Chapter X: Remembrance of Death
(2) The second cause is that the real nature of things is disclosed to him after death which was kept hidden from him in his life time as what is not disclosed to a sleeping man is disclosed to one who is awake. Men are in sleep now and they rise up after death from sleep. Then the destroying thing sin and the benefiting thing virtue appear before him. Those are recorded in the Book of deeds which are kept secret in his soul. His engagement in world pursuits kept him away from its enquiry. When this engagement is cut off by death, all his deeds are disclosed to him. Acutely grieved at his sins, he even prefers to throw himself into fire. He may be said at this stage : Your soul is sufficient for account of yourself. That becomes vivid at the time of separation of soul and before burial. The pang of separation keeps him busy at that time but what he has acquired of virtues necessary to take him to the desired abode gives him happiness at that time. Such a man does not want but what is actually necessary for him in this world. Thus he relieves himself from the pangs of separation before his death. After he is buried, his body is returned to his soul, so that he may get the taste of punishment and happiness. Some time he is forgiven of his sins.
MEANING OF LIFE: In order to understand life, soul and its attributes must be known. The Prophet did not give permission to discuss about soul except this that the soul comes from the command of God. Permission has however been given for discussion how the human soul will face after death. From this it is known that death does not mean that soul will die with body. There are proofs that it will not die. Gods says : Don't consider
41 2 DEATH AND SUBSEQUENT EVENTS Vol-IV
those who are killed in God's way as dead, rather they are alive nea r their Lord and are given provision.
When some leaders of the Quraish were killed at Badar, the Prophet addressed them thus. O so and so, O so and so, I have found true what my Lord promised me. Have you found true what your Lord promised you? He was said : O Prophet of Cod, do you address the dead persons? He said : By Him who holds my life, they are surely hearing these words, but they cannot reply. This is the proof of Shariat about the immortality of soul.
The Prophet said: Grave is a hole of Hell or a garden of Paradise. This is the proof of Shariat that death means change of condition and entry of the dead man to fortune or misfortune. At the time of death, it comes suddenly without delay, but there are some punishments which come late.