Islamic Culture and Religious Studies Book - 3

Lesson 2 : Proofs About the Existence of God

Burhan (Proof) is a powerful tool of explanation. It helps to clarify important concepts and removes doubts. So far we have talked about two different kinds of proof about the existence of God.

i)Burhani Nazm (Proof of Systematical Creation) - we have discussed this in the previous books when we looked at the solar system and the water cycle.

ii) Burhani Eliyyat (Proof of Cause and Effect) - which we have talked about in the previous chapter. Let us now compare these two proofs.

1. BURHANI NAZM (Systematic Proof)

This proof is based on the systematic way that the universe is formed. When we observe the world around us, we find that there is an order to the way every component of it works. Each part is related to the other in some way to form a whole.

There is absolute co-ordination between all the areas. From this perfect co-operation within the system, we can deduce that there is one power that possesses all the knowledge required to establish this organised system i.e. Nazm.

Therefore, we can further conclude that the universe is created by an Almighty God, Who has absolute control over it. According to this proof, we can clearly see that Maker of the worlds is one who is All Aware. The result is this uniquely designed system that is governing the whole universe.

2. BURHANI ILIYYAT (Proof of Cause and Effect)

In the previous lesson, we looked at the universe, not as a whole but in its separate parts. We tried to look at the components of world we live in not as fractions of a whole but as existing entities in themselves.

From our discussion, we concluded that nothing is self-existent and every thing requires a cause. All things need what we call Ellat (Cause). We then said that as this world is a collection of existences or Effects, so naturally they must be the result of a Cause.

The proof of Iliyyat is based on this. Since the world itself is a collection of complex existences, there can be no doubt that it needs a very great source for its own existence. That great power is Allah (S.W.T.).

Both Burhani Nazm and Burhani Iliyyat are supposed to clear our minds and awaken our hearts to the realities that surround us. By pondering upon these proofs, we strengthen our own Imaan in the Almighty God.

It is in the Fitrah (Nature) of human beings to be aware of the existence of the Almighty. Those who seek to further intensify their faith rise to the heights of Yaqeen (Certainty) about Him. The issue then becomes so clear in their eyes, that they no longer require any proof about the existence of God.

In all difficulties, they seek refuge in Him, knowing that their very existence depends upon Him. They never lose hope or experience fear because they know every other creation, however powerful it may seem, needs Allah (S.W.T.) to be and is under His Command and Iraadah (Will). Such people do not bow down in front of anyone except the Almighty. They do not accept the superiority or wilaaya of anyone but those from God.

A Holy Verse "Your Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, Who brought them into existence." Sura Ambiya, Verse 56

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT…

Burhani Nazm states that the world is a systematic creation working in perfect harmony. The source of such a system should be a supreme, powerful, knowledgeable and mighty God.
Burhan Illiyat defines the fact that everything has a cause and an effect. This universe is an effect and every effect needs a cause therefore the cause must be a magnificent, absolute entity i.e. the Almighty (S.W.T.)
Those who are truly aware of the Creator are so certain in their faith that they do not need proof of His existence.

Think And Answer

What does proof mean? When is it used? So far how many proofs do you have on the existence of God? Explain the proof of designed system in your own words. Explain the proof of cause and effect in your own words.

Why do we need to prove the existence of God? Does the human being with a pure nature need any proof about God? Explain your answer.

Introduction to Chapter Two

In The Name Of Allah (S.W.T.), the Beneficent, the Merciful

MA'AD The Life in the Hereafter

In our previous discussions, we have tried to study the reason for the creation of human beings. We have seen that nothing in this world was created without an aim and we also discussed a little about the Day of Judgment. Let us now look deeper into the philosophy of Ma'ad.

The Day of Judgment is a day of Accountability. During the course of this chapter, we will learn about Paradise and Hell. When we study what we know of Jannah (Heavens) we can appreciate the marvels and favors of Allah (S.W.T.) upon His obedient servants. We can also learn of the plight of the dwellers of Hell who will receive Allah (S.W.T.)'s severe punishment. We know that all this results from the deeds we perform in this world. The choice of eternal bliss or eternal punishment is ours.

The aim of studying these important issues is to create an internal awareness, a sort of alarm bell in our minds that will encourage us to think of the results of our present actions and help us to stay on the Right Path.

Lesson 3: Qiyamah (A Day Of Judgement and Accountability)

Let us reflect on the verses of Sura Naba (The Great Event) from the Holy Qur'an: In the Name of Allah, the Most Kind, the Merciful

Of what do they ask one another?
About the great event
About which they differ?
Nay! Nay! They shall soon know;
Nay! Nay! They shall soon know;
Have We not made the earth an even expanse?
And the mountains as projections (thereof)?
And We created you in pairs,
And We made your sleep to be rest (for you)
And We made the night to be a covering
And We made the day for seeking livelihood
And We built over you seven strong (heavens)
And We made a shining lamp
And We send down from the clouds water pouring forth abundantly,
That We may bring forth thereby corn and herbs,
And gardens dense and luxurious

These beginning verses of Sura Naba (The Great Event) speak of the wonderful creations of Allah (S.W.T.) i.e. the heavens, earth, universe, the rise of day and fall of the night, rain, water, plants, trees etc. From these descriptions, we are reminded of His favours on us. We also realize how grateful we must be to Him. The surah then continues on a different subject:

Surely the Day of Decision is (a day) appointed: The day on which the trumpet shall be blown so you shall come forth in hosts,

And the heaven shall be opened so that it shall be all opening, And the mountains shall be moved off so that they shall remain a mere semblance (of what they were).

