2) This "blast" is explicitly and repeatedly connected with
the messages and ministries of Apostles of God. In particular
consider how the the future "blast" promised at the end of Surah Ya
Sin vividly recalls the "blast" associated with the three Apostles in
the parable at the beginning of the Surah.
3) It was just such a "blast" which destroyed the previous
generations who rejected their Apostle. Ponder on how these
generations were actually destroyed.
4) The warning about this event is given to the believers in
Islam, the unbelievers being judged impervious to any warning. In
particular, ponder the use of the word "unbeliever" in 039.071. (Who
are the Companions of the City? Consider verses such as 095.1-3.)
5) We are enjoined to listen to the "Caller" Who would "call"
on that Day from a "near place".
6) The *Glory of [the] Lord* would shine on the *earth*.
7) The appearance of the "Spirit" may be an allusion to the
"Spirit of God", Jesus. The return of Jesus is mentioned frequently in
the Hadith.
Consider the meaning of the terms "Call", "Trumpet Blast", and
"Announcement."
Points of difference with earlier Revelation:
1) Humanity in that Day will be brought into the "presence of
God", or the "presence of the Lord" Himself.
2) The "Throne" or Kingdom of God would be established.
3) Divine justice would prevail.
4) *Two* trumpet blasts are promised.
Perhaps after careful consideration we can all clearly perceive
the meaning of these verses, and see how they are all best fulfilled in
the Babi and Baha'i Revelations.
The first selection is Shoghi Effendi's summary of some of the
relevant verses. Then follows a long excerpt from the Surah Ya Sin,
the Surah termed "the heart of the Qur'an". Then a small sampling of
the many verses on the same theme. And lastly two relevant quotations
from the Baha'i Writings. I firmly believe that if we ponder these
texts with a pure heart, we will all agree that the Qur'an clearly and
emphatically promises humanity an incomparably glorious future
communication with God.
Ya Baha'ul-Abha!
Camm
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"To Him &Muhammad, the Apostle of God, had alluded in His Book
as the "Great Announcement," and declared His Day to be the Day
whereon "God" will "come down" "overshadowed with clouds," the Day
whereon "thy Lord shall come and the angels rank on rank," and "The
Spirit shall arise and the angels shall be ranged in order." His
advent He, in that Book, in a &surih said to have been termed by Him
"the heart of the &Qur'an," had foreshadowed as that of the "third"
Messenger, sent down to "strengthen" the two who preceded Him. To His
Day He, in the pages of that same Book, had paid a glowing tribute,
glorifying it as the "Great Day," the "Last Day," the "Day of God,"
the "Day of Judgment," the "Day of Reckoning," the "Day of Mutual
Deceit," the "Day of Severing," the "Day of Sighing," the "Day of
Meeting," the Day "when the Decree shall be accomplished," the Day
whereon the second "Trumpet Blast" will be sounded, the "Day when
mankind shall stand before the Lord of the world," and "all shall come
to Him in humble guise," the Day when "thou shalt see the mountains,
which thou thinkest so firm, pass away with the passing of a cloud,"
the Day "wherein account shall be taken," "the approaching Day, when
men's hearts shall rise up, choking them, into their throats," the Day
when "all that are in the heavens and all that are on the earth shall
be terror-stricken, save him whom God pleaseth to deliver," the Day
whereon "every suckling woman shall forsake her suckling babe, and
every woman that hath a buden in her womb shall cast her burden," the
Day "when the earth shall shine with the light of her Lord, and the
Book shall be set, and the Prophets shall be brought up, and the
witnesses; and judgment shall be given between them with equity; and
none shall be wronged."
"God Passes By"
036.001 Ya Sin.
036.002 By the Qur'an, full of Wisdom,-
036.003 Thou art indeed one of the apostles,
036.004 On a Straight Way.
036.005 It is a Revelation sent down by (Him), the Exalted in Might,
Most Merciful.
036.006 In order that thou mayest admonish a people, whose fathers had
received no admonition, and who therefore remain heedless (of the
Signs of God).
036.007 The Word is proved true against the greater part of them: for
they do not believe.
036.008 We have put yokes round their necks right up to their chins,
so that their heads are forced up (and they cannot see).
036.009 And We have put a bar in front of them and a bar behind them,
and further, We have covered them up; so that they cannot see.
036.010 The same is it to them whether thou admonish them or thou do
not admonish them: they will not believe.
