That it is He Who brings about both laughter and tears. ( Surat an-Najm, 53:43)
Believers know that Allah creates whatever they experience and thus are pleased with Him in all circumstances, no matter how difficult. Knowing that mundane things are transitory, they do not grieve over any loss, for they know that their moral excellence will be fully rewarded in the Hereafter. Moreover, Allah promises believers the best life in this world.
This is surely not the case with unbelievers, who pursue only this life in the belief that they are fully independent from Allah. This mistaken belief, however, causes them to feel great pressure upon their souls. Constantly seeking to earn other peoples' approval and attain mundane goals makes them afraid and confused, for such attitudes force them to think about everything and consider every possibility. But human beings, who are feeble, cannot shoulder such a burden, for the human body and soul were created to put trust and faith in Allah. Indeed, this delusion is the cause of their wailing, grief, and trouble, for such people wrong themselves by turning away from Allah. Allah relates how He will repay them both in this world and the next, as follows:
Let them laugh little and weep much, in repayment for what they have earned. ( Surat at-Tawba, 9:82)
Allah punishes unbelievers through every incident and reason that causes them to weep. Meanwhile, He gives joy, happiness, peace, and tranquility to His believing servants, and makes them laugh constantly. He removes their sadness, for He is their friend and helper. Even if they face hardship and trouble, He gives them patience and strength and never causes them to despair. Believers only weep in prostration, over the awe they feel for our Lord's grandeur. Destined to have joy both in this world and the next, they experience the contentment related in the following verses:
As for those who believed and did right actions, they will be made joyful in a verdant meadow. ( Surat ar-Rum, 30:15)
The Companions of the Garden are busy enjoying themselves today. (Surah Ya Sin, 36:55)
“My servants, you will feel no fear today; you will know no sorrow.” As for those who believed in Our Signs and became Muslims: “Enter the Garden, you and your spouses, delighting in your joy.” ( Surat az-Zukhruf, 43:68-70)
The people who have consciousness of Allah will be in Gardens of Delight, savoring what their Lord has given them. Their Lord will safeguard them from the punishment of the Blazing Fire. ( Surat at-Tur, 52:17-18)
In the Hereafter, unbelievers and believers will be recognized and separated by their facial expressions. This distinction is described below, as follows:
That Day some faces will be radiant, laughing, rejoicing. That Day some faces will be dust-covered, overcast with gloom. Those are the dissolute unbelievers. (Surah ‘Abasa, 80:38-42)
