The Righteous Do Not Really Die*
[3:169] Do not think that those who are killed in the cause of GOD are dead; they are alive at their Lord, enjoying His provisions.
*3:169 We learn from the Quran that the righteous do not really die; they simply leave their worldly bodies and go directly to the same Paradise where Adam and Eve once lived (2:154, 8:24, 16:32, 22:58, 44:56, & 36:26-27; see also Appendix 17).
[3:170] They are rejoicing in GOD’s grace, and they have good news for their comrades who did not die with them, that they have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.
[3:171] They have good news of GOD’s blessings and grace, and that GOD never fails to reward the believers.
[3:172] For those who respond to GOD and the messenger, despite the persecution they suffer, and maintain their good works, and lead a righteous life, a great reward.
[3:173] When the people say to them, “People have mobilized against you; you should fear them,” this only strengthens their faith, and they say, “GOD suffices us; He is the best Protector.”
[3:174] They have deserved GOD’s blessings and grace. No harm ever touches them, for they have attained GOD’s approval. GOD possesses infinite grace.
One of the biggest blessings to the believers is to know that our time of death is predetermined. There is nothing we can do to extend or shorten anyone’s life. This relief gives us a peace of mind when someone passes that it was their time to go. This is further reassured in everything that happened in our life in 57:22
Profound Fact*
[57:22] Anything that happens on earth, or to you, has already been recorded, even before the creation. This is easy for GOD to do.
What a blessing to know that if someone who was a believer passes that it is not an occasion to be sad, but to be happy for them. Because in heaven they are not grieving they are happy with their Lord. This shows that the people in heaven have attained certainty that there is no longer any doubt in their heart about the true reality and that this world was just an illusion.
As believers persecution is something that we will have to face. This is part of our inevitable test.
Fair Weather Friends
[29:10] Among the people there are those who say, “We believe in GOD,” but as soon as they suffer any hardship because of GOD, they equate the people’s persecution with GOD’s retribution. But if blessings from your Lord come your way, they say, “We were with you.” Is GOD not fully aware of the people’s innermost thoughts?
[29:11] GOD will most certainly distinguish those who believe, and He will most certainly expose the hypocrites.
The Inevitable Test*
[3:186] You will certainly be tested, through your money and your lives, and you will hear from those who received the scripture, and from the idol worshipers, a lot of insult. If you steadfastly persevere and lead a righteous life, this will prove the strength of your faith.
It is interesting to contrast the response from the believers in 3:173 to the example with Moses :
Moses’ Crime Exposed
[28:19] Before he attempted to strike their common enemy, he said, “O Moses, do you want to kill me, as you killed the other man yesterday? Obviously, you wish to be a tyrant on earth; you do not wish to be righteous.”
[28:20] A man came running from the other side of the city, saying, “O Moses, the people are plotting to kill you. You better leave immediately. I am giving you good advice.”
[28:21] He fled the city, afraid and watchful. He said, “My Lord, save me from the oppressive people.”
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