036.011 Thou canst but admonish such a one as follows the Message and
fears the (Lord) Most Gracious, unseen: give such a one, therefore,
good tidings, of Forgiveness and a Reward most generous.
036.012 Verily We shall give life to the dead, and We record that
which they send before and that which they leave behind, and of all
things have We taken account in a clear Book (of evidence).
036.013 Set forth to them, by way of a parable, the (story of) the
Companions of the City. Behold!, there came apostles to it.
036.014 When We (first) sent to them two apostles, they rejected them:
But We strengthened them with a third: they said, "Truly, we have been
sent on a mission to you."
036.015 The (people) said: "Ye are only men like ourselves; and (God)
Most Gracious sends no sort of revelation: ye do nothing but lie."
036.016 They said: "Our Lord doth know that we have been sent on a
mission to you:
036.017 "And our duty is only to proclaim the clear Message."
036.018 The (people) said: "for us, we augur an evil omen from you: if
ye desist not, we will certainly stone you. And a grievous punishment
indeed will be inflicted on you by us."
036.019 They said: "Your evil omens are with yourselves: (deem ye this
an evil omen). If ye are admonished? Nay, but ye are a people
transgressing all bounds!"
036.020 Then there came running, from the farthest part of the City, a
man, saying, "O my people! Obey the apostles:
036.021 "Obey those who ask no reward of you (for themselves), and who
have themselves received Guidance.
036.022 "It would not be reasonable in me if I did not serve Him Who
created me, and to Whom ye shall (all) be brought back.
036.023 "Shall I take (other) gods besides Him? If (God) Most Gracious
should intend some adversity for me, of no use whatever will be their
intercession for me, nor can they deliver me.
036.024 "I would indeed, if I were to do so, be in manifest Error.
036.025 "For me, I have faith in the Lord of you (all): listen, then,
to me!"
036.026 It was said: "Enter thou the Garden." He said: "Ah me! Would
that my People knew (what I know)!-
036.027 "For that my Lord has granted me Forgiveness and has enrolled
me among those held in honour!"
036.028 And We sent not down against his People, after him, any hosts
from heaven, nor was it needful for Us so to do.
036.029 It was no more than a single mighty Blast, and behold! they
were (like ashes) quenched and silent.
036.030 Ah! Alas for (My) Servants! There comes not an apostle to them
but they mock him!
036.031 See they not how many generations before them we destroyed?
Not to them will they return:
036.032 But each one of them all - will be brought before Us (for
judgment).
...
036.048 Further, they say, "When will this promise (come to pass), if
what ye say is true?"
036.049 They will not (have to) wait for aught but a single Blast: it
will seize them while they are yet disputing among themselves!
036.050 No (chance) will they then have, by will, to dispose (of their
affairs), nor to return to their own people!
036.051 The trumpet shall be sounded, when behold! from the sepulchres
(men) will rush forth to their Lord!
036.052 They will say: "Ah! Woe unto us! Who hath raised us up from
our beds of repose?"... (A voice will say:) "This is what (God) Most
Gracious had promised. And true was the word of the apostles!"
036.053 It will be no more than a single Blast, when lo! they will all
be brought up before Us!
...
036.074 Yet they take (for worship) gods other than God, (hoping) that
they might be helped!
036.075 They have not the power to help them: but they will be brought
up (before Our Judgment-seat) as a troop (to be condemned).
...
036.083 So glory to Him in Whose hands is the dominion of all things:
and to Him will ye be all brought back.
002.208 O ye who believe! Enter into Islam whole-heartedly; and follow
not the footsteps of the evil one; for he is to you an avowed enemy.
002.209 If ye backslide after the clear (Signs) have come to you, then
know that God is Exalted in Power, Wise.
002.210 Will they wait until God comes to them in canopies of clouds,
with angels (in His train) and the question is (thus) settled? but to
God do all questions go back (for decision).
002.211 Ask the Children of Israel how many clear (Signs) We have sent
them. But if any one, after God's favour has come to him, substitutes
(something else), God is strict in punishment.
039.067 No just estimate have they made of God, such as is due to Him:
On the Day of Judgment the whole of the earth will be but His handful,
and the heavens will be rolled up in His right hand: Glory to Him!
High is He above the Partners they attribute to Him!
