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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Holy Quran Text. Translation & Commentary(the Example Commentary in Brief)(volume Four) The Unacceptable Request VERSE NO.99ِ100 Following the argument about the obstinacy of the unbelievers in their false and evil way of life; now mention is made of their destination and their state, when they encounter with the affliction of death.

Clinging to false motives and to their worldly affair, and following their caprices and vain desires, which is supported by rejecting faith and denying truth, will keep them busy; until once and of a sudden they face the reality of death! Then the veil is removed and their eyes will become keen and they feel the approach of serious danger. Here is when they anxiously will say; My Lord!

Please send me back and give me another chance to make up for my past religious omissions and shortcomings, but then it is late....too late:ِ ``Not so!

It is only a word that they say it.'' Their request is no more than an empty word of excuse, and even if God would agree with their request, they would again continue the evil way that they went in the past:ِ ``Now before them is the INTERMEDIATE WORLD (BARZAKH) up to the day that they shall be raised up for the Final Judgement.'' [ 312 ] WHAT IS THE INTERMEDIATE WORLD (BARZAKH)?

Barzakh which means a partition or barrier is the name of the place or the state in which people will continue living after death and before the Resurrection Day. There, the soul has to stand on its own foot and merits, and rarely anything may come to him from the material world that he has left behind. In many verses of Qura"n, reference is made to the wonderful world of BARZAKH, which is the dwelling place of Man's soul, after his death and up to the Day of Doom.

Instances of such verses that may prove this amazing world of deads, is in S 3:169ِ171 which are as follows:ِ ``And count not those who were slain in Allah's way as deads. They are alive; living with their Lord, and are provided with sustenance.... Rejoicing for what Allah Has bestowed on them of His Grace, and are joyful in those behind them, who have not yet joined them, that they are neither to fear nor to grieve.

Rejoicing in Allah's bounty and grace, that Allah will not waste the reward of the believers.'' Not only the believers of high grade and dignity are alive after death; the worst of the disbelievers too, according to the S 40:46 are alive.