The denial of existence beyond this world is specifically addressed in three verses among the Quran’s significant passages. These verses highlight important lessons for introspection and comprehension. They resonate with the themes of rejection and incredulity about resurrection.

The Key Verses

First Verse:

“And they say, ‘There is none but our worldly life, and we will not be resurrected.’” [Quran 6:29]

Second Verse:

“Life is not but our worldly life—we die and live, but we will not be resurrected.” [Quran 23:37]

Third Verse:

“There is not but our worldly life; we die and live, and nothing destroys us except time.” [Quran 45:24]

The denial of existence beyond this world is specifically addressed in three verses among the Quran’s significant passages. These verses highlight important lessons for introspection and comprehension by striking a chord with the themes of rejection and incredulity regarding resurrection.

1. Why does the verse from Surah Al-An‘am (6:29) omit the phrase “We die and live,” which is included in the other two verses?
2. Why does the verse from Surah Al-Jathiyah (45:24) uniquely include the phrase “and nothing destroys us except time,” absent in the verses from Surah Al-An‘am and Surah Al-Mu’minun?

Examining the Verses

1. The Verse from Surah Al-An‘am

The verse from Surah Al-An‘am does not address the cycle of life and death; instead, it concentrates on the categorical rejection of resurrection.

This omission, according to Ibn Az-Zubayr Al-Gharnati, is consistent with the meaning of the verse that comes before it: “If you could but see when they are made to stand before the Fire and will say, ‘Oh, would that we could be returned [to life on earth] and not deny the signs of our Lord and be among the believers.’” [Quran 6:27]

This case emphasizes the rejection of accountability in the hereafter by denying resurrection. The passage effectively addresses their skepticism by concentrating just on this element, negating the need for further explanation.

2. The Verse from Surah Al-Mu’minun

The verse from Surah Al-Mu’minun, on the other hand, uses the words “We die and live,” which reflects a larger story.

Explanation: The earlier verses discuss the worldly preoccupations of the disbelievers and their rejection of Prophets: “And the eminent among his people who disbelieved and denied the meeting of the Hereafter while We had given them luxury in the worldly life said, ‘This is not but a man like yourselves. He eats of that from which you eat and drinks of what you drink.’” [Quran 23:33]

According to the disbelievers’ materialistic worldview, the insertion of “We die and live” highlights the cyclical nature of life and death. This illustrates their focus on earthly existence and their disengagement from the divine purpose of life.

2. The Verse from Surah Al-Mu’minun

The verse from Surah Al-Mu’minun, on the other hand, uses the words “We die and live,” which reflects a larger story.

Explanation: The earlier verses discuss the worldly preoccupations of the disbelievers and their rejection of Prophets: “And the eminent among his people who disbelieved and denied the meeting of the Hereafter while We had given them luxury in the worldly life said, ‘This is not but a man like yourselves. He eats of that from which you eat and drinks of what you drink.’” [Quran 23:33]

According to the disbelievers’ materialistic worldview, the insertion of “We die and live” highlights the cyclical nature of life and death. This illustrates their focus on earthly existence and their disengagement from the divine purpose of life.

3. The Verse from Surah Al-Jathiyah

The peculiar phrase “and nothing destroys us except time” in the Surah Al-Jathiyah verse emphasizes the disbelievers’ rejection of God’s authority over life and death. Explanation: By disputing that Allah’s will governs life and death, this claim further solidifies their denial of resurrection. Rather, they blame the passing of time for existence and its end.

Explanation: By disproving that Allah’s will governs life and death, this claim further solidifies their denial of resurrection. Rather, they blame the passing of time for existence and its end.

This verse also addresses their challenge to the messengers: “Bring [back] our forefathers, if you should be truthful.” [Quran 45:25] Their demand for physical proof of resurrection—through the revival of deceased ancestors—exemplifies their materialistic reasoning and failure to comprehend the divine reality of life after death.

Contextual Differences in the Verses

The way each of these verses ends fits its particular context, which enhances our comprehension of the Quranic discourse.

1. Conclusion of Surah Al-Jathiyah (45:24)

The verse ends with: “And they have of that no knowledge; they are only assuming.”

Explanation: This conclusion underscores the speculative nature of their beliefs about life and death. It reflects their lack of understanding. They also rely on conjecture.

2. Conclusion of Surah Az-Zukhruf (43:20)

In contrast, Surah Az-Zukhruf addresses the disbelievers’ fabrication of falsehoods about divine will: “They have of that no knowledge. They are not but falsifying.” [Quran 43:20]

Explanation: This statement directly confronts their lies. It specifically targets their claim that angels are the daughters of Allah. It also addresses their belief that angel worship was divinely sanctioned.

Al-Khatib Al-Iskafi elaborates that the Quranic conclusions are tailored to the nature of the disbelievers’ claims. In Surah Az-Zukhruf, the accusation of falsehood addresses deliberate fabrications. In Surah Al-Jathiyah, the speculative nature of their beliefs is highlighted.

Quranic Depth and Precision

The apparent repetition in these verses is, in fact, a testament to the Quran’s profound depth and precision. Each verse enhances understanding by providing contextual variations that address different aspects of disbelief. Far from being redundant, these variations serve to:

1. Clarify Core Beliefs: The verses systematically refute the denial of resurrection and emphasize the divine control over life and death.
2. Illuminate Disbelievers’ Errors: The nuanced differences highlight the multifaceted errors in the disbelievers’ reasoning, from materialism to speculative assumptions.
3. Address Varied Contexts: Each verse’s placement and wording are tailored to the surrounding discourse, enriching the overall narrative and message.

Lessons for Reflection

The Quran invites readers to consider the denial of the afterlife. It encourages reflection on the purpose of life and the certainty of resurrection. These verses challenge materialistic and fatalistic worldviews, urging believers to:

1. Acknowledge Divine Sovereignty: Recognize that life and death are governed by Allah’s will. It is not mere chance or the passage of time.
2. Prepare for Accountability: Understand that the worldly life is a test and that actions have consequences in the hereafter.
3. Avoid Speculative Beliefs: Seek knowledge and guidance from the Quran and Sunnah, avoiding conjecture and baseless assumptions.

Conclusion

The verses in the Quran that address the rejection of resurrection make a strong argument for the existence of the hereafter. Examining the subtleties and contextual variations of these verses helps us better understand the Quran’s wisdom and eloquence. These teachings encourage believers to deepen their faith, accept responsibility, and aim for success in this life as well as the next. The Quran’s everlasting teachings continue to light the way for humanity through contemplation and comprehension.

References

1. The Quranic verses referenced are from Surah Al-An‘am (6:27-29), Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:33-37), and Surah Al-Jathiyah (45:24-25).
2. Ibn Az-Zubayr Al-Gharnati’s analysis in “Bayan al-Wujuh wal-Nazair fi al-Quran al-Karim.”
3. Al-Khatib Al-Iskafi’s commentary on Quranic rhetoric in “Dala’il al-I’jaz.”
4. Tafsir Ibn Kathir and Tafsir Al-Qurtubi for contextual elaborations.
5. Additional insights from “Fi Zilal al-Quran” by Sayyid Qutb.

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