The Friends of Allah

Question: Human life depends on information. Does the transmission of information continue after death? Please explain this in the context of Sufism.

Answer: It has been clearly established that human life is entirely dependent on information, or more precisely, on the reception and processing of information. When we analyze the demands of life, it becomes apparent that each impulse or sensation is, at its core, an informational phenomenon. For example, a person eats when they receive the information of hunger, drinks when they perceive thirst, and sleeps when the body signals the need for rest. Similarly, a person awakens from sleep when the mind informs them that continued rest may be detrimental to their health, both physically and mentally. The affection a person feels for their children is rooted in the informational awareness, both conscious and unconscious, that these children are their own. While affection for all children exists, there remains a distinct awareness of one’s own children in comparison to others.

From a broader perspective, children, as children, share common traits—innocent faces, similar expressions, and comparable behaviors. Yet, the informational understanding of parenthood distinguishes one’s own children from others. Similarly, while all women may share the same general characteristics, the relational context informs us that one woman is our mother, another is our sister, and yet another is our wife. Thus, it is clear that information functions as a differentiating force, shaping relationships and identities.

In terms of sustenance, a person works diligently to earn a living, guided by the information that the income is lawful (ḥalāl). Another person, despite working harder, may operate under the informational assumption that their earnings are unlawful (ḥarām). Both individuals may purchase the same material—flour, for example—but the information they hold transforms the resulting sustenance into either lawful or unlawful. This same principle applies to health and illness: a person often becomes aware of their impending illness before it manifests physically. A sense of fatigue, tension, or slight discomfort often precedes the onset of illness, with the informational perception leading to the actualization of that illness. Until an individual accepts the information of their illness, they do not experience it fully. This principle applies universally, whether the illness is minor or major.

Similarly, the process of death follows the same pattern. A person does not die until they accept, either consciously or unconsciously, the informational reality of death. This is a profound and peculiar aspect of human existence: a person is not born with the inherent desire to die, yet death is an inevitable outcome governed by the law of information. Until the information regarding death is acknowledged or accepted, the individual does not physically die.

An objection may arise regarding accidental deaths or those resulting from external violence, such as in wars, where individuals do not consciously choose death. However, in reality, the information that leads to death is still present and accepted, albeit in a more indirect manner. If we closely examine human behavior and the interaction of actions within the cosmic order, especially when juxtaposed with the divine laws articulated in sacred texts, we find that human life operates within two dimensions: the conscious and the unconscious. These dimensions are governed by laws that shape the trajectory of individual lives as well as entire civilizations.

The actions and patterns that lead to the downfall of nations and individuals are informed by an unconscious rejection or ignorance of spiritual realities. Conversely, nations and individuals that remain connected to their spiritual essence experience prosperity. A nation that disconnects from its soul or spiritual identity faces death, not in the literal dissolution of its people, but in the severance of the link between body and soul. This is the true nature of death: the separation of the physical form from the soul, not the annihilation of existence.

Death, in this context, manifests in multiple forms: natural death, accidental death, and collective death. Each form of death is governed by specific information, and the perception of death shapes its reality. As one transitions from this world, the ultimate destination—paradise or hell is determined by the nature of the information received regarding death. A person who dies in a state of distress, confusion, or suffering, unaware of or rejecting divine guidance, is destined for hell, which is characterized by misery, despair, and punishment. In contrast, a person who dies in a state of tranquility, peace, and liberation from fear and anxiety enters paradise. The information about paradise, as conveyed by the prophets, includes peace, comfort, and the fulfillment of divine blessings.

Hell is described as the abode of those who have turned away from Allah, who have not sought to recognize Him, establish a relationship with Him, or attain His nearness. In contrast, paradise is the realm of those who have strived to attain closeness to Allah, refraining from what Allah and His Messenger have prohibited, and who have understood the teachings of the Qur’an as the prophets did. The inhabitants of paradise are those who have received Allah’s mercy and grace. As stated in the Qur’an, “Indeed, the friends of Allah, no fear will be upon them, nor will they grieve” (Qur'an 10:62). This verse clearly indicates that those who experience fear and grief cannot be the true friends of Allah, and those who are not His friends will not find acceptance in paradise but will be cast into the fire of hell. Therefore, anyone who experiences fear and grief, according to divine law, cannot be considered a dweller of paradise.

In the spiritual training of a disciple or seeker, the aim is to rid the heart of fear and grief. Fear and grief will persist until the individual attains a state of contentment (qana‘ah) and detachment (istighnā’). These qualities are not mere theoretical concepts but profound spiritual states that bring the seeker into direct contact with the Ultimate Truth. Without this realization, true detachment cannot be achieved, and any semblance of it remains superficial. As an individual progresses on the path of spiritual realization, the extent of their contentment and detachment directly correlates with the diminishing of fear, grief, and anxiety.