(Mohammad Masood Ahmed (2025), Would You Like To Know Something About Islam, Second Edition, Crescent Books Inc., New York, USA. Pg. 165-170)

You may have come across terms such as "Hereafter”, “Day of Judgment,” and “other-worldly,” and you might possess a basic understanding of the ideas they represent. In this article, I will provide a detailed explanation of why these concepts are crucial to Islam. The time right after death, the Day of Judgment, the accountability process, eternal existence in Heaven or Hell, and all that follows are all included in the Hereafter.

In Islam, upon a person's death, their spirit enters another realm. The physical body remains behind, while Malak al-Mawt (the Angel of Death) takes the ruh (soul) to al-Barzakh, the transitional state or period.

Regardless of whether the body is buried or disposed of otherwise, angels called Munkar-Nakir resurrect the deceased in al-Barzakh and pose three questions concerning their beliefs. Those who answer all three correctly enjoy a more comfortable existence during this transitional phase, while incorrect answers result in pain and hardship. A person can only know the correct answers if they have lived in accordance with and practiced the relevant beliefs.

Regardless of whether the body is buried underground or located elsewhere on Earth, its state does not alter its connection to the ruh in al-Barzakh. When the soul is at peace, the body experiences tranquility and pleasure; conversely, if the soul is in distress, the body endures that suffering intensely.

Death is when the soul separates from the body, serving as a means for the soul to enter the Transitory State. This state persists until Judgment Day. While the human body is formed on Earth and remains here in some form after death, the soul originates from ʿAlam al-Arwaḥ (“the World of Spirits”), where all souls have existed since Creation. Upon death, when the soul separates from the body, it transitions to al-Barzakh, the intermediary realm between this life and the Hereafter. The moment of death is predetermined, and Malak al-Mawt (the Angel of Death) is punctual, capable of being in multiple locations simultaneously. When Munkar-Nakir resurrect the deceased in the grave, they ask the following three questions:

1. Who is your Lord?
2. What is your religion?
3. What did you say about this man? pointing towards Prophet Muhammad .

Anyone who answers the first two questions with “Allah” and “Islam,” and identifies the man in the third question as Prophet Muhammad , successfully passes the test and is left in peace. Those who fail to provide the correct answers experience suffering.

Every soul remains in al-Barzakh until Judgment Day. When this Day arrives, Archangel ‘Israfil will blow the sur (trumpet), whereupon everyone alive will die and everything else will be “wrapped up.” The Holy Quran states:

وَنُفِخَ فِي الصُّورِ فَصَعِقَ مَنْ فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَنْ فِي الْأَرْضِ إِلَّا مَنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ ثُمَّ نُفِخَ فِيهِ أُخْرَى فَإِذَا هُمْ قِيَامٌ يَنْظُرُونَ 68¹

And (when) the trumpet is blown, they will die—what is in the skies and what is on land—except whom Allah wills. When blown into it again, so at that time, they will all be standing (and) staring.

Then, everyone will gather in the Mahshar (ground) in the presence of the Divine Throne. Each person will receive their register of deeds to be weighed. Those whose good deeds outweigh their bad deeds will be among the successful and will enter Paradise. If the bad deeds carry more weight, they will be counted among the losers and will be cast into Hell.

Iman (faith) is essential for any action to qualify as a ‘good deed’ in Islam and to earn rewards in the Hereafter. In Islamic teachings, iman is considered the most significant of all virtuous actions, while kufr (infidelity) and shirk (polytheism) are regarded as the gravest sinful acts. In the Hereafter, the concept of death will no longer apply; indeed, "Death” itself will be eradicated. Consequently, life in both Heaven and Hell will be eternal. The Holy Quran states that the duration of Judgment Day is equivalent to 50,000 Earth years ².

Belief in the Day of Judgment and the Hereafter, including resurrection, is fundamental to Islamic teachings. This belief in the Hereafter and accountability for one’s actions fosters the preservation of spiritual and moral values among believers. The fear of severe repercussions for wrongdoing serves as a deterrent against crime, minimizing the chances of individuals engaging in criminal acts. However, if there is even a small chance of evading punishment or imprisonment, those with criminal inclinations might be more tempted to commit offenses. Since escaping Allah’s accountability on Judgment Day is impossible, devout Muslims remain watchful to avoid breaking Allah’s commandments.

Human-created laws do not fully shield society from crimes, primarily because law enforcement agencies cannot always effectively monitor offenders.

Man-made laws often have inherent weaknesses due to loopholes, making them non-enforceable and resulting in a lack of justice. Numerous concealed and unnoticed crimes occur daily, often eluding the reach of these laws, not to mention the challenges in enforcement and punishment. At times, those who violate human rights hold such power that bringing them to justice becomes nearly impossible.

On Judgment Day, Divine Justice will be enacted, ensuring that every crime victim receives just compensation for their denial of justice. Allah is the ultimate legislator, and His jurisdiction is absolute; no one can evade it. His laws are thorough, leaving no room for loopholes. Consequently, everyone will face punishment for their crimes or sins. Allah possesses infinite power, and on Judgment Day, all human authority will fade away, rendering it impossible to avert His rightful punishment and compensation. He is Omniscient, documenting every action; therefore, no evidence of wrongdoing can be dismissed in His court. Ultimately, justice will prevail, ensuring that those who were denied justice in this life will receive it on the Day of Judgment. The Holy Quran states:

يَوْمَ تَجِدُ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَا عَمِلَتْ مِنْ خَيْرٍ مُحْضَرًا وَمَا عَمِلَتْ مِنْ سُوءٍ تَوَدُّ لَوْ أَنَّ بَيْنَهَا وَبَيْنَهُ أَمَدًا بَعِيدًا وَيُحَذِّرُكُمُ اللَّهُ نَفْسَهُ وَاللَّهُ رَءُوفٌ بِالْعِبَادِ 30³

On the Day when each one will find, present in front, the goodness earned and the wrongdoings that were done, each one will wish that there were quite a distance between the wrongdoings earned and themselves,

Judgment Day serves not only as a moment for holding people accountable for their actions in this life, but also as a day of reward for the faithful. Those who choose the right path, control their harmful desires to earn the Lord’s pleasure, set aside worldly interests out of love for the Lord, truly serve humanity as defined by Allah, fulfill their responsibilities to the Lord and His creations, and sincerely adhere to His commandments will receive their rewards on this day.

