Journey Towards The Eternal Destination (1/3)

I was standing on the high point of Aaraf along with prophets and other Shuhada. The Plane of Judgement was clearly visible from this vantage point. As far as the eyes could see, people were divided into two groups in the vast plane. To the right, there were rows upon rows of people. They were the people of Paradise. They had glowing faces, smiles on the lips and a sparkle in the eyes. They were very well dressed. Their hearts were filled with joy and their souls were strongly indebted with gratitude. These were the people on the right hand side; what could one say about the good fortune of the people of the right side?

On the left side of the plane, a large crowd of people sat on their knees facing the Hell with their hands tied behind their backs. These were the people of the Hell.  They awaited the final transfer to their eternal abode. Their faces were drawn out and their eyes looked lifeless; with foreheads drenched in sweat, their necks were bowed. Their complexions had darkened and their bodies were covered with dust & dirt. These were the people on the left hand side; what could one say about the utter misfortune of the people of the left side?

The Throne of the Almighty was right in front of us. What could one say of its grandeur and splendour? Rows upon rows of angels stood around it. In their midst, were eight extraordinary angels next to and around the Throne. They were the Bearers of the Throne. The angels were singing words of praise and glory. Behind the Throne, at a higher altitude, clear views of Paradise and Hell could be easily seen. Paradise was on the right side; the fragrance arising from it had spread throughout the right side of the plane and the songs emanating from it were having an enchanting effect on the hearts. One could clearly see the absolutely stunning greenery, serene valleys, and immaculate gardens of the Paradise from here; its palaces, lakes, and servants were also visible. These views of Paradise were enticing everyone. Those who had been awarded the Paradise were extremely pleased at their good fortune and were engrossed in relaxing chats with each other while they waited anxiously to be taken over to the Paradise.

On the other hand, the horribly fearsome view of Hell was visible on the left   side   of   the   Throne.   The   flames   from   the   fire   were   rising repeatedly like the   tongue   of   a   serpent.   The   sight   of   different punishments waiting for their victims in Hell was making the hearts flutter with fear. Highly frightening and ugly angels with whips, chains, yolks, and hammers were waiting to welcome the people of Hell to unlimited punishments like odour, filth, fire, wild animals, venomous bugs, rotten fruits, thorn covered bushes, and food consisting of pus, blood, boiling water and oil slush.

The wretched state of people condemned to Hell was already miserable; it was further compounded on seeing the Hell with their own eyes. This view was enough to crush their hopes. They were watching the scene despairingly. Each one of them wished most earnestly to be awarded the death sentence. Alas! In Hell, there were all kinds of punishments but no death. Death would have been the greatest relief for the condemned. But then, Hell was a place for punishment, not relief.

A curtain separated the people assigned for Paradise and Hell. They could see and talk to each other through this curtain but could not cross it. The people of Paradise told the people of Hell that all promises that God had made to them had come entirely true. They then asked them if they had also found the Almighty’s forewarnings about the Hell and its details to be true. In reply, they had no option but to bow their heads in acceptance and say, ‘yes’.

The people of Hell were crying with thirst and hunger. When they saw the people of Paradise being served with all kinds of fruits, platters of meat and tasty drinks, they repeatedly asked them to pass on a small amount of this gift from the Almighty to them as well. However, they got the reply that the Almighty had forbidden these bounties for the people of Hell.

We were standing on high ground and witnessing this scene. I felt scared for some unknown reason, although the announcement of our fates was a mere formality. I was praying and pleading to God for his blessings and forgiveness. I was praying to the Almighty not to make me one of the people of Hell, and to grant me the company of the people of Paradise. Other people standing next to me were also praying for the same.

However, that was my own state of mind. Some other Shuhada, charged with emotions, moved forward and started to congratulate the people of Paradise. They were showering them with blessings and prayers. At this juncture, the prophets came forward and asked the incredulous leaders of their respective nations who had knowingly rejected the truth:

“Where is your rule today? Do you still take pride in the number of your followers? What happened to your arrogance?”

They then pointed towards the people of Paradise and said:

“Are they not the same poor people you considered as worthless? You believed that they did not deserve a share of the blessings of God, and neither would they ever receive it. See for yourselves!  They have achieved such an exalted position today!”

Meanwhile, there was an announcement that the Books of Deeds be handed over to the prophets and Shuhada. Against my expectations, there was no accountability or cross-examination. Each one of us was in turn called forward to a place where all the people of Paradise and Hell could see us.  Each person would move forward, escorted by his two angels, who would then take him to the Throne with utmost decorum.

There, his accomplishments in the previous life were announced to everyone and success in the Hereafter formally declared.

Whenever a person from this exalted group was presented to the Throne, details of his struggles were narrated, like the times he lived in, the background of the people he addressed and their response to his invitation; in fact, everything surrounding his mission was narrated in detail. The audience listened with rapt attention and showered each person with generous praise. In the end, whenever a person’s success and accomplishment was declared, the surroundings echoed with shouts of ‘bravo’ and ‘glory be to God’. Dwellers of the Paradise expressed their joy by clapping, shouting, whistling and even, dancing.

When my name was announced, the people standing close by started to congratulate me. Along with Saleh and Imsáeel, I reached the edge; from where I was standing, everyone in the plane could see me. Imsáeel was carrying my Book of Deeds. Saleh was walking in front of me. When we reached there, I bowed my head and stood in silence. The Almighty said:

“Abdullah, the time to bow your head is over. Lift your head. People want to see you.”

I lifted my head.  Tears  of  gratitude  flowed  from  my  eyes  with  a triumphant smile on my face. With the permission of the Almighty, Saleh and Imsáeel started to narrate the details of my life.

I looked towards the plane and saw many familiar people waving to me; they   included   my   family,   friends,   the   righteous   people   who   had supported me, the believers who had accepted my call and those men and women who had rectified their ways in response to my preaching about Oneness of God and the Hereafter. I also waved back.

However, my eyes were searching for Naimah. She was standing amongst our children.  I  could  see  tears  of  joy  on  her  smiling  face.  When she realised that I was looking at her, she lowered her gaze shyly. Leila was standing next to her.  She was most excited, standing on a chair and clapping passionately. Arifa, Aaliya, Anwar and Jamshaid were also stood on their seats and waving their hands vigorously.

(Continued)