Article Surah 95 · Ayah 7
THOSE WHO DENY THE RESURRECTION, AND THE PROOF THAT IT WILL COME TO PASS
THOSE WHO DENY THE RESURRECTION, AND THE PROOF THAT IT WILL COME TO PASS
Many people, in the past and the present, deny the Resurrection. Some of those who do believe in it have concepts which differ from those which were taught by the Messengers.
The Qur'an mentions what the disbelievers said, and it condemns them as kaafir and issues a strong warning to them. Allah (SWT) says: And if you [O' Muhammad] wonder [at these polytheists who deny your message of Islamic Monotheism and have taken besides Allah others for worship who can neither harm nor benefit], then wondrous is their saying: 'When we are dust, shall we indeed then be [raised] in a new creation?' They are those who disbelieved in their Lord! They are those who will have iron chains tying their hands to their necks. They will be dwellers of the Fire to abide therein. (Qur'an 13: 5)
⦁ And they said: 'There is no [other life] but our [present] life of this world, and never shall we be resurrected [on the Day of Resurrection].' If you could but see when they will be held [brought and made to stand] in front of their Lord! He will say: 'Is not this [Resurrection and the taking of the accounts] the truth?' They will say: 'Yes, by our Lord!' He will then say: 'So taste you the torment because you used not to believe.·(Qur 'an 6: 29-30)
⦁ -And they say: 'When we are bones and fragments [destroyed], should we really be resurrected [to be] a new creation?' Say [O' Muhammad]: 'Be you stones or iron, or some created thing that is yet greater [or harder] in your breasts [thoughts to be resurrected, even then you shall be resurrected].' Then, they will say: 'Who shall bring us back [to life]?' Say: 'He Who created you first!'..) (Qur'an 17: 49-51)
And there are many similar texts. Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah discussed the different kinds of people who deny the Resurrection, Jews, Christians, Sabaeans, philosophers and the hypocrites of this ummah. He said: "Those who disbelieve among the Jews and Christians deny that people will eat, drink and get married in Paradise. They claim that the people of Paradise will only enjoy nice singing and pure souls, but despite this they say that the bodies will be resurrected with the souls and will be blessed or tormented.
Some groups of the kujfaar and others among the Sabaeans and philosophers and those who followed them say that only the souls will be gathered, and that the delights (of Paradise) and torments (of Hell) will only affect the soul.
Other groups of kuffar, mushrikeen etc., deny the Resurrection altogether, they do not believe in the Resurrection of either the soul or the body. But Allah has explained in His Book and on the lips of His Messenger that both the soul and the body will be resurrected, and He refuted the false claims of the kafireen and those who deny any part of that and explained the matter in the most eloquent terms.
As for the munafiqeen (hypocrites) of this ummah, who do not believe the words of the Qur'an and Sunnah, but switch words around and say that these are examples presented to help us understand the spiritual resurrection, they are like the Baatini Qaraamitah whose ideas are a combination of Magian (Zoroastrian) and Sabaean ideas, and like the followers of the Sabaean philosophers who claim to be Muslims, and a group of others like them, such as some writers, doctors (physicians), scholars of 'ilm al kalam (scholasticism), and Sufis, such as the author of Ikhwan Safa a and others, or hypocrites.
All of these are kafir who should be executed by the consensus of the believers.
" 1 Elsewhere, he (may Allah have mercy on him) said: "The Baatini philosophers explain what has been promised to people in the Hereafter as being an analogy to explain their ideas about what goes through after death, of pleasure or pain. They do not believe that these are real events which will cause pleasure or pain.
"2 In essence, what they are saying is that Allah and His Messenger were not telling the truth when They (Allah and His Messenger) informed us of what will happen in the Resurrection. Hence Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah called this kind of philosophers, who go against what the Muslims believe concerning the Resurrection, Ahl at-Taksheel (people of imagination).
