I am a young man and I have a foreign female workmate whose mother is a Muslim. A while ago, she started practicing Islam and now she is committed to wearing the Hijaab. She asked me once, why Allaah The Almighty resurrects people after. Please advise. Moreover, I want to know the ruling on discussing religious and work affairs with her, knowing that we never discuss anything else except issues related to these two topics.

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

Most people agree on the reality of resurrection. Indeed, only a few idolaters and atheists would deny it.

Actually, the wisdom behind resurrection is obvious. People will be resurrected in order to be rewarded for their deeds. The real life is that of the Hereafter, whereas the worldly life is only a place of trial and affliction. Whoever manages to safely pass this transitional phase will be destined for Paradise and those who fail to pass it successfully will be destined for Hell.

Allaah The Almighty Says (what means):

· {Then did you think that We created you uselessly and that to Us you would not be returned? So exalted is Allaah, the Sovereign, the Truth; there is no deity except Him, Lord of the noble Throne.}[Quran 23:115-116]

· {To Him is your return all together. [It is] the promise of Allaah [which is] truth. Indeed, He begins the [process of] creation and then repeats it that He may reward those who have believed and done righteous deeds, in justice. But those who disbelieved will have a drink of scalding water and a painful punishment for what they used to deny.}[Quran 10:4]

· {Indeed, the Hour is coming - I almost conceal it - so that every soul may be recompensed according to that for which it strives.}[Quran 20:15]

· {This, Our record, speaks about you in truth. Indeed, We were having transcribed whatever you used to do. So as for those who believed and did righteous deeds, their Lord will admit them into His mercy. That is what is the clear attainment. But as for those who disbelieved, [it will be said], "Were not Our verses recited to you, but you were arrogant and became a people of criminals.”}[Quran 45:29-31]

· {Those who disbelieve have claimed that they will never be resurrected. Say, "Yes, by my Lord, you will surely be resurrected; then you will surely be informed of what you did. And that, for Allaah, is easy."}[Quran 64:7]

There are many other precise verses all indicative that reckoning and recompense constitute the wisdom behind resurrection.

Had it not been for resurrection, life would have come to an end in itself and tyrants would feel safe enough to continue with their tyranny and spread corruption everywhere. Moreover, the poor and the oppressed would have been the only losers in this life.

In brief, if people deny the reality of resurrection, it means that life will become like a wild jungle which is based on survival of the fittest. The strong will inflict harm on the weak fearing nothing except the weak authority of law that can be easily evaded. As a matter of fact, the believer can endure oppression, hardship and afflictions all for the sake of pleasing Allaah The Almighty and attaining His Paradise, and this will all happen after the resurrection. Allaah The Almighty Says about the believer who takes his record with his right hand (what means): {So as for he who is given his record in his right hand, he will say, "Here, read my record! Indeed, I was certain that I would be meeting my account." So he will be in a pleasant life - In an elevated garden, Its [fruit] to be picked hanging near. [They will be told], "Eat and drink in satisfaction for what you put forth in the days past."}[Quran 69:19-24]

Moreover, in a Hadeeth on the authority of Anas the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, mentioned that the wealthiest person on earth from the dwellers of Hell will be brought and dipped in Hell once, and will then be asked, have you ever been happy? The person will reply in the negative. Then the poorest person on earth from the dwellers of Paradise will be brought and dipped in Paradise one time and will then be asked, have you ever been miserable? The person will reply in the negative. [Muslim]

We advise you not to discuss anything with this woman because the devil has certain ways of tempting the righteous and the self persistently enjoins evil, and women are the most dangerous trial for men. In this context, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, informed us that what he feared most for Muslims was the temptation of women and he added that women are the most harmful Fitnah (temptation) for men. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim] In another Hadeeth, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, ordered us to beware of life’s trials, especially women, who were the primary cause behind the downfall of the Banu Israa’eel (the Children of Israel). [Muslim]

It is better for you to look for a job where there is no mixing between men and women in order to protect your religion and be safe from temptation.

Allaah Knows best.