PILLARS OF IMAN (5): BELIEF IN THE LAST DAY
One of the best ways to maintain and strengthen our imān is through constant contemplation and reflection over the Hereafter.
When we journey through the Quran, we find belief in the Last Day is frequently coupled with belief in Allah S.W.T. The reason for this is that belief in the Last Day is a necessary outcome of belief in Allah and his absolute justice.
مَنْ عَمِلَ صَالِحًا فَلِنَفْسِهِ ۖ وَمَنْ أَسَاءَ فَعَلَيْهَا ۗ وَمَا رَبُّكَ بِظَلَّامٍ لِلْعَبِيدِ
Whoever does righteousness – it is for his [own] soul; and whoever does evil [does so] against it. And your Lord is not ever unjust to [His] servants (Surah Fussilat, 46).
Allah does not approve of injustice; He will not let the wrongdoers go unpunished, nor will He leave the wronged down by not obtaining justice for them, nor will He disappoint the virtuous by not rewarding them for their righteousness. On that day, true and absolute justice will be served.
NAMES
In Arabic, when a concept is given more than one name, it is to show importance to the matter and the various names given to the Last Day in the Qur’an confirm this tradition.
One such names of the Last Day is Yawm Al-Hisāb) which means the Day of Account). On this day everyone from Adam AS until the Last Day will be judged and accounted for according to their conduct and deeds.
In Surah Maryam, Allah S.W.T refers to it as Yawm Al-Hasrah meaning the Day of Remorse. On this Day, the negligent and heedless will regret all that which they neglected in this life.
وَأَنْذِرْهُمْ يَوْمَ الْحَسْرَةِ إِذْ قُضِيَ الْأَمْرُ وَهُمْ فِي غَفْلَةٍ وَهُمْ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ
Warn them [O’ Muhammad] of the Day of Remorse when the matter will be decided, for they are heedless and do not believe (Surah Maryam, 39).
SIGNIFICANCE
Belief in the afterlife gives a context to our current existence. Rejecting it renders all other beliefs meaningless. Those who understand this reality are aware that their ultimate fate after death is based on their conduct in this life.
Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah SAWS said, “Do you know who is bankrupt?” They said, “The one without money or goods is bankrupt.” The Prophet said, “Verily, the bankrupt of my nation are those who come on the Day of Resurrection with prayers, fasting, and charity, but also with insults, slander, consuming wealth, shedding blood, and beating others. The oppressed will each be given from his good deeds. If his good deeds run out before justice is fulfilled, then their sins will be cast upon him and he will be thrown into the Hellfire.” (Sahih Muslim)