Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.  (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

 

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

I have two question ....

 

Is there life after death? if yes How and if No then Why?

 

second question.......What is the Meaning of SAQIB?

 

(There may be some grammatical and spelling errors in the above statement. The forum does not change anything from questions, comments and statements received from our readers for circulation in confidentiality.)

 

Answer:

 

Life after death

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is no one (no idol, no person, no grave, no prophet, no imam, no dai, nobody!) worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad(saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

 

Your Question: Is there life after death?

To give a simple and straight forward answer to your question: Yes indeed, Islam guides that there is definitely a life after death.

 

The concept of the Hereafter, whereby one will be given life again after one tastes death in this short and transitory life on earth is one of the most pivotal concepts of the Glorious Quran. This concept and Truth of ‘life after death’ is so pivotal to the guidance of Islam, that Allah and the Messenger (saws) have termed it as one of the six integral points of ‘emaan’ or faith; so much so that if one does not believe with absolute certainty in the concept of ‘life after death’, he would leave the fold of Islam!!!

 

Your Question: if yes, How?

Second only to the belief of ‘Tauheed’ or the ‘Absolute Oneness of Allah Subhanah’, no other belief has been given more weight in the Glorious Quran than the concept of ‘life after death’!! Every single logical question, the ‘whys’, the ‘whats’, the ‘hows’ and the ‘whens’, etc. that may arise for this integral concept of ‘life after death’ has been described by Allah Subhanah in His Glorious Message of Guidance, the Al-Quran.

 

When you say ‘How’, we assume that you wish to clarify and seek further knowledge about ‘how would Allah give life after death?’. This question of ‘how Alah would give life after death’ is so comprehensively answered and addressed by Allah Subhanah in His Glorious Quran, that no further clarifications would be needed! The simplest and most logical argument that Allah Subhanah relates to the people who seek the answers to ‘how’ would Allah give ‘life after death’, is to contemplate and understand that the Creator Who created everything in existence in the heavens is more than Able and Capable to give life to a thing as meager and mere as a ‘human being’!

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 40 Surah Mumin verses 56-57:

56 Those who dispute about the Signs of Allah without any authority bestowed on them, there is nothing in their breasts but (the quest of) greatness which they shall never attain to. Seek refuge then in Allah: it is He Who Hears and Sees (all things).

57 Assuredly the creation of the Heavens and the Earth is a greater (matter) than the creation of men: Yet most men understand not.

 

He is so Mighty, and so Powerful, and so Perfect in every Art of Creation, that all He needs to say when He desires to create or do anything is: ‘BE!’, and the thing comes into existence!

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 3 Surah Ale Imraan verse 47:

47 ….Allah createth what He Wills! When He has Decreed a plan, He but Says to it `BE' and it is!!!

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 16 Surah Nahl verse 40:

40 For to anything which We have Willed We but say the Word "BE", and it is!!!

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 40 Surah Mumin verse 68:

68 It is He Who gives Life and Death; and when He Decides upon an affair He (but) Says to it "BE", and it is!!!

 

And for the ones who still did not believe how Allah could possibly give life again after one has been reduced to dust, or bones, or ash, or something even more insignificant than that; Allah Subhanah simply asks them to think how difficult could it be for the One who created humans in the first place, to create them once again!!

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 50 Surah Qaaf verses 15-21:

15 Were We then weary with the first creation, that they (the unbelievers) should be in confused doubt about a new Creation?

16 It was We who created man and We know what dark suggestions his soul makes to him: for We are nearer to him than (his) jugular vein.

17 Behold two (guardian Angels) appointed to learn (his doings) learn (and note them): one sitting on the right, and one on the left.

18 Not a word does he utter but there is a sentinel by him ready (to note it).

19 And the stupor of death will bring truth (before his eyes): "This was the thing which thou wast trying to escape!"

20 And the Trumpet shall be blown: that will be the Day whereof warning (had been given).

21 And there will come forth every soul: with each will be an (Angel) to drive and an (Angel) to bear witness.

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 36 Surah Yaa Seen verses 77-83:

77 Doth not man see that it is We Who created Him from sperm? Yet behold! He (stands forth) as an open adversary!

78 And he makes comparisons for us and forgets his own (Origin and) Creation: He says "Who can give life to (dry) bones and decomposed ones (at that)?"

79 Say "He will give them life Who created them for the first time! For He is Well-Versed in every kind of Creation!

80 "The same Who produces for you fire out of the green tree, when behold! Ye kindle therewith (your own fires)!

