Today, we continue to discuss one of the most important ideological principles of sacred religion of Islam, which is the Day of Resurrection.

Undoubtedly, some of the enlightening ayahs of Holy Quran revolve round the important topic of Day of Resurrection. The ayahs which have discussed the Day of Resurrection are within three groups. The first group of ayahs present examples of revival of the dead in an actual and comprehensible manner. Another group of ayahs put emphasis on omnipotence of God in creation of the mankind and the universe, and consider this fact as a solid and clear reason in the revival of mankind by God Almighty on the Day of Resurrection. The third group of ayahs point out that the revival of mankind in Hereafter is similar to the revival of nature in the spring season.

Ayahs of Holy Quran point out that based on divine providence, the revival of mankind in Hereafter is for certain. Given the omnipotence of God, revival of mankind is certainly not a difficult task for the one and only creator of mankind and the universe. Holy Quran points out that God Almighty is capable of revival of all human body limbs with all of the related details and delicacies.

As previously mentioned, Holy Quran has presented a number of actual and historical examples in regards to the Day of Resurrection, all of which make it possible to have faith in the revival of mankind on the Day of Resurrection. Based on the life of Prophet Abraham cited by ayahs of Holy Quran; one day, Prophet Abraham was walking next to a sea coastline. He saw a corpse which was partly covered with water. Animals and birds had gathered round the corpse, as their bait. Viewing this incident led Prophet Abraham to ponder over the terms of revival of the dead.

The 260^th ayah of Surat Al-Baqarah in Holy Quran notes: And when Abraham said, 'My Lord! Show me how You revive the dead, ' He said, 'Do you not believe?' He said, 'Yes indeed, but in order that my heart may be at rest.' He said,' Take four of the birds. Then cut them into pieces, and place a part of them over the mountain, then call them; they will come to you hastening. And know that Allah is all-mighty and all-wise.'

Upon watching a corpse eaten by animals and birds, Prophet Abraham asked God Almighty to show him how the dead are revived in the Day of Resurrection? In response, God said don't you believe in My power to revive the dead on the Day of Resurrection? Prophet Abraham said he maintains faith; and he only wants his heart to be at rest.

At this point, it should be pointed out that scientific reasoning may bring certainty for mankind. However, he may not achieve peace of mind. This is because reasoning satisfies one's wisdom. However, reasoning may not impact and influence one's heart and emotions. For instance, man's wisdom tells him that a dead body cannot harm him. However, many individuals are still afraid of the dead, especially at night and in solitude. Although humans, based on their wisdom, realize that dead bodies are not dangerous, this awareness has not penetrated and influenced their hearts.

Based on logical reasons and wisdom, Prophet Abraham believed in the Day of Resurrection. However, in order to reach a higher level of certainty and to put his heart at rest, he pleaded to God to show him the revival of the dead on the Day of Resurrection. He wanted to bear witness to this fact, with his very own eyes.

In order to make the revival of mankind on the Day of Resurrection tangible and transparent for Prophet Abraham, God Almighty asked him to get hold of four birds. Based on narrations, these four birds were a peacock, a rooster, a pigeon, and a crow. God instructed Prophet Abraham to kill four birds, cut them into pieces, and to place each part of their bodies on the top of a mountain. Then, God asked Prophet Abraham to call them; they will come to you, hastening. Prophet Abraham precisely abided by the divine instruction, calling the birds. At this point, the scattered pieces of each of these birds connected with each other before the very eyes of Prophet Abraham, transforming into the same four birds, resuming their lives. This scene made it possible for Prophet Abraham to visualize the Day of Resurrection. At the end of the said ayah of Holy Quran, Prophet Abraham was told that God is All-mighty and All-wise.

Another example in Holy Quran in regard to the possibility of Day of Resurrection is the story of the Companions of the Cave.

The 9^th and 10^th ayahs of Surat al-Kahf in Holy Quran note: "Do you suppose that the Companions of the Cave and the Inscription were among Our wonderful signs? When the youths took refuge in the Cave, they said, 'Our Lord! Grant us a mercy from Yourself, and help us on to rectitude in our affair.'

The story of the Companions of the Cave is the story of a group of vigilant and faithful youths.

These youths lived in a community which was plagued with polytheism and idolatry, and was ruled by suppressive and corrupt rulers. The said youths rejected superstitions, while pondering over the grandeur of the one and only creator of the universe. These youths made every effort to remove polytheism. However, their monotheistic mottos didn't get anywhere in a community which was mired in polytheism. Ultimately they decided to immigrate in order to rescue themselves and to find a healthy environment.

In the beginning, these youths lived in complete welfare and maintained distinguished social status. However, they preferred to stand up against polytheism. They secretly left their hometown and sought refuge in a cave, in order to liberate themselves from a corrupt community, and therefore became known as the Companions of the Cave. These youths showed their strong faith in God.

MR/EA