Remembering the Day of Reckoning

In Tafsir al-Tasnim, Ayatollah Jawadi Amuli highlights the Qur’an’s emphasis on the Day of Reckoning as a cornerstone of spiritual and moral growth. The Qur’an guides humanity by cultivating awareness of the Hereafter, reminding us that belief in accountability before God is essential for self-purification. Forgetting this reality, as the Qur’an warns, leads to wickedness and punishment: “They will have a severe punishment because they forgot the Day of Reckoning” (38:26). This reminder anchors human actions in the awareness that all deeds will one day be accounted for before the divine.

In Sūrah al-Fātiḥah, God’s mercy and sovereignty are beautifully balanced through the titles al-Raḥmān (the Compassionate), al-Raḥīm (the Merciful), and Mālik Yawm al-Dīn (Master of the Day of Judgment). While God’s mercy inspires hope, His dominion over the Day of Recompense instills a sense of responsibility and caution. This dual emphasis prevents arrogance and complacency, reminding believers that divine justice is inescapable. Paradise awaits those who seek God’s mercy, but Hell is reserved for those who stray into disobedience and is described as an abode utterly devoid of mercy.

The Qur’an nurtures a balanced form of worship through the interplay of fear and hope. Before elevating the learned over the ignorant, it emphasizes the importance of devotion and humility, encouraging supplication and prostration in the stillness of the night. It speaks of the fear of the Hereafter and the hope for divine grace, fostering a spiritual environment where knowledge serves as a tool for growth, not an end in itself. This balance is critical for ensuring that knowledge remains grounded in self-purification and detachment from material distractions.

The potential for sudden spiritual transformation is another theme explored in the commentary. No one can be certain of their ultimate fate; faith can be lost in a moment of heedlessness, just as it can be gained through sudden awakening. This uncertainty fosters humility and vigilance, urging believers to guard their faith while placing hope in God’s boundless mercy. Such awareness enables them to journey on the Straight Path with sincerity and balance.

The Qur’an categorizes worship into three distinct approaches. The first arises from fear of Hell, the second from a longing for Paradise, and the third, most elevated, stems from love for God. This highest form of devotion reflects a profound recognition of God’s majesty and His role as the Creator and Sustainer. Those who worship from love do so not out of fear of punishment or desire for reward but from a deep understanding of God’s guardianship over all existence. While these modes of worship coexist in varying degrees within individuals, believers are encouraged to strive for the balance that arises from holding fear, hope, and love together.

The mention of Mālik Yawm al-Dīn alongside names such as Rabb al-ʿĀlamīn (Lord of the Worlds), al-Raḥmān, and al-Raḥīm serves to balance the believer’s perspective. The former inspires awe and caution, while the latter evoke hope and longing. The Qur’an vividly illustrates the magnitude of divine power and the transformation of the cosmic order on the Day of Judgment, such as in the warning to those who claim the divinity of Jesus: “Who could prevent God at all if He had intended to destroy the Messiah, the son of Mary, or his mother or everyone on the earth?” (5:17).

Through this balance of mercy and justice, the Qur’an nurtures worship that is sincere, reflective, and spiritually transformative. The remembrance of the Day of Reckoning shapes human behavior, anchoring it in vigilance and hope. This awareness fosters devotion that moves beyond ritual, enabling believers to engage deeply with their Creator and strive for a life aligned with divine guidance.

Reference

Tafsir al-Tasnim (Surah Al-Hamd)