According to him such a group includes those philosophers and the people who follow their path such as scholars of 'ilm al-kalam, Sufis and those who claim to have knowledge. They say that what the Messenger mentioned about believing in Allah and the Last Day is only metaphorical, to give the masses an impression about these things; it does not point to the reality (the whole truth), it is not true (and exact) guidance and it does not explain the facts.
"3 We may divide those who deny the Resurrection into three categories:
1) Atheists who deny the existence of the Creator. These include many of the naturalist philosophers and, in our time, communists. These people deny that the universe was brought into being by a Creator. Thus they deny both the first and second creation, and they deny that the Creator exists at all. It is not worth engaging in debate with these people about the issue of the Resurrection. We should discuss with them the existence and oneness of the Creator first, then bring them proof of the resurrection, because belief in the resurrection is a branch of belief in Allah.
2) Those who acknowledge the existence of the Creator, but do not believe in the resurrection. These include the Arabs of whom Allah (M) said: And if you [O' Muhammad] ask them: 'Who has created the heavens and the earth,' they will certainly say: 'Allah.' .. ) (Qur'an 31: 25) And those who disbelieve say: 'When we have become dust - we and our fathers - shall we really be brought forth [again]? Indeed we were promised this - we and our forefathers before [us], verily, these are nothing but tales of ancients.'(Qur'an 27: 67-68) These people claim to believe in Allah, but they say that Allah's power is not able to bring them back to life after they die. These are the people for whom Allah coins parables and gives evidence to show that He is Able to bring about the resurrection and that nothing is beyond His power. Among these people is a group of Jews known as the Sadducees, who claimed that they believed only in the Torah of Moses; they do not believe in the resurrection or in Paradise or Hell.
3) Those who believe in the resurrection, but not in the way it is described in the Divinely-revealed scriptures.
2 -EVIDENCE OF THE RESURRECTION
The Qur'an and Sunnah indicate that we should believe in the resurrection. The entire Qur'an, from beginning to end, is filled with references to the Last Day and details of what will happen then, proving it with sound reports and analogies given to reinforce the lesson and guidance. The Qur'an also mentions proof of the resurrection, to refute those who deny it and to show that they are lying. Sound fitrah also points to the resurrection. There is no validity in the claims of the misguided that it is irrational to believe in the Resurrection. It is not irrational at all. The Prophets did not bring any irrational ideas, even though they might bring things that make one wonder. Hence our scholars said: the shari'ah brings things that amaze the mind, but not things that are rationally impossible. Below, we will mention proof of the resurrection derived from the Qur'an.
The All-Knowing, All-Aware, tells us that the resurrection will take place .
The greatest proof that the resurrection will happen is that Allah, the All-High, has told us of that. Whoever believes in Allah and believes in His Messenger whom He sent and His Book which He revealed, has no choice but to believe in what He has told us about the resurrection, the reckoning, reward and punishment, and Paradise and Hell. Allah ( SWT) tells us about it in various ways, so that the idea may be implanted more firmly in our hearts.
