The question of eternity
Al-Risala (English), September 1993, p. 14
By Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Maulana Wahiduddin Khan is named as the default author of the periodical; a piece that carries another writer’s byline is credited to that writer.
The question of eternity
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1993 9 September 14 The question of eternity (226)
God created man as an eternal being. Then, out of his life span, He assigned about one hundred years as the period he would spend in the present world, and the remaining years He reserved for the next world, the one after death. It is, therefore, the supremely wise man who keeps in mind the eternal nature of his existence and who patterns his living accordingly. His life, in short, should be Akhirat-oriented
In the words of a Western writer:
It is a question for us now to consider whether we have any personal relations towards the Supreme Power; whether there exists another world in which we shall be requited according to our actions. Not only is this a grand problem of philosophy; it is of all questions the most practical for us, the one in which our interests are most vitally concerned. This life is short, and its pleasures are poor; when we have obtained what we desire it is nearly time to die. If it can be shown that by living in a certain manner, eternal happiness may be obtained, then clearly no one except a fool or a mad man will refuse to live in such a manner. (The Martyrdom of Man, London, Watts & Co. 1948).
How vital is the question of eternal life, but what utter disregard man shows for it!

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