THE HEREAFTER

The Hereafter ~ 71 ~ rock. When it tried to re-enter it, it was unable to do so, even after a mighty struggle. When the Prophet asked what this meant, the Angel told him that this represented a person who, having uttered contentious words and seen their evil consequences, wanted to take back his words but was unable to do so. At another point, people were cutting off pieces of their own flesh and eating them. The Prophet was told that these were the ones who accused and derided their fellow men. Next were individuals whose nails were made of copper. With these they were scratching their own faces and chests. These turned out to be people who sought to expose the faults of others, attacking their honour and dignity. There were some too, with lips like those of camels, consuming fire. The angel told the Prophet that they were the devourers of orphans’ property. Then came people with enlarged stomachs full of writhing snakes. Passersby were trampling on them, but they could not escape, for they were rooted to the spot, unable to move. “These,” said the Angel, “are the usurers.” Further on there were people who had piles of meat placed on both sides of them. On one side was good, fresh