81 "Is not He Who created the heavens and the earth able to create the like thereof?" Yea indeed! For He is the Creator Supreme of Skill and Knowledge (infinite)!

82 Verily when He intends a thing His command is "BE" and it is!

83 So glory to Him in Whose hands is the dominion of all things; and to Him will ye be all brought back.

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 31 Surah Luqman verses 25-30:

25 If thou ask them who it is that created the heavens and the earth they will certainly say "Allah." Say: "Praise be to Allah!" But most of them understand not.

26 To Allah belong all things in heaven and earth: verily Allah is He (that is) Free of all wants, Worthy of all Praise.

27 And if all the trees on earth were pens, and the ocean (were ink) with seven oceans behind it to add to its (supply), yet would not the Words of Allah be exhausted: for Allah is Exalted in Power, Full of Wisdom.

28 And your creation or your resurrection is in no wise but as an individual soul: for Allah is He Who Hears and Sees (all things).

29 Seest thou not that Allah merges Night into Day, and He merges Day into Night; that He has subjected the sun and the moon (to His Law) each running its course for a term appointed: and that Allah is well acquainted with all that ye do?

30 That is because Allah is the (only) Reality, and because whatever else they invoke besides Him is Falsehood; and because Allah He is the Most High, Most Great.

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 17 Surah Israa verses 48-52:

48 See what similes thy strike for thee; but they have gone astray and never can they find a way.

49 They say: "What! When we are reduced to bones and dust should we really be raised up (to be) a new creation?"

50 Say: "(Nay!) Be ye stones or iron

51 Or created matter which in your minds is hardest (to be raised up)--(yet shall ye be raised up)!" Then will they say: "Who will cause us to return?" Say: "He Who created you first!" Then will they wag their heads towards thee and say "When will that be?" Say "Maybe it will be quite soon!

52 "It will be on a Day when He will call you and ye will answer (His call) with (words of) His Praise, and ye will think that ye tarried (on the earth) but a little while!"

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 79 Surah Naaziyaat verses 10-14:

10 They say (now): "What! Shall we indeed be returned to (our) former state?"

11 What! When we shall have become rotten bones?"

12 They say: "It would in that case be a return with loss!"

13 But verily it will be but a Single (Compelling) Cry.

14 When behold, they will be in the (full) awakening (to Judgment).

 

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 37 Surah Saafaat verses 14-21:

14 And when they see a Sign turn it to mockery

15 And say "This is nothing but evident sorcery!

16 "What! When we die and become dust and bones shall we (then) be raised up (again)?

17 And also our fathers of old?"

18 Say thou: "Yea, and ye shall then be humiliated (on account of your evil)."

19 Then it will be a Single (Compelling) Cry; and behold they will begin to see!

20 They will say "Ah! Woe to us! This is the Day of Judgement!"

21 (A voice will say) "This is the Day of Sorting Out whose Truth ye (once) denied!"

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 13 Surah Raad verses 5: If thou dost marvel, strange is their (the unbelievers) saying (as a challenge of the Power and Might of the Lord) : "When we are (actually) dust ,shall we indeed then be in a creation renewed?" They are those who deny their Lord! They are those, round whose necks will be yokes (of servitude): they will be Companions of the Fire who dwell therein (for aye)!

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 56 Surah Waqiah verses 47-74:

47 And they used to say "What! When we die and become dust and bones shall we then indeed be raised up again?

48 (We) and our fathers of old?"

49 Say: "Yea those of old and those of later times

50 All will certainly be gathered together for the meeting appointed for a Day Well-known.

51 Then will ye truly, o ye that go wrong, and treat (Truth) as Falsehood!

52 Ye will surely taste of the Tree of Zaqqum.

53 Then will ye fill your insides therewith

54 And drink Boiling Water on top of it:

55 Indeed ye shall drink like diseased camels raging with thirst!”

Such will be their entertainment on the Day of Requital!

It is We Who have created you: why will ye not witness the Truth?