Allah (S.W.T.) has given great emphasis on the appointed Day of Judgment. He keeps reminding us that He created human beings with an aim and that we will one day have to answer for our success in pursuing and achieving this goal. The final verses of the surah deal with Jannah and Jahannam:

Surely hell lies in wait, A home for the rebellious, They will live therein for ages They shall not taste therein coolness nor drink But boiling and intensely cold water, Requital corresponding (to their evil deeds). Surely they feared not the account, And called Our communications a lie, giving the lie (to the truth) And We have recorded everything in a book, So taste (that which you have earned)! For We will not add to you aught but chastisement, Surely for those who guard (against evil) is achievement, Gardens and vineyards, And those showing freshness of youth, equals in age, And a pure cup, They shall not hear therein any vain words nor lying. A reward from your Lord, a gift according to a reckoning: Lord of the heavens and the earth and what is between them, the Beneficent God, with Whom none can converse. On the day when the spirit and the angels shall stand in ranks; they shall not speak except he whom the Beneficent permits and who speaks the right thing. That is the sure day; so whoever desires may take refuge with his lord. Surely We have warned you of a chastisement near at hand, the day when man shall see what his two hands have sent before him and the unbeliever shall say: 'O! Would that I were dust!' We know for a fact that those who have obeyed the commands of Allah (S.W.T.) and performed good actions will witness a happy ending in the hereafter. Those who have strayed from the right path and have disobeyed the Islamic commands will indeed face a miserable ending. The doers of good and evil will be separated from each other and each group will be given the recompense they justly deserve.

A human being has to understand and analyze his purpose of life. This will increase the value of the blessing that is life and will inspire him to make the most of it in perfecting himself. Volumes of traditions, sayings and comments have discussed the reality of the Day of Judgment and the Ma'soomeen (a.s.) have warned mankind of the severity of disbelief and choosing the path of damnation.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) has said:

" Four things will be questioned on the Day of Judgment:

1.How a person spent his life 2.How he utilised his physical body for the sake of Allah (S.W.T.) and Islam.

3.In what manner a person attained his wealth and how he used it.

4.Love of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) and his pure family (household)."

In another hadith, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) says: " Whosoever hurts another human being, even if it were with a physical stick, will be beaten in the same manner, on the Day of Judgment." He has also said:

" I swear by Allah (S.W.T.), punishment in the hereafter is more severer than the calamities of this world."

The Day of Qiyamah will truly be a trying time. All people will rise up and stand in front of the Almighty for the accountability of their deeds. A man will complain about issues concerning his personal life e.g. concerning his wife and if she tries to deny the truth, the angels will seal her mouth, so that she cannot speak and instead her limbs will bear witness to her actions.

Likewise, if a wife complains on that day, lamenting to the Lord: "My husband used to burn the house with his rage" then the body parts of the man will bear witness against him if her claim is true.

It will be a day of ultimate Justice and all will be faced with their actions in this world. Those who usurped the rights of the others and oppressors will have to face a similar fate as that which they inflicted upon the innocent.

Our Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) is a Mercy to the Universe and he does not wish for any single soul to be punished in the hereafter. Yet, he has reminded us over and over again of the reality that we will have to face. In one of his hadith, he says: "God! Show mercy upon the people who have usurped the rights of others before they depart from this world. May they fulfill the dues they have taken from the oppressed and seek forgiveness for their actions. For on the Day of Judgment, there will be no money debts, only actions will speak (either good or bad) and accompany human beings.

"If a person does not have any good actions, he will indeed face bitter consequences and will be answerable on that great Day. It will be the Day that will advocate true Justice, none will be able to speak against the Justice. Only Truth shall prevail. For the true believers there is no choice except to attain taqwa." Our Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) then warned Believers to give utmost importance to:

(a) Salaat (Prayers) (b) Akhlaq (Moral Excellence)

Although we know that each individual is accountable for his actions, we must realise that our perception is flawed and refrain from judging others. Our vigilance should concern only our own actions and not that of others. For them Allah (S.W.T.) is Judge as He is for us. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) told us: "Account yourselves before you account others."

A Holy Verse "O Dawood! Surely We have made you a ruler in the land; so judge between men with justice and do not follow desire, lest it should lead you astray from the path of Allah; those who go astray from the path of Allah, they shall surely have a severe punishment because they forgot the Day of Reckoning." Sura Su'ad, Verse 26

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT…

A human being has been created with a purpose in life. He has been created for a holy aim and through this aim he will be able to achieve salvation in both this and the next world.
Qiyamat is a Day of Accountability for all actions. Human beings will be judged according to their deeds. The pious will enjoy Jannah (Garden of Bliss). Sadly, a Kafir (disbeliever) will not even smell the scent of paradise but will be banished to never ending punishment in Jahannam.
People will complain about each other on the Day of Judgment. However, the accused will not be allowed to speak and instead the parts of his body will be witness to his actions. No one will bear the burden of another and no soul shall be able to deceive or cover his misdeeds
Allah (S.W.T.) will bestow the rights of the oppressed on them and allow them to avenge their oppressors of this world.

Think And Answer

Define the Day of Separation?

Why is Qiyamat known as the Day of Accountability?

List four issues that will be raised on that day?

What is our duty, according to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.)'s saying, concerning the rights of people?

Why is this day known as Yawmul Hisaab?

name with your reasons. Give the meaning of the What are the actions that can be taken in preparation for the hereafter? Mention and explain