmitted messages/answers would only
be useful to those who have questions – only those who are reflective and are looking
for answers. Can the answers be meaningful to those who do not have any questions
regarding the life they are enjoying? Can the answers be useful to an individual who has
the fixed perception that, “I have only what I see and there is nothing beyond?” Can the
reality be explained to a person who feels that his/her life has no greater purpose and
will end just like the life of all other animals? And therefore to maximize and derive
benefit from whatever is at hand while it is available?

The Almighty Creator chose apostles/messengers, over the ages, from individuals that
He created to deliver His answers and messages to mankind. The messages are
designed to be helpful and comforting to those looking for answers and a warning to
those who are satisfied with the life of the present and want to derive maximum benefit
while they are alive on earth. Although the Almighty chose individuals of exemplary
character to deliver His Words, their job was primarily to deliver the answers/messages.

How would those, not looking for answers, respond to the apostles? The Almighty chose
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as the last of messengers. The messages/words sent are
documented as the Al-Qur’an – a mighty book that is to be read to find answers and
guidance for living our lives on earth. Those not looking for guidance chose to find fault
with the messenger, rather than considering and reflecting on the Words delivered
through him.
25.7 “And they say, "What sort of an apostle is this who eats food and
walks through the streets (or market places)? Why has not an angel been
sent down to him to give warning with him?”
The implied insult is that an apostle should be like a king, sitting in his palace, with
angels as his assistants. Yet, the Almighty responds to this insult with patience in a
subsequent Verse.
“And the apostles whom We sent before you (O, Muhammad) were all (men)
who ate food and walked through the streets: We have made some of you as a
trial for others: will you have patience? For God is One Who sees (all things).”
[25.20]

The Almighty is asking the apostle also to have patience with those that insult. Also, it is
only by interacting with ordinary people that the apostle could demonstrate his
exemplary character – as a model to follow.

25.8 “Or (why) has not a treasure been presented to him (from heaven) or
why has he (not) a garden for enjoyment (also from which to eat)?" The
wicked say, "You follow none other than a man affected by magic.”
Those that follow the apostle are also insulted.

25.9 “See what kinds of comparisons they make for you! But they have
gone astray and never a way will they be able to find!”
Those who insult the apostle and those who follow him will not be able to find or
understand guidance sent by the Almighty.

25.10 “Blessed is He Who if that were His Will could give you better (things)
than those Gardens beneath which rivers flow; and He could give you
palaces (secure to dwell in).”
Is it really a problem for the Almighty to provide much better places to live in for the
apostle than that implied by the disbelievers in Verse 25.7?

25.11 “Nay they deny the Hour (of the Judgment to come): but We have
prepared a Blazing Fire for such as deny the Hour:”
The “Hour” is the Day of Judgment. The purpose of the temporary stay on earth is to
provide an opportunity to face trial on the Day of Judgment – each individual having to
account for the attitude displayed towards the Almighty, His Apostles and the Guidance
provided through the messages sent via them.

25.12 “When it sees them from a place far off they will hear its fury and its
raging sigh.”
The “Fire” of Hell is not an ordinary fire.
“And if you are in doubt as to what We have revealed from time to time to Our
servant (the apostle) then produce a Surah (chapter) like that (revealed); and call
your witnesses or helpers besides God if your (doubts) are true. But if you cannot
and of a surety you cannot then fear the fire whose fuel is Men and Stones which
is prepared for those who reject Faith.” [2.23 – 2.24]

“Say, “Is that best or the eternal Garden promised to the righteous? For them
that is a reward as well as a goal (of attainment).” For them there will be therein
all that they wish for: they will dwell (there) for ever: a promise to be prayed for
from your Lord.” [25.15 – 25.16]