if you are granted success, you will come upon abundant divine knowledge relating specifically to the people of wretchedness and the Fire.
This much is sufficient for this chapter. “God speaks the truth, and He guides the way” [al-Ahzab 33:4].
Chapter 63: On Knowing How People Remain in the Intermediate Realm Between This World and the Resurrection
Between the Resurrection and this world, for one who considers,
lie ranks of the intermediate realm, surrounded by a wall.
They encompass the ruling of the state their occupant was in
before death, in this present day. So take heed.
Over all they have precedence and dominion.
They reveal wonders, sparing nothing and leaving nothing behind.
They have a vast field in existence, without
restriction, though they are neither entity nor trace.
They say to the Real, “Be,” though the Real is their Creator.
How can any human being escape their rulings?
In them are forms of knowledge and every crushing calamity.
In them are proofs, wonders beyond imitation, and lessons.
Notes
Translator’s note TN1223-1: The plural pronouns in the poem refer to the ranks of the intermediate realm. Its paradox of a created thing saying “Be” leads into the next page’s account of imagination.
