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When Life Begins ---------
Chapter 13: Journey
towards the Eternal
Destination
Once again, I was standing on the high point of Aaráf 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’.
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