We cannot reach “actual” objects through the senses.

So, we can never be

sure whether the world formed in our minds is an exact reflection of the
actual world. The images formed in our brain may not be similar to actual
objects of the outer world. The brain converts the incoming messages into
another language within its system and forms a separate universe. As we
have been dependent on this system since our birth, we have had no chance
to make sure if the brain reflects upon us the actual world and gives the
correct information about it. We say “Yes, I’m convinced that it does, because
when I perceive a thing, I am told by others that they also perceive the same
thing.”. Here, however, we forget the fact that those others are also a part of
the outside world and therefore a product of our perception. This situation is
similar to that of a person who has lived all his life in a room and
communicated with the outside world through a screen. It is impossible for
this person to assess if the images he watches as the “outside world” really
reflect the actual world or not.

To summarize, the way we perceive the “outside world” is based solely on

our perception and the interpretation unique to our brain.

“In reality, in the universe there exists no light as seen and defined, no sound
as heard and no heat as perceived. In other words, our sensory organs
deceive us while establishing the relation between the outside world and the
brain.” (Prof. Dr. Ali Demirsoy, Evrenin Çocuklari Children of the Universe,
p.3-4)

Bertrand Russell explains the difference between the “outside world” and the
one formed in our brains with the example of a blind man in his book,
Philosophical Matters. You can always tell a blind man that light is a wavy
movement, something he can conceive of, as visually impaired people orient
themselves by touching. Yet, what the blind man understands about light
from this definition is totally different from what it really is. Light can never
be defined or explained to a blind person. The light described as a wavy
movement is totally different from the light we perceive. Therefore, it is
impossible to say that the source of the image created in the brain is light.
What we are trying to say is that what we see, does not necessarily convey
the matter we see in the “outside world”. The same phenomenon is also true
of the other senses.

Let’s take another example:

“Even the most beautiful symphony is a composition of sound waves that
vibrate in our inner ear. All sensations are supposed to be triggered by the
outer world. Yet they do not emanate from there but exist as our unique
perceptions” (Bilim ve Teknik (Science and Technique), August, 1988)
In fact, what turns these sound waves in the “outer world” into a symphony is
our brain. This means that music does not really occur in the outer world but
is only sensed inside us by our brain.

We can arrive at the same result for the perception of colour; while observing
different colours, actually different wavelengths of light reach our eyes. It is
again our brain that turns these wavelengths into colours. For example, the
reason we see an apple as red is the perception of the wavelength of light
reflected from the apple to the brain. This means that the apple is not
actually red, the sky is not blue and tree is not green; they look that way
because of our perception.

The famous science magazine, “La Recherche”, has this to say on this subject: “There is
nothing that we can name as red or blue in the light. Physically, we cannot speak of the
existence of colour. This is only a psychological perception.” (January, 1981)

[Al-Anfal 8.43] Remember in thy dream God showed them to you as few. if He had
shown them to you as many, you would surely have been discouraged, and you would
surely have disputed in (your) decision; but God saved (you). for He knoweth well the
(secrets) of (all) hearts.

[Al-Anfal 8.44] And remember when you met, He showed them to you as few in your
eyes, and He made you appear as contemptible in their eyes. that God might
accomplish a matter already enacted. For to God do all questions go back (for
decision).

Dreams Guidance
“For while we dream, we do not know that we are dreaming; it is only later, after awaking, that
we recognize our dream as a dream. How can we claim that our present experiences are of a
more reliable type than those of a dream? The fact that they are associated with a feeling of
reality does not make them more dependable, because we have the same feeling in a dream.
We cannot completely exclude the possibility that later experiences will prove that we are
dreaming even now.” (Hans Reichenbach, The Rise of Scientific Philosophy, University of
California Press, 1973, p.29)

l perception.” (January, 1981)

© [Al-Isra/Bani-Israil17.60] And then, We said to you that surely your Lord

encompasses mankind. And We made the VISION that We showed you to be a
FASCINATION/CAPTIVATION for mankind and the cursed tree in the Quran. And We
frighten them but it increases them not except in great transgression.

[Al-Anfal 8.17] It is not you who slew them; it was God. when you threw (a handful of
dust), it was not thy act, but God's. in order that He might test the Believers by a
gracious trial from Himself. for God is He Who heareth and knoweth (all things).

[Al-Kahf 18.44] There, the (only) protection comes from God, the True One. He is
the Best to reward, and the Best to give success.
[Al-Kahf 18.45] Set forth to them the similitude of the life of this world. It is like the
rain which we send down from the skies. the earth's vegetation absorbs it, but soon it
becomes dry stubble, which the winds do scatter. it is (only) God who prevails over all
things.
[Al-Kahf 18.46] Wealth and sons are allurements of the life of this world. But the things
that endure, good deeds, are best in the sight of thy Lord, as rewards, and best as (the
foundation for) hopes.