1) In some places, He tells us that that Day will most certainly come, by using the Arabic particle in or inna, or laam (all of which may be translated as "verily"). For example, He Says Verily, the Hour is coming and I am almost hiding it..) (Qur 'an 20: 15) And the Hour is surely, coming, so overlook [O' Muhammad], their faults with gracious forgiveness) (Qur'an 15: 85)
Surely, that which you are promised, will verily, come to pass ... , (Qur'an 6: 134) Surely, what you are promised must come to pass) (Qur 'an 77: 7)
2) Elsewhere, Allah swears that it will come to pass. For example, He (SWT) says: Allah! Laa ilaaha ilia Huwa [none has the right to be worshipped but He]. Surely, He will gather you together on the Day of Resurrection about which there is no doubt..) (Qur 'an 4: 87) And He ( SWT) swears that He will bring that to pass for whomsover He wills among His creation, as He says: .By [the winds] that scatter dust; And [the clouds] that bear heavy weight of water; And [the ships] that float with ease and gentleness; And those [angels] who distribute [provisions, rain, and other blessings] by [Allah's] Command, Verily, that which you are promised [i.e. Resurrection in the Hereafter and receiving the reward or punishment of good or bad deeds] is surely true. And verily, the Recompense is sure to happen) (Qur'an 51:1-6
By the Toor [Mount], and by the Book Inscribed in parchment unrolled. And by Al-Bayt al-Ma 'moor [the house over the heavens parallel to the Ka'bah at Makkah, continuously visited by the angels]. And by the roof raised high [i.e. the heaven]. And by the sea kept filled [or it will be fire kindled on the Day of Resurrection]. Verily, the Torment of your Lord will surely come to pass. There is none that can avert it.) (Qur 'an 52: 1-8)
3) In some places, Allah, the All-Glorious, All-High, commands His Messenger to swear that the resurrection will indeed happen; this is in the context of refuting those who deny it. For example, Allah (SWT) says: Those who disbelieve say: 'The Hour will not come to us.' Say: 'Yes, by my Lord, the All-Knower of the Unseen, it will come to you ... ') (Qur 'an 34: 3)
And they ask you [O' Muhammad] to inform them [saying]: 'Is it true [i.e. the torment and the establishment of the Hour - the Day of Resurrection]?' Say: 'Yes! By my Lord! It is the very truth!. .. ') (Qur'an 1O: 53)
The disbelievers pretend that they will never be resurrected [for the Account]. Say [O' Muhammad]: 'Yes! By my Lord, you will certainly be resurrected, then you will be informed of [and recompensed for] what you did ... '(Qur'an 64: 7)
4) Elsewhere, Allah condemns those who deny the resurrection, as when He says: Ruined indeed will be those who denied the Meeting with Allah and were not guided) (Qur 'an ... Verily, those who dispute concerning the Hour are certainly in error far away) (Qur 'an 42: 18)
Nay, they have no knowledge of the Hereafter. Nay, they are in doubt about it. Nay, they are in complete blindness about it) (Qur 'an 27: 66)
5) Sometimes, He praises those who believe in the Resurrection: And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: 'We believe in it; the whole of it [clear and unclear Verses] are from our Lord.' And none receive admonition except men of understanding. [Tafsir at Tabari] [They say]: 'Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate [from the truth] after You have guided us, and grant us mercy from You. Truly, You are the Bestower. Our Lord! Verily, it is You Who will gather mankind together on the Day about which there is no doubt. Verily, Allah never breaks His Promise.·(Qur 'an 3: 7-9) Alif-Laam-Meem. [These letters are one of the miracles of the Qur'an and none but Allah (Alone) knows their meanings.]
This is the Book [the Qur'an], whereof there is no doubt, a guidance to those who are Al-Muttaqoon [the pious believers of Islamic Monotheism who fear Allah much (abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden) and love Allah much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)]. Who believe in the Ghayb and perform -Salaah [Iqama salat], and spend out of what we have provided for them [i.e. give Zakah, spend on themselves, their parents, their children, their wives, and also give charity to the poor and also in Allah's Cause - Jihad]. And who believe in [the Qur'an and the Sunnah] which has been sent down [revealed] to you [Muhammad] and in that which were sent down before you [the Tawrat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] and they believe with certainty in the Hereafter [Resurrection, recompense of their good and bad deeds, Paradise and Hell]. They are on [true] guidance from their Lord, and they are the successful) (Qur'an 2: 1-5) It is not Al-Birr [piety, righteousness, and each and every act of obedience to Allah] that you turn your faces towards east and [or] west [in prayers]; but Al-Birr is [the quality of] the one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, the Prophets .. .) (Qur 'an 2: 277)
