Revelation, Rationality, Knowledge & Truth — Page 512
THE FUTURE OF LIFE ON EARTH ( ) ) which means if, clearly implies that life after death is not intended otherwise this condition would put to doubt the definite existence of the hereafter while the entire. Quran speaks of it as an absolute unconditional reality. The verse under discussion does not speak of replacing man with others like him. It clearly mentions the bringing into being of a new creation, khalq ( ) and speaks of the whole of mankind to be changed into a different entity. . The whole universe is built with The Truth, so also is the creation of man the very summit of creation. Quite distinct from the subject of life after death, the Holy Quran also speaks of a different form here on earth which will supersede humans: نَحْنُ خَلَقْتُهُمْ وَشَدَدْنَا أَسْرَهُمْ وَإِذَا شِنَا بَدَّلْنَا أَمْثَالَهُمْ ديلا 76:29. We created them and strengthened their make; and when We will so decide, We will change their form to something completely different. ". And again: فَلَا أُقْسِمُ بِرَبِّ الْمَشْرِقِ وَالْمَغْرِبِ إِنَّا لَقَدِرُوْنَ * عَلَى اَنْ تُبَدِّلَ خَيْرًا مِّنْهُمْ وَمَا نَحْنُ بِمَسْبُوْقِيْنَ * 42-70:41. But nay! I swear by the Lord of the easts and of the wests, that We have the power. To substitute in their place others better than they, and We cannot be frustrated in Our plans. 12. The substitute creation is not mentioned as another nation qaum (3) nor as another generation of humans. . The conditional use of if implies that if man reforms himself and begins to behave properly, he may not 487