039.068 The Trumpet will (just) be sounded, when all that are in the
heavens and on earth will swoon, except such as it will please God (to
exempt). Then will a second one be sounded, when, behold, they will be
standing and looking on!
039.069 And the Earth will shine with the Glory of its Lord: the
Record (of Deeds) will be placed (open); the prophets and the
witnesses will be brought forward and a just decision pronounced
between them; and they will not be wronged (in the least).
039.070 And to every soul will be paid in full (the fruit) of its
Deeds; and (God) knoweth best all that they do.
039.071 The Unbelievers will be led to Hell in crowd: until, when they
arrive, there, its gates will be opened. And its keepers will say,
"Did not apostles come to you from among yourselves, rehearsing to you
the Signs of your Lord, and warning you of the Meeting of This Day of
yours?" The answer will be: "True: but the Decree of Punishment has
been proved true against the Unbelievers!"
039.072 (To them) will be said: "Enter ye the gates of Hell, to dwell
therein: and evil is (this) Abode of the Arrogant!"
039.073 And those who feared their Lord will be led to the Garden in
crowds: until behold, they arrive there; its gates will be opened; and
its keepers will say: "Peace be upon you! well have ye done! enter ye
here, to dwell therein."
039.074 They will say: "Praise be to God, Who has truly fulfilled His
Promise to us, and has given us (this) land in heritage: We can dwell
in the Garden as we will: how excellent a reward for those who work
(righteousness)!"
039.075 And thou wilt see the angels surrounding the Throne (Divine)
on all sides, singing Glory and Praise to their Lord. The Decision
between them (at Judgment) will be in (perfect) justice, and the cry
(on all sides) will be, "Praise be to God, the Lord of the Worlds!"
011.066 When Our Decree issued, We saved Salih and those who believed
with him, by (special) Grace from Ourselves - and from the Ignominy of
that day. For thy Lord - He is the Strong One, and able to enforce His
Will.
011.067 The (mighty) Blast overtook the wrong-doers, and they lay
prostrate in their homes before the morning,-
011.094 When Our decree issued, We saved Shu'aib and those who
believed with him, by (special) mercy from Ourselves: But the (mighty)
blast did seize the wrong- doers, and they lay prostrate in their
homes by the morning,-
015.068 Lut said: "These are my guests: disgrace me not:
015.069 "But fear God, and shame me not."
015.070 They said: "Did we not forbid thee (to speak) for all and
sundry?"
015.071 He said: "There are my daughters (to marry), if ye must act
(so)."
015.072 Verily, by thy life (O Prophet), in their wild intoxication,
they wander in distraction, to and fro.
015.073 But the (mighty) Blast overtook them before morning,
...
015.080 The Companions of the Rocky Tract also rejected the apostles:
015.081 We sent them Our Sings, but they persisted in turning away
from them.
015.082 Out of the mountains did they hew (their) edifices, (feeling
themselves) secure.
015.083 But the (mighty) Blast seized them of a morning,
023.039 (The prophet) said: "O my Lord! help me: for that they accuse
me of falsehood."
023.040 (God) said: "In but a little while, they are sure to be
sorry!"
023.041 Then the Blast overtook them with justice, and We made them as
rubbish of dead leaves (floating on the stream of Time)! So away with
the people who do wrong!
029.036 To the Madyan (people) (We sent) their brother Shu'aib. Then
he said: "O my people! serve God, and fear the Last Day: nor commit
evil on the earth, with intent to do mischief."
029.037 But they rejected him: Then the mighty Blast seized them, and
they lay prostrate in their homes by the morning.
038.013 And Thamud, and the people of Lut, and the Companions of the
Wood; - such were the Confederates.
038.014 Not one (of them) but rejected the apostles, but My punishment
came justly and inevitably (on them).
038.015 These (today) only wait for a single mighty Blast, which (when
it comes) will brook no delay.
050.039 Bear, then, with patience, all that they say, and celebrate
the praises of thy Lord, before the rising of the sun and before (its)
setting.
050.040 And during part of the night, (also,) celebrate His praises,
and (so likewise) after the postures of adoration.
050.041 And listen for the Day when the Caller will call out from a
place quiet near,-
050.042 The Day when they will hear a (mighty) Blast in (very) truth:
that will be the Day of Resurrection.
050.043 Verily it is We Who give Life and Death; and to Us is the
Final Goal-
050.044 The Day when the Earth will be rent asunder, from (men)
hurrying out: that will be a gathering together,- quite easy for Us.
050.045 We know best what they say; and thou art not one to overawe
them by force. So admonish with the Qur'an such as fear My Warning!
069.013 Then, when one blast is sounded on the Trumpet,
069.014 And the earth is moved, and its mountains, and they are
crushed to powder at one stroke,-
069.015 On that Day shall the (Great) Event come to pass.
069.016 And the sky will be rent asunder, for it will that Day be
flimsy,
069.017 And the angels will be on its sides, and eight will, that Day,
bear the Throne of thy Lord above them.
069.018 That Day shall ye be brought to Judgment: not an act of yours
that ye hide will be hidden.
018.047 One Day We shall remove the mountains, and thou wilt see the
earth as a level stretch, and We shall gather them, all together, nor
shall We leave out any one of them.
018.048 And they will be marshalled before thy Lord in ranks, (with
the announcement), "Now have ye come to Us (bare) as We created you
first: aye, ye thought We shall not fulfil the appointment made to you
to meet (Us)!":
018.049 And the Book (of Deeds) will be placed (before you); and thou
wilt see the sinful in great terror because of what is (recorded)
therein; they will say, "Ah! woe to us! what a Book is this! It leaves
out nothing small or great, but takes account thereof!" They will find
all that they did, placed before them: And not one will thy Lord treat
with injustice.
078.031 Verily for the Righteous there will be a fulfilment of (the
heart's) desires;
078.032 Gardens enclosed, and grapevines;
078.033 Companions of equal age;
078.034 And a cup full (to the brim).
078.035 No vanity shall they hear therein, nor Untruth:-
078.036 Recompense from thy Lord, a gift, (amply) sufficient,
078.037 (From) the Lord of the heavens and the earth, and all between,
(God) Most Gracious: None shall have power to argue with Him.
078.038 The Day that the Spirit and the angels will stand forth in
ranks, none shall speak except any who is permitted by (God) Most
Gracious, and He will say what is right.
078.039 That Day will be the sure Reality: Therefore, whoso will, let
him take a (straight) return to his Lord!
006.073 It is He who created the heavens and the earth in true
(proportions): the day He saith, "Be," behold! it is. His word is the
truth. His will be the dominion the day the trumpet will be blown. He
knoweth the unseen as well as that which is open. For He is the Wise,
well acquainted (with all things).
027.087 And the Day that the Trumpet will be sounded - then will be
smitten with terror those who are in the heavens, and those who are on
earth, except such as God will please (to exempt): and all shall come
to His (Presence) as beings conscious of their lowliness.
041.053 Soon will We show them our Signs in the (furthest) regions (of
the earth), and in their own souls, until it becomes manifest to them
that this is the Truth. Is it not enough that thy Lord doth witness
all things?
041.054 Ah indeed! Are they in doubt concerning the Meeting with their
Lord? Ah indeed! It is He that doth encompass all things!
054.054 As to the Righteous, they will be in the midst of Gardens and
Rivers,
054.055 In an Assembly of Truth, in the Presence of a Sovereign
Omnipotent.
When God sent forth His Prophet &Muhammad, on that day the
termination of the prophetic cycle was foreordained in the knowledge
of God. Yea, that promise hath indeed come true and the decree of God
hath been accomplished as He hath ordained. Assuredly we are today
living in the Days of God. These are the glorious days on the like of
which the sun hath never risen in the past. These are the days which
the people in bygone times eagerly expected. What hath then befallen
you that ye are fast asleep? These are the days wherein God hath
caused the Day-Star of Truth to shine resplendent. What hath then
caused you to keep your silence? These are the appointed days which
ye have been yearningly awaiting in the past--the days of the advent
of divine justice. Render ye thanks unto God, O ye concourse of
believers.
"Selections from the Writings of the Bab"
XXV. It is evident that every age in which a Manifestation of
God hath lived is divinely ordained, and may, in a sense, be
characterized as God's appointed Day. This Day, however, is unique,
and is to be distinguished from those that have preceded it. The
designation "Seal of the Prophets" fully revealeth its high station.
The Prophetic Cycle hath, verily, ended. The Eternal Truth is now
come. He hath lifted up the Ensign of Power, and is now shedding upon
the world the unclouded splendor of His Revelation.
"Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah"
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"The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens." Baha'u'llah