6) Sometimes, He tells us that this is a true promise, something which will surely come to pass, an appointed time concerning which there is no doubt:
That is a Day whereon mankind will be gathered together, and that is a Day when all [the dwellers of the heavens and the earth] will be present. And We delay it only for a term [already] fixed) (Qur'an 11: 103-104)O' mankind! Be afraid of your Lord [by keeping your duty to Him and avoiding all evil], and fear a Day when no father can avail aught for his son, nor a son avail aught for his father. Verily, the Promise of Allah is true .. ) (Qur'an 31: 33) And they say: 'When is this promise [i.e. the Day of Resurrection] if you are truthful?' Say [O' Muhammad]: 'The appointment to you is for a Day, which you cannot put back for an hour [or a moment] nor put forward.' (Qur 'an 34: 29-30) So leave them [alone] to speak nonsense and play until they meet the Day of theirs which they have been promised) (Quran 43: 83)
Verily, that which you are promised [i.e. Resurrection in the Hereafter and receiving the reward or punishment of good or bad deeds] is surely true) (Qur'an 51: 5)
7) And Allah tells us that it is coming and is near, such as when He says: Verily, they see it [the torment] afar off. But We see it [quite] near) (Qur'an 70: 6-7) The Event [the Hour or the punishment of disbelievers and polytheists or the Islamic laws or commandments] ordained by Allah will come to pass, so seek not to hasten it..) (Qur'an 16: 1) The Hour has drawn near, and the moon has been cleft asunder) (Qur 'an 54: 1)
8) Elsewhere, Allah praises Himself for bringing His creation back to life after they die, and He condemns the false gods whom the mushrikeen worship for their lack of power to create and recreate. For example, He says:
Yet they have taken besides Him other aalihah [gods] who created nothing but are themselves created, and possess neither harm nor benefit for themselves, and possess no power [of causing] death, nor [of giving] life, nor of raising the dead) (Qur 'an 25: 3) Is not He [better than your so-called gods] Who originates creation, and shall thereafter repeat it, and Who provides for you from heaven and earth? Is there any ilaah [god] with Allah? Say: Bring forth your proofs, if you are truthful) (Qur'an 27: 64)
9) Allah explains that this act of creation and resurrection, which His slaves are unable to do and is impossible for them, is easy for Him: The creation of you all and the resurrection of you all are only as [the creation and resurrection of] a single person .. ) (Qur'an 31: 28)
Does man [a disbeliever] think that We shall not assemble his bones? Yes, We are Able to put together in perfect order the tips of his fingers)(Qur'an 75: 3-4) 2) Using the first creation as evidence for the second creation
The Qur' an uses the first creation as evidence for the second creation. Every day we see new life coming into being: children are born, birds hatch out from their eggs, animals give birth to their young, fish fill the seas and rivers. Man sees all of that with his own eyes, then he denies that something like that could happen again after Allah has caused this life to perish. Those who seek proof of the resurrection after death ignore the fact that their own creation is the greatest proof. The One Who is Able to create them is Able to recreate them. How often the Qur'an offers proof of the final resurrection by referring to the first creation, and it reminds of this fact to those who think that it is unlikely to happen And man [the disbeliever] says: 'When I am dead, shall I then be raised up alive?' Does not man remember that We created him before, while he was nothing? (Qur'an 19: 66-67)
The Qur'an reminds us elsewhere of the initial creation of man: Allah created our father Adam from dust, and the One Who is Able to make dust into a living human being is not incapable of re creating him as a living human being after he has died. He also reminds us of how He creates us, the descendents of Adam, from semen of worthless water (cf Qur 'an 32: 8) , which He changes into a nuifah (mixed drops of male and female sexual discharge), then the nuifah becomes an 'alaqah (a clot), then it turns into a muqghah (a lump of chewed flesh) ... until the soul is breathed into it, and it becomes a human being. The One Who is Able to create in this manner which is known to us, is Able to bring it back into being and to bring the dead back to life.
