When we talk about life after death in Islam, we’re dipping into one of the most essential beliefs in the faith. It’s a topic that shapes the way Muslims live their lives. The afterlife isn’t just a concept or history; it’s a basis of our faith influencing our daily actions and decisions. If this is understood, we will know that this life is just for a while and our real home is the hereafter.
Why is this discussion so important? Well, understanding what happens after death according to Islamic teachings gives us a comprehensive view of the journey that awaits. It’s a reminder for us to live righteously, uphold our faith, and prepare for the eternal journey that lies ahead.
From the moment of death to the Day of Judgment, and finally to one’s eternal abode, the journey is filled with a lot of occurrences. So, let’s get started and see what Islam says about the life that begins after we die.
The Moment of Death
In Islam, the moment of death is a great significant event, marking the transition from this temporal world to the eternal afterlife even though we will start with Barzak ( Barzak is a barrier after we leave this earth and the hereafter).
According to Islamic teachings, when a person is about to die, the soul begins its journey by leaving the body. For the righteous person, this is a gentle and peaceful process, while for the wicked, it can be agonizing and fearful.
And if you could but see when the angels take the souls of those who disbelieved… They are striking their faces and their backs and [saying], “Taste the punishment of the Burning Fire. (Al-Quran 8:50)
It was narrated from Abu Qatadah bin Raib’i that he used to narrate
A funeral passed by the Messenger of Allah and he said: ‘He is relieved and others are relieved of him.’ They said: ‘What does relieved mean and what does relieved of him mean: He said: “The believing slave is relieved of the hardships and troubles of this world, and the people, the land, the trees and the animals are relieved of the immoral slave. (Sunan an-Nasa’i, 1930)
The Journey of the Soul
As soon as a person dies, their soul begins its journey into the afterlife. The soul is greeted by angels who take it to the heavens. For the righteous, this is a smooth and comforting process. The soul is wrapped in a fragrant shroud and ascends to the heavens where the gates are opened, and the angels welcome it with greetings of peace.
A Hadith narrated by Al-Bara’ ibn ‘Azib describes this beautifully: “The angels will take the soul of a good believer up through the heavens. Every group of angels they pass will say, ‘Who is this good soul?’ to which the angels escorting it will reply using the best names that the person was called by in the first life.” This is a reference the full Hadith about the Soul when leaving the body.
For the wicked, the journey is filled with dread and difficulty. The soul is wrapped in a foul shroud and ascends only to find the gates of heaven closed, and the angels rejecting it. This is described in the Hadith of Al-Bara’ ibn ‘Azib, which states that the soul of a disbeliever is cast back to earth after being rejected by the heavens.
The Concept of Barzakh (The Intermediate State)
The next stage in the soul’s journey is the state of Barzakh, an intermediate period between death and the Day of Judgment. Barzakh acts as a barrier, separating the living world from the afterlife. It is here that souls await the resurrection, experiencing a preview of their final destiny.
“Until, when death comes to one of them, he says, ‘My Lord, send me back that I might do righteousness in that which I left behind.’ No! It is only a word he is saying; and behind them is a barrier until the Day they are resurrected.” (Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:99-100)
Barzakh is not just an ordinary waiting period; it reflects the deeds performed in one’s life. The righteous ones experience peace and comfort, a foretaste of Paradise, while the wicked experience torment and suffering, a glimpse of Hell. This is vividly described in a Hadith where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “The grave is either one of the gardens of Paradise or one of the pits of Hell.”
Allah says: “And do not say about those who are killed in the way of Allah, ‘They are dead.’ Rather, they are alive, but you perceive it not.” This verse emphasizes that martyrs, in particular, continue their journey in a state of honor and life, unseen by the living. (Surah Al-Baqarah (2:154)
The Grave and Its Trials
In the journey of life after death in Islam, the period in the grave is a significant and transformative phase. This stage, often described as the first bus stop on the way to the afterlife, is filled with trials and moments of reflection that reveal the true nature of one’s deeds on earth.
Upon burial, the dead person will start a phase in the physical grave as a temporary abode until the Day of Judgment. The grave, though a physical resting place, becomes a realm where the soul experiences either tranquility or distress. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the significance of the grave, saying,
Uthman reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Verily, the grave is the first stage of the Hereafter. If one is saved from it, whatever comes after will be easier for him. If one is not saved from it, whatever comes after will be harder for him. I have never seen anything more frightening than the grave.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhii 2308)
Shortly after the deceased has been placed into the grave, the deceased is visited by two angels named Munkar and Nakir. These angels are assigned to question the soul to ascertain the individual’s faith and deeds. The questions they ask are simple yet hard: “Who is your Lord? What is your religion? Who is your prophet?”
The responses to these questions determine the soul’s experience in the grave. For a believer and a righteous person, the answers come easily and are followed by comfort and assurance from the angels. The grave becomes a place of comfort, light, and spaciousness. It is described as one of the gardens of Paradise, where the soul enjoys peace and a sense of well-being.
In contrast, for a disbeliever or one who led a life of sin, the answers are filled with uncertainty and fear, leading to a more distressing experience. The grave transforms into a place of torment and darkness. It is described as one of the pits of Hell, where the soul experiences suffering and remorse.
The grave is not merely a resting place but a realm that reflects one’s faith and actions. If you do good, you will see good there and if you disbelieve or do bad, you will surely reap what you sow when you were alive.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “When a human being is laid in his grave and his companions return and he even hears their foot steps, two angels come to him and make him sit and ask him: What did you use to say about this man, Muhammad ? He will say: I testify that he is Allah’s slave and His Messenger. Then it will be said to him,
‘Look at your place in the Hell-Fire. Allah has given you a place in Paradise instead of it.’ ” The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) added, “The dead person will see both his places. But a non-believer or a hypocrite will say to the angels, ‘I do not know, but I used to say what the people used to say! It will be said to him, ‘Neither did you know nor did you take the guidance (by reciting the Qur’an).’
