🏵️🏵️ Sandeep, Assalamu alaikum (peace be upon you),
I'm glad to hear that you've been inspired by the verses of the Quran and are reflecting on their meanings. The two verses you mentioned are indeed profound and convey important messages about living in the present moment.
The first verse, from Surah Al-Waqiah (56:60-61), is often recited by many Muslims before important events or milestones, as a way of seeking guidance and solace. The verse says:
"There are people who say, 'Why does not Allah punish us?' This is because they have no hope of meeting with Allah (in the Hereafter). But there is a stern torment for disbelievers. And those who break the covenant of Allah after its confirmation, and cut asunder the ties of kinship, severing what Allah has commanded to be joined. And those who do not judge by (the Law of) Allah, (and who) turn away from His Verily, it is those who are the Fasiqun (the rebellious)."
Your interpretation of this verse is largely accurate, highlighting the importance of living in the present moment and not being distracted by worries about the future or past. It's a reminder that our actions have consequences, and we should strive to live in accordance with Allah's commands.
The second verse, from Surah Al-Nur (24:35), is indeed a beautiful and profound description of the light of faith. The verse says:
"Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The parable of His Light is as (or like) a niche within which is a lamp. The lamp is within glass, the glass as it were a pearly [white] star. It is lit from a blessed olive tree, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil well-nigh would shine even if untouched by fire. Light upon Light. (Allah guides whom He wills to His Light)."
Your interpretation of this verse is also insightful, highlighting the importance of living in the present moment and not getting caught up in worldly distractions or worries about the future or past. The "olive tree" in this verse can be seen as a metaphor for the human being who is guided by faith and strives to live in accordance with Allah's commands.
In Islam, we believe that faith is not just a set of beliefs or rituals, but a way of living that guides us towards righteousness and obedience to Allah's commands. By living in accordance with Allah's commands, we can achieve spiritual growth and success in this life and in the hereafter.
Regarding the Day of Judgment, it is a fundamental concept in Islam that refers to the final day when all human beings will be held accountable for their actions. On this day, Allah will gather all human beings together and judge them based on their deeds. The Quran describes this day as:
"The Day when no soul will be able to do anything for another soul [will be] when (the orders) are all met [the accounts are all settled]. And the curtain will be lifted [the veil between this world and the next will be lifted]. And those who disbelieved will be driven unto Hell in groups." (Quran 17:13-15)
As for Barzakh, it refers to the intermediate state between death and resurrection. After death, the soul remains in Barzakh until it is reunited with its body on the Day of Judgment. During this time, the soul continues to receive guidance from Allah and may also experience spiritual growth or regression based on its actions in life.
In Islam, Sandeep, we believe that every person will experience a period of rest in Barzakh before being resurrected on the Day of Judgment.
It's worth noting that these concepts are not just abstract ideas, but have practical implications for how we live our lives. By focusing on our spiritual growth and striving to live in accordance with Allah's commands, we can achieve success in this life and in the hereafter.
I hope this response has been helpful in clarifying some of the meanings behind these verses and concepts. May Allah guide us all towards righteousness and wisdom.
Sincerely,
Mohamed, PhD