58 Do ye then see? The (human seed) that ye throw out,

59 Is it ye who create it or are We the Creators?

60 We have decreed Death to be your common lot and We are not to be frustrated

61 From changing your Forms and creating you (again) in (Forms) that ye know not.

62 And ye certainly know already the first form of creation: why then do ye not celebrate His Praises?

63 See ye the seed that ye sow in the ground?

64 Is it ye that cause it to grow, or are We the Cause?

65 Were it Our Will we could crumble it to dry powder, and ye would be left in wonderment

66 (Saying) "We are indeed left with debts (for nothing):

67 Indeed are we shut out (of the fruits of our labor)."

68 See ye the water which ye drink?

69 Do ye bring it Down (in rain) from the Clouds, or do We?

70 Were it Our Will We could make it salty (and unpalatable): then why do ye not give thanks?

71 See ye the Fire which ye kindle?

72 Is it ye who grow the tree which feeds the fire, or do We grow it?

73 We have made it a memorial (of our handiwork) and an article of comfort and convenience for the denizens of deserts.

74 Then celebrate with Praises the name of the Lord, The Supreme:

 

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 75 Surah Qiyaamah verses 3-4:

3 Does man think that We cannot assemble his bones?

4 Nay! We are Able to put together in perfect order (even) the very tips of his fingers!

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 34 Surah Saba verses 7-9:

7 The Unbelievers say (in ridicule): "Shall we point out to you a man that will tell you when ye are all scattered to pieces in disintegration that ye shall (then be raised) in a New Creation?

8 Has he invented a falsehood against Allah or has a spirit (seized) him?" Nay! It is those who believe not in the Hereafter that are in (real) Penalty and in farthest Error.

9 See they not what is before them and behind them of the sky and the earth? If We wished We could cause the earth to swallow them up or cause a piece of the sky to fall upon them. Verily in this is a Sign for every devotee that turns to Allah (in repentance).

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 23 Surah Muminoon verses 78-90:

78 It is He Who has created for you (the faculties of) hearing, sight, feeling, and understanding: little thanks it is ye give!

79 And He has multiplied you through the earth, and to Him shall ye be gathered back.

80 It is He Who gives life and death, and to Him (is due) the alternation of Night and Day: will ye not then understand?

81 On the contrary they say things similar to what the ancients said.

82 They say: "What! When we die and become dust and bones could we really be raised up again?

83 Such things have been promised to us and to our fathers before! They are nothing but tales of the ancients!"

84 Say: "To whom belong the earth and all beings therein? (Say) if ye know!"

85 They will say "To Allah!" Say: "Yet will ye not receive admonition?"

86 Say: "Who is the Lord of the seven heavens and the Lord of the Throne (of Glory) Supreme?"

87 They will say "(They belong) to Allah." Say: "Will ye not then be filled with awe?"

88 Say: "Who is it in whose hands is the governance of all things, Who protects (all) but is not protected (of any)? (Say) if ye know."

89 They will say "(It belongs) to Allah." Say: "Then how are ye deluded?"

90 We have sent them the Truth: but they indeed practice Falsehood!

 

Allah Subhanah related two live examples in the below quoted Aayahs of the Holy Quran, for His believing slaves who sought clarification on ‘how’ exactly Allah Subhanah could create life after its death.

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 2 Surah Baqarah verses 259-260:

259 Or (take) the similitude of one who passed by a hamlet all in ruins to its roofs. He said: "Oh! How shall Allah bring it (ever) to life after (this) its death?" But Allah caused him to die for a hundred years then raised him up (again). He (Allah) said: "How long didst thou tarry (thus)?" He said: "(perhaps) a day or part of a day." He (Allah) said: "Nay, thou hast tarried thus a hundred years; but look at thy food and thy drink; they show no signs of age; and look at thy donkey: and that We may make of thee a Sign unto the people; look further at the bones how We bring them together and clothe them with flesh! When this was shown clearly to him he said: "I know that Allah hath Power over All Things."

260 Behold! Abraham said: "O My Lord! Show me how thou givest life to the dead.” He (Allah) said: "Dost thou not then believe?" He said: "Yea! But to satisfy my own understanding." He (Allah) said: "Take four birds; tame them to turn to thee; put a portion of them on every hill and call to them; they will come to thee (flying) with speed. Then know that Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise."

 

Dear and Beloved Brother in Islam, there are so many Verses in the Quran that relate to the question of ‘how’ Allah would create life after death that if we were to quote all of them, it would indeed become a very lengthy answer! This phenomena of Truth called ‘life after death’ and its proper understanding is so pivotal to the guidance of Islam, that every single aspect regarding its happening has been sufficiently and logically portrayed by the Lord in His Glorious Quran itself!

 

Your Question: second question.......What is the Meaning of SAQIB?

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 86 Surah Tariq verses 1-3:

1 By the Sky, and the Night-Visitant (therein)

2 And what will explain to thee what the Night-Visitant is?

3 (It is) the Star of ‘Thaqib’ (piercing brightness)

 

‘Saqib’ or ‘Thaqib’ is a term and name used by Allah Subhanah in the Quran for something that ‘shines’ or has a ‘piercing brightness’.

 

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

 

Your Brother in Islam,

 

 

Burhan