SURAT AL HIJR 1 - 5

بِسْمِ اللَّـهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

Alif, Lam, Ra. These are the signs of the Book and a manifest Quran. (1)

Much will the faithless wish that they had been Muslims. (2)

Leave them to eat and enjoy and to be diverted by longings. Soon they will know. (3)

We did not destroy any town but that it had a known term. (4)

No nation can advance its time nor can it defer it.  (5)

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Bismillah Hir Rahmaan nir Raheem

When all is revealed, Inshallah,  – there will be regret from the people who did not submit – those who rebelled, unwilling to acknowledge the truth of the signs that have been sent down over the centuries through the teachings of the Prophets, and through holy scriptures, culminating in the final words: the Holy Quran.

In this world there are numerous diversions – both in terms of seeking sensual pleasures (pleasures for eyes, ears, taste and touch) and desires (longing for these pleasures – perhaps out of reach – yet there to be had) that preoccupy man. And there is opportunity to do both, Allah (swt) has given everyone the time – albeit fixed. And people have been given the power of intellect and freedom of choice on how to use this time. They are free to spend ALL their time enjoying themselves pandering to their whims and desires, wallowing in all the pleasures and excitement this world can provide. 

Soon enough though, they will find out for themselves (a moment of haq ul Yaqeen!). When the truth about the purpose of this life  becomes evident – man will, inevitably, accept that the Quran is the book of Truth and in it all the signs have been manifest for people to take lessons from for centuries. He will acknowledge that nations afore were given a ‘fixed time’ and opportunity to prove themselves;  and this ‘time’, came to an end; and they were annihilated. He will realise that no people can extend their window of life on this earth beyond the prescribed limit.

And then will come the REGRET.  REGRET he cannot escape from. REGRET that is perpetual for eternity.

If only, if only...he had put his time to better use.

An extended discussion on time:

For example – people might think that science is extending its boundaries and new medical advancement means that life’s tenure is extendable. But that is man’s naivety – this ability to use science to rejuvenate himself is also a part of this ‘term’ allowed to man – different peoples over centuries have had different life expectancies, depending on the circumstances and the environment they are living in. Therefore, yes, it is a matter of great pride for man that he has used his intellect to an excellent advantage by speeding his mental evolution; nevertheless, he must recognise that this ability itself is only an ‘opportunity’ resulting from the ‘intellect and freedom of choice’ bestowed on him. He must also, if he is wise, recognise that this ‘progress’ (that is perhaps making him arrogant) is also ‘terminal’ and is subject to ‘fana’. An earthquake, a tsunami, a fire or even a computer virus can bring the progress of this world to an absolute, perhaps irrevocable standstill. The One who has given the opportunity – can take the opportunity away too.

Subhanallah!

Iltemase dua for the awakening of the human intellect.