The Final Return | Part 9

Scientific prediction supports Resurrection Believing in the final resurrection is a part of the Islamic ‘Aqîda’ (creed). There can be no doubt about its reality. It is the prerequisite for Judgment before the Supreme Authority. Judgment is the materialization of accountability of all earthly actions—an article of faith that is in complete conformity with a rational mind. Modern science also supports the coming of the Day of Resurrection as described in the Quran and Hadith: at present, the force of outward expansion of the universe (generated by the Big Bang) is intricately balanced and regulated by the inward gravitational force, exerted through the space-fabric of interstellar materials allowing controlled expansion. Scientists believe that the force of expansion will gradually slow down and eventually the gravitational pull will supersede the expansion force. As a result, the stellar materials will recede towards the point of origin, which is likely to bring the celestial bodies closer together: the sun and the moon will be brought closer, and because of a decrease in earth’s gravitational force and increase in extra-terrestrial force, the contents of the earth will be spilled out. This reversion process has been mentioned in the Holy Qur’an in many verses:

So, when the sight shall be dazed, and the moon will be eclipsed, and the sun and the moon will be joined…  [Sûrah Al-Qiyâmah,  75: 7-9]

The Holy Prophet^SAW said:

“The sun and the moon will be folded up (or joined together, in reversion) on the Day of Resurrection.”  (Saḥîḥ Al-Bukhari 3200)

As the universe reverts back towards the primal creation, we also will return to Allah^SWT.  Our return is depicted in every day of our life: every step, every minute marches towards that goal.  At the end of this probationary life, we meet our earthly death.  We pass through this one-way gate and we leave behind this material world and enter the spiritual world.  The Barzakh or Interregnum is the first station beyond the termination of earthly life on our way to Eternal life. In the Barzakh one may enjoy the bliss of faith or suffer the consequence of disbelief as determined by the answers given to the interrogating angels. Once the Hour is initiated, the Trumpet will be blown and the remaining life on earth and in the heavens will die and enter the interim period of Barzakh. In the meantime, the present universe will be changed to a new world shining with the Light of the Lord Almighty. With the blowing of the Trumpet the second time, everyone will come out alive from his/her grave and find themselves in the new world.  In confusion, and in amazement they will look around and anxiously wait for their unknown eventuality. The Court of Justice will be set up and the Accounting will begin.  The defendant will be escorted to the Defendant Box and will be accompanied by his guardian angels carrying his Book of Deeds:

And every person will be brought forth with an angel to drive him [to the Plain of Assembly] and an angel to bear witness… [Sûrah Qaf, 50:21]

The Prophets and the witnesses (the angels and Shaitan) will be brought forth before the Supreme Judge,  Allah^SWT. The Book of Deeds will be laid opened, and the defendant will be allowed to read it.  The Prophets and the angels will testify to the truth in the individual’s Book.  Each action would be further verified by the particular body part that performed the action. The information will conform to the knowledge of the individual himself:

This Day, we shall seal up their mouths and their hands will speak to Us, and their legs will bear witness to what they used to earn. [Sûrah Yâ Sîn, 36:65]

This Day, Shaitan will not take any responsibility for the deeds of those who followed his suggestions; he will say that he only incited, but did not force anyone to listen to him:

And Shaitan (Satan) will say —when the matter has been decided: Verily, Allah promised a promise of truth.  And I too promised you, but I betrayed you.  I had no authority over you except that I called you, and you responded to me.  So blame me not but blame yourselves…  [Sûrah Ibrâhîm, 14:22]

Allah^SWT will address any dispute or disagreement.  It is straightforward for Him because He knows exactly what has happened.  Once all accounts are settled, the deeds will be measured, nothing will be missed.  One’s Verdict will be passed based on the ‘weight’ of the deeds on the scale:

Then as for him whose balance (of good deeds) will be heavy, he will live a pleasant life (in Paradise), but as for him whose balance (of good) deeds will be light, he will have his home in Hâwiyah (“the Pit”, i. e. Hell).  [Sûrah Al-Qâriyah, 101:6-9]

Depending on the Verdict for each individual, mankind will be divided into two groups: the group of Believers and the group of Disbelievers.  Then they will be handed over to the angels who will escort Believers to the gate of Paradise and the Non-Believers to the gate of Hell. The gatekeeper angels will open the gate and allow them to enter their respective destinations, where they will enter into their Eternal lives. Thus, the Final Return will be completed. Those who have chosen to trust the Prophets of Allah and follow divine Guidance with a sincere intent will be rewarded in measure with the best that they have done; those who reject divine Guidance and substitute for it their own preferred way in life, will reap the results of their repudiation of their Creator and their disobedience to Him. Although each will be brought to the Supreme Court for the Final Accounting, those who hope to receive a welcome call are advised to follow the Prescribed Guidelines in this life.  Those are the ones whom Allah^swt will choose, guide, and allow to enter Paradise:

Allah calls to the Home of Peace (i. e. Paradise) and guides those whom He wills to the Straight Path. [Sûrah Yûnus, 10:25]