The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam — Page 145
Three Quranic Insights Concerning the Hereafter 139 It should be kept in mind that the Holy Quran has set forth three insights with regard to the conditions of the life after death, which we now proceed to expound in turn. First Insight The Holy Quran has repeatedly affirmed that the life after death is not a new phenomenon and all its manifestations are reflections of this life. For instance, it is said: وَكُلَّ اِنْسَانٍ أَلْزَمْنُهُ طَبِرَهُ فِي عُنُقِهِ وَنُخْرِجُ لَهُ يَوْمَ الْقِيمَةِ كِتُبَا يَّلْقُهُ مَنْشُورًا 187 That is, every person's deeds have We fastened firmly to his neck; and on the Day of Judgement We shall make them manifest and shall place them before him in the form of a book which he will find wide open. In this verse the expression "bird" has been metaphorically employed for actions, because every action, good or bad, flies away like a bird as soon as it is performed and its labour or enjoyment comes to an end; 187. And every man's works have We fastened to his neck, and on the Day of Resurrection We shall bring out for him a book which he will find wide open. (The Holy Quran, Bani Isrā'il 17:14)