O' mankind! If you are in doubt about the Resurrection, then verily, We have created you [i.e. Adam] from dust, then from a Nuifah [mixed drops of male and female sexual discharge, i.e. the offspring of Adam], then from a clot [a piece of thick coagulated blood] then from a little lump of flesh - some formed and some unformed [as in the case of miscarriage] - that We may make [it] clear to you [i.e. to show you Our Power and Ability to do what We will]. And We cause whom We will to remain in the wombs for an appointed term, then We bring you out as infants, then [give you growth] that you may reach your age of full strength. And among you there is he who dies [young], and among you there is he who is brought back to the miserable old age, so that he knows nothing after having known. And you see the earth barren, but when We send down water [rain] on it, it is stirred [to life], and it swells and puts forth every lovely kind [of growth]. That is because Allah: He is the Truth, and it is He Who gives life to the dead, and it is He Who is Able to do all things. And surely, the Hour is coming, there is no doubt about it; and certainly, Allah will resurrect those who are in the graves) (Qur'an 22: 5-7) Allah has commanded His slaves to travel through the earth, and to look at how creation began, so that they will realize that He is Able to re-create.
See they not how Allah originates the creation, then repeats it. Verily, that is easy for Allah. Say: 'Travel in the land and see how [Allah] originated the creation, and then Allah will bring forth the creation of the Hereafter [i.e. resurrection after death]. Verily, Allah is Able to do all things.(Qur 'an 29: 19-20)
And He it is Who originates the creation, then He will repeat it [after it has been perished]; and this is easier for Him. His is the highest description [i.e. none has the right to be worshipped but He, and there is nothing comparable unto Him] in the heavens and in the earth. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.}t (Qur'an 30: 27)
The One Who is able to create a greater thing is able to create lesser things It is a fault in human thinking to accuse someone who is able to carry a heavy load of being unable to carry a lighter one. A similar case is when a person tells a tough, strong man, "You cannot wrestle this puny, weak man." Whoever is capable of building a palace is not incapable of building a small house. And Allah's is the Supreme Example (cf Qur 'an 30: 27).
Among the things He has created are things which are greater than man. How can it be said to the One Who created the heavens and the earth that He is not able to create lesser things? Allah says: And [they] said: 'When we are bones and fragments, shall we really be raised up as a new creation?' See they not that Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth, is Able to create the like of them. And He has decreed for them an appointed term, whereof there is no doubt. But the :?aalimoon [polytheists and wrongdoers] refuse [the truth - the message of Islamic Monotheism, and accept nothing] but disbelief. (Qur 'an 17: 98-99)
Those who Deny the Resurrection Is not He Who created the heavens and the earth, Able to create the like of them? Yes, indeed! He is the All Knowing Supreme Creator) (Qur 'an 36: 81) Do they not see that Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth, and was not wearied by their creation, is Able to give life to the dead? Yes, He surely is Able to do all things The creation of the heavens and the earth is indeed greater than the creation of mankind .. ) (Qur 'an 40: 57)
Ibn Taymiyah said, after quoting these texts, "It is obvious to rational minds that the creation of the heavens and the earth is greater than the creation of something like the children of Adam, and the power involved is greater; and what is easier is more likely to be possible. The commentator on At-TalJaawiyah said: "Allah tells us that the One Who initiated the creation of the heavens and the earth, with their majestic proportions, can revive bones after they have turned to dust, and restore them to the way they were before. His (Allah's) Ability to change His creation from one thing into another
Those who deny the Resurrection see how people die then tum into dust, and they think that it is impossible for them to be restored after that.
And they say: 'When we are [dead and become] lost in the earth, shall we indeed be created anew? ... (Qur'an 32: 10)
The word "lost" refers to the disintegration of their bodies, when they become mixed with the dust of the earth.
