Al-Baqarah (The Cow)
Surah 2 · Verse 4
and who believe in that which is sent down to you and that which was sent down before you, and are certain about the hereafter (Life after death).
We prepare hard for the examinations conducted by schools or Universities just because we are sure and certain that the results of the examinations will be declared someday or the other. How many students will appear for an examination if the University announces that it will conduct the examination but it will not declare the result? The certainty of getting the degree after being successful at the examination and the fear of failure with its associated frustration and grief force one to work hard for success, sacrificing all pleasures. Our life, according to the Quran, is a ‘TEST’ (Chapter 76: Verse 2) for selecting those who are the best in deeds (Chapter 67: Verse 2) i.e. the inhabitants of paradise and sending the failures to hell, with no chance of a re-examination. Therefore, the intensity of certainty and the fear of accountability and the consequent punishment in the life after death, should he more than the intensity of certainty in the result of any University examination and the fear of failure. The result of this TEST going on throughout our lives will be declared on the day of judgment when the successful candidates will be permanently sent to paradise and the failures to hell.
Many of the Verses of the Quran and our own interaction with the creation provide sufficient reason and proof to believe in the existence of the unseen items of our faith. History provides sufficient proof about the messengers of Allah (SWT). Death proves the existence of angels. It is scientifically reasoned out that the present phase of the Universe will come to an end and a new Universe will be recreated which we call the ‘hereafter’ (Akhirat). The whole Universe and the laws governing its existence can be produced as evidence to prove the existence of the all-Powerful Creator – Allah (SWT). The very first action after belief, is the establishment of formal worship i.e. Salat for the remembrance of Allah (SWT) (Chapter 20: Verse 14) and for keeping away from indecencies and sins (Chapter 29: Verse 45). This is to be followed by spending in the cause of Allah (SWT) from that which He Himself has provided, we are required to spend our surplus money (Chapter 2: Verse 219) on parents, relatives, orphans, the needy and the wayfarer (Chapter 2: Verse 215) with the only aim of seeking the Attention of Allah (SWT) who would repay in full whatever we spend in accordance with His instruction (Chapter 2: Verse 272) Salat is essential for the survival of the self (Nafs) and spending for the right cause is essential for the survival of the community, just like food which is essential for the survival of the body and marriage which is essential for the survival of the human species. The sequence suggested here is:
1. Acquiring of Quranic knowledge
2. Being certain about the truth of this knowledge
3. Fearing Allah (SWT) as He deserves to be feared
4. Belief, in the sense of accepting to be at peace with Him by obeying all His orders and finally
5. Action.
