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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Culture & Society

Ignored on Earth, Why Are Certain Human Types So Famous in Heaven?

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • The article contrasts human values on Earth with their potential standing in the afterlife, suggesting earthly recognition does not equate to divine favor.
  • It references a Quranic verse (Al-An'am: 52) that advises against dismissing those who worship God, even if they are perceived as lowly on Earth.
  • The verse was revealed when Quraysh elders asked Prophet Muhammad to separate himself from poor followers, highlighting the Islamic principle of judging individuals by their hearts, not their social status.

The article explores a profound contrast between how individuals are valued on Earth and their potential standing in the eyes of God, suggesting that earthly recognition, wealth, and influence do not guarantee favor in the afterlife. It posits that some people, overlooked and unknown on Earth, may hold significant status in the heavens, while those highly esteemed on Earth might not share the same position with Allah.

"We live in an age that teaches us to admire the rich, follow the famous, and approach the influential," the article states. "Without realizing it, we often measure a person's worth by what is visible to the eye. However, Allah sees what humans do not see: the heart."

We live in an age that teaches us to admire the rich, follow the famous, and approach the influential. Without realizing it, we often measure a person's worth by what is visible to the eye. However, Allah sees what humans do not see: the heart.

Describing the worldly tendency to value superficial attributes over inner qualities.

This theme is illustrated by a Quranic verse, Al-An'am: 52, which gently yet powerfully admonishes against rejecting those who call upon their Lord morning and evening, seeking His pleasure. The verse states: "Do not drive away those who call on their Lord morning and evening, seeking His countenance. You are not accountable for them in any way, nor are they accountable for you, [for] you would then be among the oppressors."

The context for this revelation involved Quraysh elders approaching Prophet Muhammad. They were interested in Islam but conditioned their acceptance on the Prophet expelling his poorer followers, such as Bilal bin Rabah and Ammar bin Yasir. They felt ashamed to be seen associating with individuals of lower social standing. The article highlights this as an example of ingrained arrogance, where the truth of Islam was not the issue, but rather a perceived disparity in social status.

Do not drive away those who call on their Lord morning and evening, seeking His countenance. You are not accountable for them in any way, nor are they accountable for you, [for] you would then be among the oppressors.

— Quran (Al-An'am: 52)The verse advising against rejecting worshippers based on their social standing.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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