The same word is used (in Arabic) to refer to ghee melting into food and becoming mixed with it. In more than one place in the Qur'an, Allah explains that one aspect of His perfect uloohiyyah (Divine Nature) and ruboobiyah (Divine Lordship) is His power to change His creation from one thing into another. Thus, He gives life and causes death, He creates and destroys, He brings forth the living from the dead and the dead from the living . . Verily, it is Allah Who causes the seed grain and the fruit stone [like date stone] to split and sprout. He brings forth the living from the dead, and it is He Who brings forth the dead from the living. Such is Allah, then how are you deluded away from the truth? [He is the] Cleaver of the daybreak. He has appointed the night for resting, and the sun and the moon for reckoning. Such is the measuring of the All-Mighty, the All-Knowing) (Qur 'an 6: 95-96)
From the dormant, lifeless seed comes forth fresh, green plants which flower and bear fruit, then this living plant produces dead seeds. From living birds comes forth dead eggs, and from the dead eggs come forth living, chirping birds, which fly in the vast reaches of the sky.
The way things change - death followed by life, then life followed by death - is a great sign pointing to the power of Allah, which makes hearts submit to His greatness and power. How can you disbelieve in Allah? Seeing that you were dead and He gave you life. Then He will give you death, then again will bring you to life [on the Day of Resurrection] and then unto Him you will return) (Qur 'an 2: 28)
These three proofs occur in one place in the Book of Allah Allah mentions these three proofs in one place in His Book, in the context of refuting those who do not believe in the resurrection. He says:
And he puts forth for Us a parable, and forgets his own creation. He says: 'Who will give life to these bones after they are rotten and have become dust?' Say [O' Muhammad]: 'He will give life to them Who created them for the first time! And He is the All-Knower of every creation!' He Who produces for you fire out of the green tree, when behold! you kindle therewith.
Is not He Who created the heavens and the earth, Able to create the like of them? Yes, indeed! He is the All-Knowing Supreme Creator. Verily, His Command, when He intends a thing, is only that He says to it, 'Be!' and it is! So glorified be He and exalted above all that they associate with Him, and in Whose Hands is the dominion of all things, and to Him you shall be returned) (Qur 'an 36: 78-83)
Allah tells us that He brings forth this element, which is found in heat and dryness, from the green tree, which is filled with moisture and coldness. The One Who brings forth a thing from its opposite, and to Whom the essence and elements of His creation are subjugated, will not find any difficulty in that. He is the One Who will do what the disbelievers deny, which is reviving bodies that have turned to dust.
Then Allah confirms the matter by referring to something greater in order to prove something lesser. Every rational person knows that whoever is able to a do a great thing is able to do anything that is much less than that; whoever is able to carry a heavy weight is able to carry anything lighter than that. And Allahsays:Is not He Who created the heavens and the earth, Able to create the like of them? .. ) (Qur'an 36: 81).
Allah tells us that the One Who initiated the creation of the heavens and the earth, with all their vastness and splendour, is more able to revive bones that have turned to dust and restore them to the way they were.7 4)
Then Allah affirms this idea by explaining it in another way, which is that the way in which He does things is different from the way others do them. Others use tools and have to make an effort; they get tired and endure hardship. They cannot work independently; they need to have tools and helpers. But when Allah wants to create something, all He has to do is will it, and say to it, "Be!" then it exists just as He wills it. Verily, His Command, when He intends a thing, is only that He says to it, 'Be!' and it is!) (Qur 'an 36: 82).
Then Allah concludes this argument by telling us that the sovereignty of all things is in His hand, and He controls everything by His action and His words: So glorified be He and exalted above all that they associate with Him, and in Whose Hands is the dominion of all things, and to Him you shall be returned) (Qur 'an 36: 83}
The resurrection of some dead things in this life Some human beings, at various times in history, have witnessed the revival of dead bodies and dry bones; they have even witnessed life coming into inanimate objects. Allah has told us of some of these dazzling miracles. For example, the people of Musa said to him: We shall never believe in you until we see Allah plainly .. ) (Qur 'an 2: 55)
So they were struck with a thunderbolt whilst they were looking on, then they were brought back from the dead. . But you were seized with a thunderbolt [lightning] while you were looking. Then We raised you up after your death, so that you might be grateful) (Qur 'an 2: 55-56)
The Children of Israel killed a man, then each tribe accused another of killing him. So their Prophet commanded them to sacrifice a cow, and to strike the slain man with a piece of it. Then Allah brought him back to life whilst they were looking on, and he spoke of who had killed him.
