YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Spirit of Islam, Jan-Feb 2025, p. 47
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.
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED The remedy for ignorance is asking questions. (Prophet Muhammad) The spirit of enquiry is the hallmark of an open society and the above saying of the Prophet aptly illustrates this principle. A culture of curiosity and open-mindedness will foster development in any society by motivating its members to learn enthusiastically and enrich their knowledge. This is because awareness of one’s ignorance is half of knowledge, as it becomes a stepping-stone to seeking and finding answers. A questioning mind is like a flowing river that is replenished with fresh thoughts and ideas and continues on its journey. What is death? Dictionaries often define death as “the permanent cessation of life.” However, religion presents a different perspective. It teaches that death is not the end of life but rather the beginning of a new phase. According to Islam, humans are created as eternal beings. Their life is divided into two parts: the pre-death phase and the post-death phase. The predeath phase is a time of testing, while the post-death phase is a time of reward or punishment. How should a believer view death? A believer should view death as an inevitable transition rather than an end. It is crucial for a believer to recognize that death is a moment of appearing before God, marking the end of the pre-death phase and the beginning of the eternal journey. This perspective encourages believers to prepare adequately for their eventual meeting with their Creator by leading a life that aligns with divine expectations. The Prophet Muhammad said that a believer lives in preparation for death. How does this happen? The awareness of death serves as a profound reminder of the temporary nature of worldly existence. It compels believers to reflect on their actions and live in a manner that leads to success in the Hereafter. The Prophet Muhammad emphasized the importance of remembering

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