Conclusion
As we have said throughout this book, being caught up in unawareness is one of the main factors that lead people to destruction. Unaware people may think that everything is going well and that they are living a comfortable life. The surest sign of this is their misguided idea that they know everything and do everything correctly. However, their unawareness will end in Allah’s presence in the Hereafter:
(On the Day of Threat, they will be told:) “You were heedless of this, so We have stripped you of your covering and today your sight is sharp.” (Surah Qaf: 22)
Now they will begin to clearly see the truths that they always ignored and refused to believe while alive. They will encounter the punishment that the believers had told them about but to which they never paid any attention. On that day, they will want to be destroyed or return to the world so that they can try to win His pleasure. But the time for such rethinking is now past; there is no place for them except among the people of Hell in eternal punishment:
But when the eyesight is dazzled, the Moon is eclipsed, and the Sun and Moon are fused together, on that Day humanity will ask: “To where can I run?” No indeed! There will be no safe place. On that Day, the only resting place will be your Lord. (Surat al-Qiyama: 7-12)
All people who die in a state of unawareness will experience great fear, sorrow, and helplessness on the Day of Judgment. The only way to avoid such an end is to honestly examine their lives, reject the unawareness that places them below animals, obey the Qur’an, remember Him at all times, and turn to Him in complete sincerity.
It is a great mistake to refuse to recognize one’s unawareness, thinking that he or she can never fall into such a trap. This illusory belief only makes one more vulnerable to succumbing to this blindness, for satan misses no opportunity to escort someone to Hell:
Among people, there is one who argues about Allah without knowledge and follows every rebellious satan. It is written of him that if anyone takes him as a friend, he will mislead him and guide him to the punishment of the Searing Blaze. (Surat al-Hajj: 3-4)
Clearly satan uses unawareness, without any regard for conditions or surroundings, to tempt everyone to follow their egos’ desires. But this unawareness stalks only those who are content to live in such a state. Individuals of good conscience, who are not content to remain unaware and be friends of satan, always have a way out: always remembering and turning to Him, fearing and respecting Him, and seeking His favor at all times. These dispel unawareness and raise people to an elevated level of awareness, wisdom, and faith. And this, no matter how much satan denies it, is the best, most comfortable, and surest way to attain eternal happiness. So, it is never too late to turn to Allah in true sincerity and hope for His mercy:
Your Lord knows best what is in your selves. If you are righteous, He is Ever-Forgiving to the remorseful. (Surat al-Isra’: 25)