[Al-Baqarah 2.25] But give glad tidings to those who believe and work righteousness,
that their portion is Gardens, beneath which rivers flow. Every time they are fed with
fruits therefrom, they say. "Why, this is what we were fed with before," for they are
given things in similitude; and they have therein companions pure (and holy); and they
abide therein (for ever).

[Al-Baqarah 2.26] God does not hesitate to use the similitude of things, lowest as
well as highest. Those who believe know that it is truth from their Lord; but those who
reject Faith say. "What does God mean by this similitude?" By it He causes many to
stray, and many He leads into the right path; but He causes not to stray, except those
who forsake (the path),-

These again as I mentioned initially and as you have alluded to are

...SIMILITUDES.

[Muhammad 47.3] This because those who reject God follow vanities, while those
who believe follow the Truth from their Lord. Thus does God set forth for men their
lessons by similitude’s .

[Muhammad 47.15] (Here is) a Parable of the Garden which the righteous are
promised. in it are rivers of water incorruptible; rivers of milk of which the taste never
changes; rivers of wine, a joy to those who drink; and rivers of honey pure and clear. In it
there are for them all kinds of fruits; and Grace from their Lord. (Can those in such Bliss)
be compared to such as shall dwell for ever in the Fire, and be given, to drink, boiling
water, so that it cuts up their bowels (to pieces)?

Allah,swt DESCRIBES the REWARD.....

Al-Hadid 57.20] Know that the life of this world is but play and amusement, pomp and
mutual boasting and multiplying in wealth and children. ©© Here is a similitude.
How rain and the growth which it brings forth, delight (the hearts of) the tillers; soon it
withers; you wilt see it grow youllow; then it becomes dry and crumbles away. But in the
Hereafter is a Penalty severe (for the devotees of wrong). And Forgiveness from God
and (His) Good Pleasure (for the devotees of God). And what is the life of this world, but
goods and chattels of deception?

[Al-Hadid 57.21] Be you foremost (in seeking) Forgiveness from your Lord, and a
Garden (of Bliss), the width whereof is as the width of heaven and earth, prepared
for those who believe in God and His apostles. that is the Grace of God, which He
bestows on whom he pleases. and God is the Lord of Grace abounding.

Garden of Bliss Sista...'width of heaven and earth'?

Secondly, now you mention Iblis, BEFORE you can associate Iblis with Hellfire,
Judgement, etc., etc. you have to understand the signifigance of Iblis.

Silah its already been established that EVERYONE goes through this
Judgement...nightly, and the Day is referred to as the Resurrection.

[Al-An`am 6.60] It is He who doth take your souls by night, and hath
knowledge of all that you have done by day. by day doth He raise you up
again; that a term appointed be fulfilled; In the end unto Him will be your return;
then will He show you the truth of all that you did.

[Al-Furqan 25.47] And He it is Who makes the Night as a Robe [covering] for
you, and Sleep as Repose [tranquility and calm], and makes the Day (as it
were) a Resurrection.

[Al-Zumar 39.42] It is God that takes the souls (of men) at death; and those
that die not (He takes) during their sleep. those on whom He has passed the
decree of death, He keeps back (from returning to life), but the rest He sends (to
their bodies) for a term appointed verily in this are Signs for those who reflect.

Now I dont see how you assume that this is a 'particular' Day..one Day.....

Now I dont see how you can suggest that the Punishment also is a
specific...ONE DAY event...when Allah,swt makes it clear.....

[Al-Sajdah 32.20] As to those who are rebellious and wicked, their abode will be
the Fire. Every time they wish to get away therefrom, they will be forced
thereinto, and it will be said to them. "Taste you the Penalty of the Fire, the which
you were wont to reject as false."

[Al-Sajdah 32.21] And indeed We will make them taste of the Penalty OF THIS
(LIFE) PRIOR to the supreme Penalty, in order that they may (repent and) return.

This has been the same throughout Human history

[Al-Sajdah 32.26] Does it not teach them a lesson, how many generations We
destroyed before them, in whose dwellings they (now) go to and fro? Verily in
that are Signs. Do they not then listen?

The Prophet was asked....

[Al-Sajdah 32.28] They say. "When will this decision be, if you are telling the
truth?"
His answer....

[Al-Sajdah 32.29] Say. "On the Day of Decision, no profit will it be to Unbelievers
if they (then) believe! nor will they be granted a respite."

When is this Day...specific Day for ALL human beings dead or alive?

Did the Prophet know?

Lets ponder this ayat.....

