ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Discussion On Imam-e-zaman Longevity in Quran ===================== Now let us proceed to have a Quranic analysis (with regards to longevity). Firstly, let us evaluate the verses. One such verse is .« كلّ نفسٍ ذائقه الموت » “Every soul will taste death.” Of course, none denies this fact. But, the limit (of age) for death has not been defined. We cannot claim at this moment that so and so has died. If asked why?

We answer that because Quran says that every soul will taste death. Another verse declares, .« إنّك ميت و انّهم ميتون » “Surely you will die and they will die.” When this verse was revealed on the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), did he (s.a.w.a.) die instantly? Like the previous verse, this one too does not fix the time of death and hence cannot be used for the above purpose.

As for the third verse that declares, .« و من نعمره نُنكّسه في الخلق » “And whosoever We give long life, We render him miserable in creation”, has stated the matter very explicitly. To elaborate a little, sometimes when we initiate the cause, the effect is bound to follow and it is not possible for us to prevent the effect. For example, any glass that I strike with a stone breaks. But I don’t say that I strike the glass with a stone and I break the glass. Why?

Because striking the glass with a stone and its breaking is one and the same thing. In logic, sometimes the relation between the subject and the predicate is that of a cause and effect. At other times, both are related to one object and neither is the subject of the other. In the former instance, when the relation is of cause and effect, when the cause is brought into existence, the effect occurs automatically. Like we said, when we strike the glass with a stone, the glass breaks automatically.

But the same does not apply to the statement: I will give watermelons to all the guests whom I invite. In other words, it is possible that I invite some guests but don’t offer watermelons to them. It is in my hands whether to give them watermelons or not. Invitation of guests and offering them watermelons are not one and the same thing. Choice lies with the hosts, whether to offer the watermelons to the guests or not.

Similarly, when the Holy Quran declares, “And whosoever We give long life, We render him miserable in creation”, it does not mean that whosoever We give long life, We have to render him abject in creation. No, this verse does not relate this law.