Welcome to Ahmadiyyat, The True Islam — Page 465
− we can only visualize certain aspects. We cannot determine precisely how things will take shape. One of the salient features of his vision of the Hereafter concerns the soul giving birth to another rare entity, which would occupy the same position in relation to the soul as the soul occupies in relation to our carnal existence here on earth. The birth of a soul from within the soul will be related to the sort of life that we have lived here on earth. If our lives are spent in submission to the Will of God and in accordance with His commands, our states gradually become cultured and attuned to enjoying spiritual pleasures as against carnal pleasures. Within the soul a sort of embryonic soul begins to take shape. New faculties are born and new tastes are acquired, in which those accustomed to carnal pleasures find no enjoyment. These new types of refined human beings can find the content of their heart. Sacrifice, instead of the usurpation of others' rights, becomes enjoyable. Forgiveness takes the upper hand of revenge, and love, with no selfish motive, is born like a second nature, replacing all relationships that have ulterior motives. Thus, one can say a new soul within the soul is in the offing. " (An Elementary Study of Islam, Hadrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, pp 46,47) − ± ± − ± − ± The exact nature of the life after death has been one of the most difficult phenomenon of all ages due to simple fact that no one can stand witness to it and is, therefore, unable to explain the details of that world through one's personal experience. However, seekers after truth can certainly find quite elaborate guidance in the words of those who are able to enlighten others on the basis of their spiritual knowledge and insight bestowed upon them by Almighty God. Some of the guiding points put forward by Hadrat Mirza Ghulam ± ± − − Ahmad, the Promised Messiah and Mahdi in his famous book, as The ± − Teachings of Islam' are quoted here: − " Briefly, the state after death is not altogether a new state; it is in fact a complete representation, a full and clear image of our spiritual state in the present life. Here the good or bad aspects of the acts or thoughts of a man are latent within him and their benefit or harm is often perceived only indirectly, but in the life to come they shall become manifest and as clear 465