This Is The Sole Existence

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 10 June 2025 "Man's moral accountability is to himself and not to some imaginary Lord of the Day of Judgement. Man owes it to himself that he should live in such a way as to do maximum good and no harm to himself, his family and his community. The rewards and punishments for his behaviour may be forthcoming right here on earth." So very true, Dr Ghulam! Moreover, Aesop said millennia ago that, "To expect a reward for being virtuous is no virtue." Performing virtuous deeds solely with the anticipation of receiving a reward tarnishes the sincerity of one's actions. True virtue lies in the selflessness and purity of one's intentions, rather than in the expectation of any form of recognition or reward. By highlighting the importance of virtue for its own sake, this statement reminds us that being virtuous should be driven by an intrinsic desire to do what is right, rather than by external motivations or expectations. True morality can exist independently of religious beliefs and expectations of an afterlife. Moral systems often develop through cultural norms and social interactions, and they can be based on principles like empathy, fairness, and the pursuit of human well-being, regardless of beliefs about a higher power or rewards in the afterlife. You're good and noble not because you're hopeful of getting rewarded by an imaginary god in Heaven. You're good because goodness is embedded in you and nobility is your intrinsic nature. The conduct of a man should never be based upon the expectations of heaven and fears of hell. Na Hasrat-E-Jannat, Na Khauf-E-Qayamat / Kabhi Bulandi-e-Hasti Ko Bhoolna Mat/ Na Hongi Hoorein, Na Koi Azaab/ Yahin Pe Hai Teri Taqdeer, Yahin Pe Qismat (No desire of heaven, no fear of Doomsday/ Never underestimate the loftiness of existence/ There'll be no houries, nor will there be any divine punishment for sins/ Your fate is here, your destiny is here). Humans are responsible for their deeds. Once you dispel all the fears, apprehensions and expectations of hell, heaven, divine judgement, Satan and even god, you become all the more responsible: Apni Hasti Aur Zimmedaari Ka Irfaan Hua/ Main Jab Aadmi Se Insaan Hua (The existential responsibility dawned on me once I became an Insaan from a mere human). It's worthwhile to know that Aadmi and Insaan are two qualitative categories in Arabic Tasawwuf (spirituality). One who just breathes, lives and dies is an Aadmi (Jo 'Dam' Le / one who breathes). Insaan is a higher, rather the most exalted, grade because it has Uns (Arabic for the Universal Love/ Agape in Christianity) in it. One who loves all is an Insaan. That's why, Mirza Ghalib said, "Bas Ke Dushvaar Hai Har Kaam Ka Aasaan Hona/ Aadmi Ko Bhi Mayassar Nahin Insaan Hona" (Every task is an uphill one/ An individual is unable to become a human). Once we all realise that this is the ONLY life that has been bestowed upon us by a benevolent nature (you may call it a god if you want to), we all will try to strive to make the best of it. Humans with all kinds of esoteric accessories and baggage cease to be humans. This warped divine morality, constant fear of punishment, quotidian greed of celestial goods and non-stop religio-scriptural interference have wreaked havoc. Remember, this is our one and only existence and we must live it to a T: Duniya Hi Mein Milte Hain Dozakh-O-Jannat/ Insaan Zara Sair Kare Ghar Se Nikal Kar (Hell and Heaven are here only/ You just need to stir out of your place and look around). One may pooh-pooh it as mere poetry. But poetry conveys profundity because poetry is fluid philosophy. ----- A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/sole-existence/d/135822 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism