Human existence is not confined to the boundaries of this earthly life; rather, it stretches back to a prior realm. As the Quran reveals, we were among God’s creatures enjoying His provisions in Paradise before our arrival here.
[2:25] Give good news to those who believe and lead a righteous life that they will have gardens with flowing streams. When provided with a provision of fruits therein, they will say, “This is what was provided for us previously.” Thus, they are given allegorical descriptions. They will have pure spouses therein, and they abide therein forever.
Death = Demotion
When we became seduced by the devil’s influence, this caused our fall, which constituted our first death.
[2:35] We said, “O Adam, live with your wife in Paradise, and eat therefrom generously, as you please, but do not approach this tree, lest you sin.”
[2:36] But the devil duped them, and caused their eviction therefrom. We said, “Go down as enemies of one another. On Earth shall be your habitation and provision for awhile.”
This fall was a demotion for man. As part of our demotion, the perks of Paradise were removed from us, and our provisions were downgraded and reduced.
[95:4] We created man in the best design.
[95:5] Then turned him into the lowliest of the lowly.
Two Deaths
The Quran informs us that all humans experience the first death but that only the disbelievers will experience the second death.
For example, when addressing the righteous who make it to Paradise in the Hereafter, it states they will not taste death beyond the first one.
[44:51] The righteous will be in a secure position.
[44:52] Enjoying gardens and springs.
[44:53] Wearing velvet and satin; close to each other.
[44:54] We grant them wonderful spouses.
[44:55] They enjoy in it all kinds of fruits, in perfect peace.
[44:56] They do not taste death therein— beyond the first death—and He has spared them the retribution of Hell.
However, when addressing the disbelievers, it indicates that they will experience a second death.
[40:11] They will say, “Our Lord, you have put us to death twice, and You gave us two lives; now we have confessed our sins. Is there any way out?”
The Devil Caused Our Death
This verse points to a profound truth: our lives here on Earth are a brief chapter in a much larger story. Our descent into this world marked the first death, a separation from our origin, and a transition into this temporary realm. This fall was precipitated by the devil’s cunning manipulation. In our vulnerable state, he planted a false idea that countered God’s command. As the Quran recounts:
[7:20] The devil whispered to them, in order to reveal their bodies, which were invisible to them. He said, “Your Lord did not forbid you from this tree, except to prevent you from becoming angels, and from attaining eternal existence.”
This deception caused humanity’s first fall and serves as a cautionary tale for all of us.
Death & Sleep
The Quran draws a compelling parallel between death and sleep, likening both to temporary states of suspension. It states:
[39:42] GOD puts the souls to death when the end of their life comes, and also at the time of sleep. Thus, He takes some back during their sleep, while others are allowed to continue living until the end of their predetermined interim. This should provide lessons for people who reflect.
This connection underscores the transient nature of death and hints at the deeper realities of existence beyond this life.
Death & Time
Adding to this intricate tapestry is the phenomenon of time dilation, where earthly time appears lengthy to us but is fleeting when viewed from the perspective of the eternal realm. The Quran captures this beautifully:
[23:112] He said, “How long have you lasted on earth? How many years?”
[23:113] They said, “We lasted a day or part of a day. Ask those who counted.”
[23:114] He said, “In fact, you stayed but a brief interim, if you only knew.
This distortion reminds us that our perception is limited and that this world is but a fleeting illusion.
The Devil’s Influence & Death
However, the dangers of this dream-like existence extend beyond mere misperception. The devil is granted influence in this realm, whispering deceptive ideas into the hearts of people. Those who accept these ideas as their own and die in such a state face the dire consequence of the second death. As the Quran warns:
[4:120] He promises them and entices them; what the devil promises is no more than an illusion.
For those who succumb, this delusion becomes their reality, and they will plunge even deeper into the abyss. This second death is the ultimate descent into eternal suffering, where time stretches infinitely, and the soul is trapped in a perpetual nightmare of their own making. The Quran poignantly describes this torment:
[87:13] Wherein he never dies, nor stays alive.
This state of existence, devoid of reprieve, highlights the severity of succumbing to the devil’s manipulations and failing to awaken to the truth.
Death & Inception
This entire narrative aligns strikingly with the theme of Inception, where a dream within a dream obscures time and reality. Much like the architects in the movie who manipulate the dreamer, the devil plants insidious ideas, creating an illusion that entangles us further in this transient world. The Quran warns us against this:
[2:168] O people, eat from the earth’s products all that is lawful and good, and do not follow the steps of Satan; he is your most ardent enemy.
To resist his influence is to awaken and reclaim our connection with God through total submission to God alone.
Additional Reading:
Quran Talk Blog 