[Luqman 31.34] Verily the knowledge of the Hour is with God (alone). It is He Who
sends down rain, and He Who knows what is in the wombs. Nor does any one know
what it is that he will earn on the morrow [the next day]. Nor does any one know in
what land he is to die. Verily with God is full knowledge and He is acquainted (with all
things).

[Al-Zumar 39.46] Say. "O God! Creator of the heavens and the earth! Knower of all that
is hidden and open! it is You that wilt judge between Thy Servants in those matters
about which they have differed."
[Al-Zumar 39.47] Even if the wrong-doers had all that there is on earth, and as much
more, (in vain) would they offer it for ransom from the pain of the Penalty on the Day of
Judgment. but something will confront them from God, which they could never have
counted upon!
[Al-Zumar 39.48] For the evils of their Deeds will confront them, and they will be
(completely) encircled by that which they used to mock at!

Now here is the SIMILITUDE...this is the Penalty!!

[Al-Zumar 39.49] Now, when trouble touches man, he cries to Us. But when We
bestow a favour upon him as from Ourselves, he says, "This has been given to me
because of a certain knowledge (I have)!" No, but this is but a trial, but most of them
understand not!
[Al-Zumar 39.50] Thus did the (generations) before them say! But all that they did
was of no profit to them.
[Al-Zumar 39.51] No, the evil results of their Deeds overtook them. And the wrong-
doers of this (generation)- the evil results of their Deeds will soon overtake them (too),
and they will never be able to frustrate (Our Plan)!
[Al-Zumar 39.52] Know they not that God enlarges the provision or restricts it, for
any He pleases? Verily, in this are Signs for those who believe!

What we must do to prevent the PENALTY....and what they will say......

[Al-Zumar 39.53] Say. "O my Servants who have transgressed against their souls!
Despair not of the Mercy of God. for Allah FORGIVES ALL SINS. for He is Oft-
Forgiving, Most Merciful.
[Al-Zumar 39.54] "Turn you to our Lord (in repentance) and bow to His (Will), before the
Penalty comes on you. after that you shall not be helped.
[Al-Zumar 39.55] "And follow the best of (the courses) revealed to you from your Lord,
before the Penalty comes on you - of a sudden while you perceive not!-
[Al-Zumar 39.56] "Lest the soul should (then) say. 'Ah! Woe is me!- In that I neglected
(my duty) towards God, and was but among those who mocked!'-
[Al-Zumar 39.57] "Or (lest) it should say. 'If only God had guided me, I should certainly
have been among the righteous!'-
[Al-Zumar 39.58] "Or (lest) it should say when it (actually) sees the penalty. 'If only I had
another chance, I should certainly be among those who do good!'

As the PENALTY came to the PREVIOUS generations.....

[Al-Zumar 39.50] Thus did the (generations) before them say! But all that they did
was of no profit to them.

[Al-Zumar 39.51] No, the evil results of their Deeds overtook them. And the wrong-
doers of this (generation)- the evil results of their Deeds will soon overtake them (too),
and they will never be able to frustrate (Our Plan)!

Similitudes...The Quran is a SIMILITUDE!!!

[Al-Baqarah 2.90] Miserable is the price, for which they have sold their souls, in that
they deny (the revelation) which God has sent down, in insolent envy that God [out] of
His Grace will send [the revelation] it to any of His servants He pleases. Thus have
they drawn on themselves Wrath upon Wrath. And humiliating is the punishment of
those who reject Faith.

We must be careful, what Allah,swt is indicating in the previous ayat, is those

who reject the message that is being conveyed from the ayats because they
envy that Allah,swt has given the perception that they themselves dont
recognize, thus they reject it.

[Al-Baqarah 2.91] When it is said to them, "Believe in what God Hath sent down,
"they say, "We believe in what was sent down to Us." Yet they reject all [everything
else] besides, even if it be Truth confirming what is [revealed to] with them. Say.
"Why then have you slain the prophets of God in times gone by, if you did indeed
believe?"

[An-Nahl 16.60] To those who believe not in the Hereafter, applies the similitude of
evil. to God applies the highest similitude. for He is the Exalted in Power, full of Wisdom.
[An-Nahl 16.61] If God were to punish men for their wrong-doing, He would not
leave, on the (earth), a single living creature. but He gives them respite for a stated
Term. When their Term expires, they would not be able to delay (the punishment) for a
single hour, just as they would not be able to anticipate it (for a single hour).
I believe this ayat is self expressive and defining. What is indicated by 'slain the
Prophets of times gone by', is related to your statement of 'Days of Old', slaying
the perceptions of the guidance through interpretation and NOT from Revelation,
because it is part of HIStory, and many people maintain this false perception of
the Prophets, and that which they represented.

[Al-Zumar 39.27] We have put forth [darabna] for mankind [lilnnasi], in this Qur'an
every kind of Parable [moral lessons, fiction], in order that they may receive
admonition.