THE CONCEPT OF RELIGION

THE CONCEPT OF RELIGION burden. You will return to your Lord in the end, and He will declare to you what you have done: He knows well what is in the hearts of men.” (39:7) Clearly, the “return” mentioned in this verse relates to the Hereafter. It indicates that if, during worldly life, you serve with gratitude, Allah will be pleased with you. But if you choose disbelief, you cannot avoid the consequences. Ultimately, all people will return to God, Who is fully aware of even the innermost thoughts, and He will reward everyone accordingly. What, then, is the connection of this “return” and this being “called to account” for one’s deeds with the social organization of this world? The third verse is: “Say, ‘Our Lord will gather us together.’” (34:26) This verse also refers to the gathering in the Hereafter. The entire passage is as follows: “Ask them, ‘Who provides you with sustenance from the heavens and the earth?’ Say, ‘It is God’; either you or we are rightly guided or in manifest error.’ Say to them, ‘You will not be called to account for our sins, and we shall not be called to account for what you do.’ Tell them,