One should not presume that these discussions would lead...

One should not presume that these discussions would lead towards a complete and essential understanding of the life of the next world. It should be highlighted that mankind has not yet arrived at a complete understanding of some of the realities of this world. Have the scientists figured out the reality of matter and energy? Can they predict the future? Have they realised what the outcome would be to the world if electrons ceased to move? Are such things possible in this present life or not?

Furthermore, do the philosophers manage, with certainty, to solve all intellectual issues regarding this life? Do the issues pertaining to form, genus, and the relation of the spirit and the body require further research? Under these above-mentioned restricted circumstances, how can one resolve the issues of the next life considering we have absolutely no experience at all? Man’s imperfect knowledge does not imply that he should fail to at least try and understand the reality of existence.

It is beyond question that with the bestowal of the intellect, man has the ability to recognise numerous realities, and through the help of the senses one can discover many secrets from the natural realm. Man must endeavour to carry out research and increase his knowledge and perception through philosophical and practical exertion.

Simultaneously he must also have constant awareness of his limitations and guard himself against false interpretations, bearing in mind that: “You have not been given of the knowledge except a littlefew” (al-Isrā:85) It is sufficient for a believer to know that his destiny is from God, even when he cannot precisely foresee the details or understand the accuracy of certain phenomenon due to the deficiency of his knowledge in that realm.

We will now view the extent to which the intellect can perceive the qualities of the next life and how this life differs from the world we are now in. Characteristics of the next life from an intellectual viewpoint Considering the already mentioned arguments for Resurrection, one can deduce that the most important characteristics of the next life are that: The next life must be eternal, as this attribute is placed in the intrinsic nature of man and Divine Wisdom necessitates it.

The order of the next world is synthesized in a special manner. This includes the Divine mercy and bounties bestowed by God for those who have reached the ultimate in their existence and are free from sin and imperfection.