So We said: 'Strike him [the dead man] with a piece of it [the cow].' Thus Allah brings the dead to life and shows you His Aayaat [proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.] so that you may understand) (Qur 'an 2: 73) Allah has told us about the people who fled from their homes by the thousands; He caused them to die then He brought them back to life:
The Day of Resurrection Did you [O' Muhammad] not think of those who went forth from their homes in thousands, fearing death? Allah said to them, 'Die.' And then He restored them to life. Truly, Allah is full of bounty to mankind, but most men thank not) (Qur 'an 2: 243) And He tells us of a man who passed by a town which was dilapidated, and he wondered how Allah could bring it back to life after it had died. So Allah caused him to die for a hundred years, then He revived him. When he was asked how long he had stayed (dead), he thought that it had been only one day or part of a day. After reviving the man, Allah brought his donkey back to life whilst he was looking on, and he saw how the power of Allah restores His creation: first the bones come together, then they are clothed with flesh, then the soul is breathed into it. The food that the man had had with him before he died had remained fresh all this long time, it had not rotted or gone mouldy. This was another sign that pointed to the great power of Allah
Or like the one who passed by a town and it had tumbled over its roofs. He said: 'O'! How will Allah ever bring it to life after its death?' So Allah caused him to die for a hundred years, then raised him up [again]. He said: 'How long did you remain [dead]?' He [the man] said: '[Perhaps] I remained [dead] a day or part of a day.' He said: 'Nay, you have remained [dead] for a hundred years, look at your food and your drink, they show no change; and look at your donkey! And thus We have made of you a sign for the people. Look at the bones, how We bring them together and clothe them with flesh.' When this was clearly shown to him, he said, 'I know [now] that Allah is Able to do all things.'(Qur 'an 2: 259) Ibraaheem (Abraham) (;p) prayed to his Lord to show him how He revived the dead; this is what Allah tells us about:
And [remember] when Ibraaheem said, 'My Lord! Show me how You give life to the dead.' He [Allah] said: 'Do you not believe?' He [Ibraaheem] said: 'Yes [I believe], but to be stronger in Faith.' He said: 'Take four birds, then cause them to incline towards you [then slaughter them, cut them into pieces], and then put a portion of them on every hill, and call them, they will come to you in haste. And know that Allah is All Mighty, All-Wise (Qur'an 2: 260) Allah commanded him to take four birds and slaughter them, then to scatter them in pieces on a number of mountains; then he was to call them to come together. Each part of them came and fell into place, and when they were reassembled, Allah breathed life into them, and they flew up, soaring in the air. 'Eesa (Jesus) ("e) moulded clay into the shapes of birds, then he breathed into them and they became real birds, by Allah's leave. He used to bring the dead back to life by Allah's leave, and he said to his people Messenger to the Children of israel [saying]: 'I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, that I design for you out of clay, a figure like that of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allah's Leave; and I heal him who was born blind, and the leper, and I bring the dead to life by Allah's Leave ... ' (Qur'an 3: 49)
And We created not the heaven and the earth and all that is between them without purpose! That is the consideration of those who disbelieve! Then woe to those who disbelieve [in Islamic Monotheism] from the Fire! Shall We treat those who believe [in the Oneness of Allah - Islamic Monotheism] and do righteous good deeds as Mufeidoon [those who associate partners in worship with Allah and commit crimes] on earth? Or shall We treat the Muttaqoon [the pious] as the Fujjaar [criminals, disbelievers, the wicked]? (Qur'an 38: 27-28)