Encountering Divine Radiance

Most of the world's religions offer us a vision of the after-life, which is believed to be experienced in direct relationship to the way we have lived this life. Personally, the idea of a God who would send the vast majority of the human race to hell forever because they neither lived nor believed correctly is a troubling one that I , for one, no longer subscribe to. I found this meditation by Lex Hixon on verses from Surah 102 and 104 (from his book "Heart of the Koran") helpful and enlightening. This idea of the Divine Radiance of God's Presence being a delight to those who have lived with love in their hearts for God and others (demonstrated by action!) while at the same time being experienced as "hell fire" (the burning of purification) by those who have lived loveless lives is not unique to Islam, but I find the way it is put here helpful.

Turning away from the Source of Love is every person who engages in cruel criticism,

or who speaks the slightest untruth about another.

Turning even farther away from the Ever Present, Ever Giving Source

are those obsessed with selfish accumulation of worldly wealth and authority.

They are caught in the basic illusion that riches and power can fulfill the natural longing of the soul

for its True Source.

My cherished humanity,

constant rivalry over possessions and personal power can distract you entirely

from the Ever Present Source of your life,

and from the holy way of life and prayer

revealed by God/Allah Most High.

But when the body is brought to the grave,

all distraction ceases,

and the soul must gaze directly into the consuming Light of Truth.

Then every person will come to know with perfect clarity

the eternal significance of human existence.

Those who glimpse, while still on earth,

the ultimate meaning of their thoughts and actions

will lead lives of intense caring.

Those who live selfish and careless lives that negate the Source of Life

must eventually encounter Divine Radiance as the fire of hell.

My dear humanity,

at the dawning of the Eternal Day,

souls will be asked whether they have lived for self-centered pleasure and power,

or whether they know the nature of true spiritual joy.

Consider deeply what your response will be.

My Prayer of Response:

Source of Love, Ever Present, Ever Giving:

May I live a life of loving kindness and caring.

Guide my feet on the path of generous giving.

Keep me from straying into selfish living.

Teach me the nature of true spiritual joy,

that I may walk in the Light of your Truth,

enjoying the divine Radiance of Your Glory and Splendor

as I live, give, and pray in peaceful surrender

to You, my God and my All.

Amen