Theological Instructions

LESSON FORTY-SIX: THE QUR’ANIC RESPONSE RESSURRECTION TO THE DOUBTHS CONCERNING

The argumentation that the Qur’an establishes for those who deny Resurrection can be outlined in the following manner.

The argument for the return from non-existence

As indicated earlier, the Qur’an has answered those who deny Resurrection in the following way:

“The say, ‘When we have been lost in the dust, shall we indeed be created anew?’ Rather they disbelieve in the encounter with their Lord. Say, ‘You will be taken away by the angel of death, who has been charged with you. Then you will be brought back to your Lord.’” (al-Sajdah:10-11) From this verse we can learn that the reasoning of the infidels is of the argument, which is know in philosophy as ‘the impossibility of the return from non-existence (muhāl). They believe that the human being with its material body which has died and deteriorated returns back to life with its same material body. This is considered as impossible because the return of something that has been destroyed and become non- existent returns to existence from non-existence, and this is essentially impossible.

The Qur’an’s reply to this argument is that the reality of every individual is dependent upon his spirit and Resurrection means the return of the spirit.

The argument for the material body having the ability of new life

The previous argument was with respect to the essential possibility of Resurrection; this argument is in regard to its external existence. The return of the spirit to the body is not intellectually impossible, but does this material body to which the spirit is returning have the ability to come to life again? As we know that coming into existence requires certain conditions. Furthermore these conditions must be created gradually, as the foetus, which is in the womb of a woman, requires the proper conditions for its nourishment and growth, so that it becomes a human being. How can a body that has decomposed have the ability to regain life?

The answer to this question is that the appeared order of this universe is not the only possible order or sequence, and the cause and conditions that are found in this, based on experience are not limited causes. The evidence for this is that there are exceptional phenomena in this universe, such as the coming to life of certain animals and human beings, which have taken place. Hence this could be the answer taken from the Noble Qur’an for the above argument.

The argument with respect to the strength of a creator

Another of the spurious arguments raised is the establishment of a phenomenon apart from being essentially and outwardly possible, the strength of a creator is also necessary and from where does God obtain such strength so as to raise the dead?

Those who have no knowledge of the infinite strength of God raise this argument. The answer to this is that Divine strength is limitless and God can actualize everything that has the ‘possibility of existence’, as God has created this universe with all its greatness and wonderment.

“Do they not see that Allah, who created the heavens and the earth and [who] was not exhausted by their creation, is able to revive the dead? Yes, indeed he has power over all things.” (al-Ahqāf:33) Moreover the bringing of a creation back to life is not more difficult than that of a new creation, which requires more power and strength as compared to the case of returning to life:

“They say, ‘What, when we have become bones and dust, shall we really be raised in anew creation? Say, ‘Should you be stones or iron, or a creature more fantastic to your minds!’ they will say, ‘Who will bring us back?’ Say, ‘He who originated you the first time.’ They will nod their heads at you and say, ‘When will that be?’ Say, ‘Maybe it is near!’”(al-Isrā’:49-51) And in another of its noble verses:

“It is He who originates the creation, and then He will bring it back -and that is more simple for Him” (al-Rūm:27) The argument with respect to the knowledge of a creator If God wanted to return all the spirits to their respective bodies and give them the reward and punishment for the actions committed, then ‘He’ must have knowledge of the countless bodies. How is it possible for the body after it has decomposed to be recognised and brought back together? How is it possible to record all the different actions of all human being for millions and millions of years?

This doubt is also raised by some of those who do not have enough awareness of God’s infinite knowledge. The answer to this doubt is that Divine Knowledge does not have any limits or bounds and it encompasses all things, and God never forgets anything. The Noble Qur’an quotes Pharaoh addressing the Prophet Moses (as):

“He said, ‘Who is your Lord, Moses?’ He said, ‘Our Lord is He who gave everything its creation and then guided it.’ He said, ‘What about the former generations?’ He said, ‘Their knowledge is with my Lord in a Book. My Lord neither makes any error nor forgets” (Tāha:49-52) In another of its noble verses the Qur’an, says: “Say, ‘he will revive them who produced them the first time, and He has knowledge of all creation” (Yāsīn:79)

Questions

  1. Explain the spurious argument for the ‘impossibility of return from non- existence’!

  2. Give the explanation in regard to the ability of the material body to regain new life!

  3. What is the answer given in regard to the doubt of the strength of the creator?

  4. How can the doubt concerning the limitless knowledge of God be answered?