Classes on Theology Sheikh Jaffer H. Jaffer Masumeen Islamic Centre June 12 th, 2012 Week Seventeen

Ma’ad – Day of Resurrection Last week: Discussed Intellectual deductions regarding the Day of Resurrection Provided details from the Qur’an of Death to Barzakh Provided details from the Qur’an of Day of Resurrection This week: Comparison between this World and the Hereafter Relationship between this World and the Hereafter Role of Faith and Unbelief on One’s Eternal Life Intercession

Ma’ad – Day of Resurrection Comparison between this World and the Hereafter: –The Finite World and the Infinite Hereafter: The Hereafter due to its infinity is of a higher level than this world –“The parable of the life of this world is that of water which We send down from the sky. It mingles with the earth's vegetation from which humans and cattle eat. When the earth puts on its luster and is adorned, and its inhabitants think they have power over it, Our edict comes to it, by night or day, whereat We turn it into a mown field, as if it did not flourish the day before. Thus do We elaborate the signs for a people who reflect.” (Yunus 24) –The Separation of Blessings from Punishment: This world’s pleasure and life is mixed with suffering and hardship –The Hereafter comprises of two separate sections (Paradise and Hell)

Ma’ad – Day of Resurrection Comparison between this World and the Hereafter: –The Hereafter is the True reality: Life in this world is an introduction to the other world and is a means for reaching eternal prosperity –The real value of what one has attained in this life can only be seen in the Hereafter »And this life of the world is nothing but a sport and a play And as for the next abode, that most surely is the life Did they but know (al-‘Ankabūt:64) Also see: al-Fajr:24

Ma’ad – Day of Resurrection The Relationship between This World and the Hereafter –This world is the fertile land of the Hereafter: It will be impossible for a person in the Hereafter to exert efforts to obtain blessings in the same world –“and I do not think that the Hour will ever set in. And even if I am returned to my Lord I will surely find a resort better than this” (al- Kahf:36) This is why this world is compared to a ‘market’, ‘commercial firm’, or as a ‘fertile land’ where ones sows the seeds for the Hereafter’.

Ma’ad – Day of Resurrection The Relationship between This World and the Hereafter: –Worldly benefits will Bring no Prosperity in the Hereafter: Wealth, Children and other Worldly Pleasures will not bring peace and tranquility in the Hereafter –O mankind! Be wary of your Lord and fear the day when a father shall not atone for his child, nor the child shall atone for its father in any wise. Indeed Allah's promise is true. So do not let the life of the world deceive you, nor let the Deceiver deceive you concerning Allah. (Luqmān:33)

Ma’ad – Day of Resurrection The Role of Faith and Unbelief in One’s Eternal Prosperity or Adversity: –Is eternal prosperity caused by faith and good deeds jointly or are they independent? And is the opposite true as well? Privileges of the Believers: –Increase in Reward “Whoever brings virtue shall receive [a reward] better than it” (al-Naml:89). –Forgiveness of Minor sins “If you avoid the major sins that you are forbidden, We will absolve you of your misdeeds, and admit you to a noble abode” (al-Nisā:31).

Ma’ad – Day of Resurrection Intercession: –The greatest and final hope for a believer who has committed sins The Prophet (s) maintains that: “I have saved my intercession for those among my nation who commit major sins.” (Bihār al- Anwār:Vol. 40:378) –The concept of Intercession: It is a gate God Himself has opened for those who have the least merit for receiving His eternal mercy –The conditions of Intercession: Permission from God Intercessor must be aware of servants intentions Intercessor must have knowledge of the deserving

Questions?