An examination of eschatological destiny of religious Mustaz'afīn (deprived people) from Imamiyah perspective

Abstract

Eschatological destiny and man's eternal fate towards paradise or hell are undoubtedly considered among some of the most important discussions stated in various Islamic sciences. The eschatological destinies of believers and unbelievers have been explicitly clarified by the Qur'anic verses and Aḥadīth (traditions). However, the classification of people into believers and unbelievers is not correct, since some well-known individuals are considered as Mustaz'afīn (lit; deprived people) because they have not found the true religion, no matter whether they have been either short-sighted by nature or subjected to a tyrant state. Remarkably, they have not achieved the true religious path due to their being as al-Jāhil al-Qāsir (inculpably ignorant). Accordingly, the main question of the study refers to the eschatological destiny of such people. In other words, will they find paradise as believers or enter hell like disbelievers? Pondering and contemplating on the issue, although there are many Mustaz'afīn found all over the universe, testify on the necessity of determining their eschatological destiny. In order to clarify the issue, the verses of the Qur'an as well as Aḥadīth, issued by infallible Imams, have been referred to. Eventually, the result shows that al-Mustaz'afūn al-Muqassirūn (culpably deprived people) are not excused and will be punished, but those of al-Mustaz'afūn al-Qāsirūn (inculpably deprived people) will be destined by the lower levels of paradise if they have done good deeds unless they are either obliged to new duties in the Day of Judgment or face to slight chastisement and will finally enter paradise.