Does Rahman Believe in the Teachings of the Quran?
Yes, Rahman believes in the teachings of the Quran because they are the basis of all his writing. In order to ascertain all his discussions, he quotes from the Quran. We can find useful quotations in Qur’an where Rahman believes his answers. Rahman also discusses the hour of self-awareness (Qur’an 50:22 Translated by M. H. Shakir).
The purpose for writing the article was to help guide the believers to understand Islam. I believe he could not want to make known what he does not believe. He describes the passages in Quran in a more concise and meaningful ways to enable him teach this faith. It is true that Rahman believes what he teaches.
Is There Resurrection of the Dead?
In his writing of the article, Rahman has some crucial teachings. He says that there will be new things happening when people reach the throne of God. He cites from the Quran that this day will be the Day of Decision. The writer calls it by another name. He calls it the day of resurrection (Qur’an 22:17; 39:30-31 Translated by M. H. Shakir).
Those who believe (Muslims) and those who are not Muslims will come together for God to decide among them who was right in their previous lives. He will make a choice of who taught His truth correctly. This day of Accounting according to the teachings of Rahman and the Quran is a day when resurrection has already happened.
If God is Merciful, Why Will He judge His Creation?
God’s mercy is unlimited as the Quran repeatedly states. God has given people enough time to choose to do what is good. Whoever has opted to do evil has got enough time to repent too. There will come a time when people will receive no mercy from God.
The Quran rejects any idea of intercession on that Day of Judgment (Qur’an 3:91; 70:11 Translated by M. H. Shakir). Those who will not have repented will have lost their opportunity to do so in the life of this world. Their chance will no longer exist (Qur’an 22:11; 40:78 Translated by M. H. Shakir).
According to Rahman, the Quran advises Muslims “to send something for the morrow” (Qur’an 59:18 Translated by M. H. Shakir). He teaches that people should not only live lives worthy of the earthly rewards but should also remember there is a judgment afterwards.
The teachings found in the Quran explicitly remind the believers to be wary of the consequences of their livelihoods. During the day of Accounting, there will not be a chance to blame anyone or to ask for forgiveness.
Will God Destroy the Universe?
The Quran demonstrates that finality as the Day of Judgment. Some Qur’anic descriptions depict that last day as the general destruction of everything, the shaking of the earth, and the dislocation of the heaven and the earth (Qur’an 39:67 Translated by M. H. Shakir).
According to Rahman, the earth will be transformed into a Garden where the new inheritors will enjoy life there (Rahman, 1989). God will create the male and female a new (Qur’an 56:35 Translated by M. H. Shakir). The fire burning from hell will only consume the evil doers. Those who lived well will only be transformed to live in the new Garden.
References
Rahman, F. (1980). Major themes of the Qurʼān. Minneapolis, MN: Bibliotheca Islamica.
Shakir, M. H. The Qur’an: Arabic Text and English Translation, Elmhurst, New York: Tahrike Tarsile Qurʼan, 1999.