However, the Hereafter comprises of two separate sections (Paradise and Hell).

However, the Hereafter comprises of two separate sections (Paradise and Hell). In one section, there is no sign of punishment, suffering, panic or sadness; while in the other, there is nothing but fire, pain, regret and sadness. All the joys and sufferings are obviously of this world’s nature.

Similar comparisons have also been made in the Holy Qur’an, and the priority of the blessings of the other world, and living close to God has been emphasised over this world’s blessings (Āl-‘Imrān 15, al-Nisā’:77, al An’ām:32, al-A’rāf:32, Yūsuf:109, al-Nahl:30, al-Kahf 46). Similarly, it has been maintained in the Holy Qur’an that punishment in the Hereafter is much harder than suffering and hardship in this world (al-Ra’d:34, Tāha:127, al-Sajjdah:21, al-Zumar:36, al-Qalam:33).

The nobility of the Hereafter Another vital difference between this world and the Hereafter is that life in this world is an introduction to the other world and is a means for reaching eternal prosperity; life in the other world is the main objective. Even though, the life of man with all its material and spiritual blessing is merely a means to test man and cannot be considered as the aim of this life.

The real value of what man attains in this life can only truly be seen in the Hereafter (al-Qasas:77). Therefore, one who ignores the other world and focuses on the bounties of this world and selects the worldly pleasures as his ultimate objective has not recognised the real value of this world. He has, nevertheless, considered some imaginary value for it and has mistakenly chosen the means instead of the goal.

This will be nothing more than ‘entertainment’ and ‘deception’; and this is why the Holy Qur’an refers to worldly life as ‘play’ and ‘entertainment’ and a means of ‘deception’ (Āl-‘Imrān:185, al-‘Ankabūt:64, Muhammad:36, al-Hadīd:20); whereas, the Hereafter is claimed to be the true life (al-‘Ankabūt:64, al-Fajr:24).

However it is the intention behind and way by which the blessings of this life are used that will be judged, as the true believer can take advantage of worldly blessings in order to aim towards eternal bliss. Due to the privileges of the Hereafter and the blessings bestowed upon man by choosing a life close to God over worldly desires, it would certainly seem unwise to choose the path of this life over that of the next (al-A’lā:16, al-Fajr:24).

Choosing the wrong path would result only in regret and remorse.