“Grace” in Islam

Continuing with my introductory book on Islam for Latter-day Saints.  I’ve just discussed how, according to Islamic belief and teaching, we will be judged according to our works at the Last Day.

Nevertheless, there is divine grace in Islam, which God will bestow upon those who have sought to know Him and to carry out His will. “God will do away with their foulest deeds and reward them according to their noblest actions.”[1] How will individual people be notified of the fate that will be theirs? According to the Qur’an, each soul will be handed his or her “book,” containing an accurate record of the deeds done in the flesh. If the book is placed in the soul’s right hand, it may know that it will enjoy eternal bliss in paradise. If, however, the book is placed in the left hand, it will be a sure sign that, in the just verdict of God, that particular soul’s deeds merit damnation.[2]

The Qur’an does not predict a specific time for the Day of Judg­ment. “They question you about the Hour of Doom,” it tells Muhammad. “When will it come? How are you to know? Your Lord alone knows when it will come. Your duty is but to warn those that fear it.”[3] The fact that mankind has been supplied no specific time and does not know the Lord’s timetable cannot justify the common assumption that the dreaded hour will not come. Nor, for that mat­ter, should people complacently assume that it is far away: “They think the Day of Judgement is far off: but We see it near at hand.”[4]

Your hearts are taken up with worldly gain from the cradle to the grave. But you shall know. You shall before long come to know. Indeed, if you knew the truth with certainty, you would see the fire of Hell: you would see it with your very eyes. Then, on that day, you shall be questioned about comfort.^[5]

[1] 39:35.

[2] 69:18-29.

[3] 79:42-45 (Arberry); compare 7:187; 67:25-26.

[4] 70:6-7.

[5] This is the entire text of the 102nd chapter of the Qur’an and a good example of the conciseness of the chapters revealed at Mecca.

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I’m trying to muster some sympathy, but I can’t honestly say that I’m exactly choked up with sorrow over this story:

“Dreaded, sadistic ISIS executioner reportedly captured in Iraq; could be executed himself”

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On a considerably brighter note:

“One story to watch: Will 2018 see notable decline in the Middle East’s hardline Islam?”