Then he will be hit with an iron hammer between his two ears, and he will cry and that cry will be heard by whatever approaches him except human beings and jinns.” (Sahih Bukhari)
This phase is critical as it reflects a person’s faith and actions, determining their experience of comfort or torment. Bearing a Muslim name doesn’t make someone a Muslim, only by practicing Islam with sincerity and piety can make it a rewarding one and save someone from the trials of the grave and beyond.
The Day of Judgment as Part of Life After Death in Islam
The Day of Judgment, or Yawm al-Qiyamah, is a fundamental aspect of life after death in Islam. It is the day when all souls are resurrected and held accountable for their deeds. It is the day when the entire universe will be destroyed and subsequently resurrected. Every human being will be brought back to life and judged by Allah based on their actions, intentions, and faith during their previous life on earth.
“And [that they may know] that the Hour is coming – no doubt about it – and that Allah will resurrect those in the graves.” (Surah Al-Hajj (22:7)
On the Day of Judgment, all the dead will be resurrected from their graves and gathered for judgment. This resurrection is a core aspect of faith that we need to believe as Muslims about life after death in Islam. It highlights the omnipotence of Allah and the certainty of the Hereafter. This day makes us know that the belief in life after death in Islam is a journey towards an ultimate reasoning.
On this day, every individual’s actions, intentions, and faith will be weighed to determine their eternal fate. The deeds will be weighed on the Day of Resurrection. Then the scales will be set up, and whoever’s good deeds outweigh his bad deeds, even if by an ant’s weight, will be admitted to Paradise.” Allah says:
And We place the scales of justice for the Day of Resurrection, so no soul will be treated unjustly at all. And if there is [even] the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it forth. And sufficient are We as accountant (of your deeds). (Al-Quran 21:47)
Every action, no matter how small, is recorded and will be weighed to assess its value. This process highlights the comprehensive and precise nature of divine justice in Islam. Good deeds, such as acts of worship, kindness, charity and others are placed on one side of the scale, while bad deeds, such as sins and acts of disobedience, are placed on the other.
If a person’s good deeds outweigh their bad deeds, they are promised eternal bliss in Paradise. Conversely, if their bad deeds outweigh their good, they face the prospect of punishment in Hell. This weighing serves as a reminder of the significance of living a life in accordance with Islamic principles and striving to perform righteous acts.
The Quran states, “Then as for one whose scales are heavy [with good deeds], He will be in a pleasant life. But as for one whose scales are light, His refuge will be an abyss (a bottomless pit of suffering).” (In Surah Al-Qari’ah (101:6-9)
The scaling of our deeds is a fundamental aspect of life after death in Islam, representing divine justice and accountability of all our deeds. The weighing of good and bad deeds on the Day of Judgment determines one’s eternal fate, making it a critical concept for believers to understand and reflect upon. No matter how simple, small or big your deeds are, they are all being recorded.
“The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, ‘There are two statements that are light on the tongue, heavy on the scale, and beloved to the Most Merciful: SubhanAllah wa bihamdihi, SubhanAllah al-Azeem (Glory be to Allah and praise Him, Glory be to Allah the Magnificent).'”
This Hadith states the great value of a simple yet sincere act of worship on how even seemingly small deeds can have a significant impact on the Mizan (scale).
Encouragement for Muslims to Prepare for Life After Death
Understanding the journey of life after death in Islam is crucial for every believer. This will serve as a powerful reminder of the short nature of this world and the permanence of the Hereafter. It will motivate Muslims to live a life filled with good deeds, devotion, and consciousness of Allah.
Islam places great emphasis on performing good deeds and avoiding sin as key components in preparing for life after death. Good deeds are the building blocks of a successful Hereafter. Acts of charity, kindness, prayer, fasting, and helping others are all examples of good deeds that are highly rewarded by Allah. Every small act of goodness counts and fills the scales in one’s favor on the Day of Judgment.
Allah says: “The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] that sprouts seven ears; in every ear, there are a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [the reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.” (Surah Al-Baqarah (2:261)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also said, “Do good deeds properly, sincerely, and moderately, and know that your deeds will not make you enter Paradise, and that the most beloved deed to Allah is the most regular and constant even if it were little” (Sahih Bukhari).
Avoiding sin is equally important in preparing for the Hereafter. Sins can weigh heavily on the scales and lead to severe consequences in the afterlife. Muslims are encouraged to seek forgiveness (Istighfar) and to sincerely repent (Tawbah) for their sins, with the belief that Allah is Merciful and Forgiving.
In conclusion, the belief in life after death in Islam is a fundamental creed that shapes the way Muslims live their lives. It serves as a guide for understanding the purpose of existence, the significance of good deeds, and the necessity of avoiding sin. By adhering to Islamic teachings and striving for righteousness, Muslims can hope to achieve eternal bliss in Paradise and avoid the torments of Hell.
The journey of life after death in Islam, from the moment of death, through the trials of the grave, the Day of Judgment, and the eternal abode in the Hereafter, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of living a life pleasing to Allah. This understanding encourages us to perform good deeds, seek forgiveness, and maintain a constant awareness of our ultimate return to Allah.
We ask you o Allah to guide us to the straight path, the path of those who have earned Your favor. Help us to perform righteous deeds and to avoid sins. Grant us the strength to seek Your forgiveness and the sincerity to repent for our shortcomings. Make our scales heavy with good deeds on the Day of Judgment and admit us into the eternal bliss of Paradise. Protect us from the torment of the grave and the punishment of Hell. Aameen.
