Why is there a strong emphasis on remembering the Day of Judgment in the Quran?

The Holy Quran's profound emphasis on remembering the Day of Judgment is one of the most fundamental and central teachings of Islam, encompassing deep and multifaceted dimensions. This emphasis is not merely intended to instill fear in people; rather, it pursues a sublime wisdom and elevated goals intricately linked to human individual and social prosperity. Understanding the 'why' behind this emphasis requires a comprehensive contemplation of human nature, the purpose of creation, and the divine system of justice. One of the most significant reasons for this emphasis is the establishment of ultimate justice and recompense for deeds. In the current world, many good deeds go unrewarded, and many injustices go unpunished. If life were to be limited solely to this fleeting world, divine justice would not be fully realized. The Day of Judgment is the arena where God will account for even the slightest actions of human beings, granting each person recompense or punishment commensurate with their deeds. This belief in absolute divine justice on the Day of Recompense brings profound peace to the oppressed and instills hope for the realization of ultimate justice. This promise assures humanity that no action, whether good or evil, remains hidden from God's sight, and everyone will witness the consequences of their deeds, even if they did not see the outcome in this world. This aspect of the Day of Judgment is not just a promise but a foundational pillar for understanding God's endless justice and His wisdom in managing the affairs of the universe, imparting deeper meaning and purpose to human life. The second important reason is the guidance and spiritual nurturing of human beings. The remembrance of the Day of Judgment, as a pivotal point and ultimate destination, plays a highly effective role in shaping human perspective and behavior. When an individual knows that they will one day stand before their Lord and be held accountable for their actions, their outlook on this world and the Hereafter changes. This belief provides a powerful motivation for performing good deeds and abstaining from sins. A person who perceives themselves on the threshold of accountability turns to piety, refrains from injustice and encroachment upon the rights of others, and seeks divine pleasure through serving creation and self-purification. The Holy Quran repeatedly invites people to reflect on the ultimate outcomes of actions and to learn lessons from past nations, all for the purpose of preparing for that great Day. This continuous reminder helps individuals avoid being entangled by the deceptive allure of this world and prevents them from forgetting their primary purpose of creation, which is servitude and attaining closeness to God. Moral and spiritual upbringing through the remembrance of the Day of Judgment ensures that humans not only consider their personal interests but also pay special attention to their social and humanitarian responsibilities, striving to build a just and compassionate society. This remembrance teaches people to account for every moment of their lives and to spend it in a way that leads to eternal salvation. Furthermore, the remembrance of the Day of Judgment gives purpose and meaning to human life. Without belief in the Day of Recompense and the Hereafter, worldly life appears meaningless and futile. All efforts, sufferings, joys, and hardships would ultimately lead to nothingness. However, with the existence of the Day of Judgment, human life gains purpose and direction. Every moment, every choice, and every action acquires a special value and meaning because its outcome will be weighed in the eternal abode. This perspective keeps hope alive in the human heart and makes them resilient against life's problems and calamities. Indeed, remembering the Day of Judgment helps individuals break free from worldly and material constraints and look towards higher horizons; horizons that transcend fleeting pleasures and earthly wealth and status. This sense of purpose propels individuals towards spiritual perfection and growth, leading them to build their lives upon enduring and divine values. The remembrance of the Day of Judgment not only gives meaning to individual lives but also directs human societies towards justice, equality, and peaceful coexistence, as everyone knows that ultimately, all will be accountable before the One God. This overarching purpose transforms daily actions into investments for eternity. Moreover, the remembrance of the Day of Judgment acts as a strong deterrent. The fear of otherworldly punishments prevents many people from committing major sins and violating the rights of others. This fear is not a paralyzing and useless fear but a constructive one that guides humanity toward the right path. In many verses, God refers to the consequences of bad deeds in the Hereafter to deter people from disobedience and sin. This deterrence is not only individual but also effective at the societal level. If members of society believe in accountability on the Day of Judgment, corruption, injustice, and inequality decrease, and security and tranquility prevail in society. This deterrent is more effective than any man-made law or worldly punishment for maintaining order and peace in society, because it is based on a deep, heartfelt conviction that prevents individuals from wrongdoing even in privacy. This inner and conscientious responsibility operates more powerfully than any external supervision and ensures the moral health of society. It fosters a culture of self-accountability and righteousness. Finally, the remembrance of the Day of Judgment showcases the peak of divine power and wisdom. Almighty God, who was capable of creating the universe from nothing, is certainly capable of recreating human beings after death and establishing the Day of Judgment. This remembrance helps people understand the greatness and infinity of divine power and makes them humble and submissive before Him. This insight strengthens belief in Tawhid (the Oneness of God) and deters people from polytheism and reliance on anything other than God. In fact, belief in the Day of Judgment is not only one dimension of faith but is itself a strong proof and evidence of God's unparalleled power and justice, from whom nothing is hidden. This power and wisdom are observed not only in the establishment of the Day of Judgment but also in all the details of creation and the management of the universe. Therefore, the Quran's emphasis on the Day of Judgment is not only for the awareness and guidance of humanity but also for deepening their understanding of their Lord and strengthening the foundations of faith in God's boundless power and wisdom. This remembrance makes individuals aware that this world is transient and that an eternal life awaits them, and this, in turn, motivates them towards righteous deeds and seeking the pleasure of their Lord. In summary, the repetition and emphasis of Quranic verses on the Day of Judgment is a comprehensive and powerful tool for nurturing, guiding, motivating, deterring, and deepening faith, ultimately leading to eternal human prosperity.