ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Theological Instructions LESSON FORTY-ONE: THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING DAY OF JUDGEMENT Introduction In the beginning of this book we have already discussed the importance of investigation into religion and have charted out the fundamentals of belief (tawhīd, nubuwwah, and ma’ād). We have also explained that in order for a person’s life to be truly human, it must correctly resolve these issues.

Theology, Prophethood and Imāmah have all so far been discussed. Now the important issue of Resurrection will be covered under the title of ‘Understanding the Day of Judgement’. Firstly, we will discuss the importance and the effects of this fundamental belief upon the actions of individuals and upon human society.

We will explain the correct understanding of Resurrection (ma’ād), which is dependent upon accepting the spirit as being immaterial and eternal in the same manner as ontology necessitates acceptance of the Oneness of Being. In the like manner knowing the nature of the human being is also incomplete without the belief of the spirit being eternal. Finally the issues of Resurrection will be appropriately investigated in this section of the book.

The significance of believing in the Resurrection The incentive for activity in man’s life is to fulfil his needs and necessities, accomplish different desires, and eventually arrive at pure felicity (sa’ādah) and ultimate perfection (kamāl). The limited work that he does is based upon that goal he is trying to achieve in life. Therefore knowing the ultimate goal has a major influence in giving direction to human activity and preferences.

In reality it is the true factor that gives direction and vision to man to realize his own reality towards perfection and felicity. Those who believe that they are only a composite of matter and accept that life is limited to only the material plane, do not give importance to the acquisition of fruits of perfection and felicity in this life, and they consequently direct their life in a way, which will reap benefit in this world alone.

However those who believe that their reality is more than just a material phenomenon and believe that death is not the end of life but rather a means of transformation for arriving at eternal felicity and perfection due their action, direct their lives in an entirely different direction. Their aim is to acquire the most out of this life, through their actions for their eternal life.