The following verses of the Holy Quran address the Day of Judgment and the Hereafter.

أَفَحَسِبْتُمْ أَنَّمَا خَلَقْنَاكُمْ عَبَثًا وَأَنَّكُمْ إِلَيْنَا لَا تُرْجَعُونَ 115⁶

“So have you come to think that We created you just for nothing, and that you will not be returned towards Us?”.

وَلَا تَدْعُ مَعَ اللَّهِ إِلَهًا آخَرَ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ كُلُّ شَيْءٍ هَالِكٌ إِلَّا وَجْهَهُ لَهُ الْحُكْمُ وَ إِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ 88⁷

And do not invoke any deity with Allah. There is no deity except Him. All things will be erased except His being. The Command is His, and towards Him will you people be returned.

وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَاتَّبَعَتْهُمْ ذُرِّيَّتُهُمْ بِإِيمَانٍ أَلْحَقْنَا بِهِمْ ذُرِّيَّتَهُمْ وَمَا أَلَتْنَاهُمْ مِنْ عَمَلِهِمْ مِنْ شَيْءٍ كُلُّ امْرِئٍ بِمَا كَسَبَ رَهِينٌ 21⁸

And those who brought faith and their progeny followed behind them with faith, so We joined them to their progeny, and We did not reduce anything from their deeds. Every soul that earned whatever has full grasp of it.

Understanding what Allah, our Creator, has shared with us about accountability instills a sense of fear, motivating us to act rightly and properly, which ultimately leads to success and recognition. In this context, Islamic knowledge cultivates fear, which in turn encourages righteous actions and leads to success. For instance, many drivers stop at red lights because they fear legal consequences, fines, and a negative mark on their driving records. This fear stems from our awareness of the accountability for our actions. In areas where law enforcement is weak, people often disregard red lights, as there is little to fear. Those who stop at red lights and follow laws out of respect for the law and a wish to keep others safe are considered model citizens, and there are certainly plenty of them. On the other hand, some individuals genuinely need a sense of fear regarding accountability to become law-abiding citizens.

Islam effectively instills a powerful deterrent in the concept of Judgment Day, encouraging individuals to remain on the righteous path. However, many Muslims today seem unfazed by this and have contributed to significant unrest within their communities and beyond. It is essential to understand that no one will evade Allah’s justice. Judgment Day will serve as a day of accountability for everyone, rather than a time of leniency, particularly for those who have wronged others. Allah states in the Holy Quran:

يَاأَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَلْتَنْظُرْ نَفْسٌ مَا قَدَّمَتْ لِغَدٍ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ خَبِيرٌ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ 18⁹

O Faithful Ones! Keep fearing Allah and all are to see what they have sent forth for tomorrow, and fear Allah. Truly, Allah is aware of every action you take.

أَلَمْ يَأْنِ لِلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَنْ تَخْشَعَ قُلُوبُهُمْ لِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ وَمَا نَزَلَ مِنَ الْحَقِّ وَلَا يَكُونُوا كَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ مِنْ قَبْلُ فَطَالَ عَلَيْهِمُ الْأَمَدُ فَقَسَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَكَثِيرٌ مِنْهُمْ فَاسِقُونَ 16¹⁰

Has that time not come for them who brought faith that their hearts may yield for Allah for whatever the Truth was revealed to them. And be not like those who were given the Book before, and after much time passed upon them, their hearts became hardened, and many of them are disobedient.

فِي جَنَّاتٍ يَتَسَاءَلُونَ 40 عَنِ الْمُجْرِمِينَ 41 مَا سَلَكَكُمْ فِي سَقَرَ 42 قَالُوا لَمْ نَكُ مِنَ الْمُصَلِّينَ 43 وَلَمْ نَكُ نُطْعِمُ الْمِسْكِينَ 44 وَكُنَّا نَخُوضُ مَعَ الْخَائِضِينَ 45 وَكُنَّا نُكَذِّبُ بِيَوْمِ الدِّينِ46 حَتَّى أَتَانَا الْيَقِينُ 47فَمَا تَنْفَعُهُمْ شَفَاعَةُ الشَّافِعِينَ 48¹¹

(They) are in gardens. They will inquire. of the sinners, “What was it that took you to Hell?” They answered, “We were not among the praying ones, did not use to feed the needy, and engaged in profane chat along with immoral jargon, and we used to deny the Day of Judgment, to the point death came upon us.” Now they will not benefit from the intercession of those who are to intercede.

Some individuals struggle to accept that after becoming dust and scattered particles on the earth, they will be brought back to life. They must remember that Allah initially created us from nothing; in the second instance, He will at least have our particles. The challenge of creation is greater the first time than in recreating. As our Lord, the All-Powerful, He possesses limitless capability. He can and will undoubtedly revive us and orchestrate the Day of Judgment for justice and retribution. Allah reveals:

وَضَرَبَ لَنَا مَثَلًا وَنَسِيَ خَلْقَهُ قَالَ مَنْ يُحْيِ الْعِظَامَ وَهِيَ رَمِيمٌ 78 قُلْ يُحْيِيهَا الَّذِي أَنْشَأَهَا أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ وَهُوَ بِكُلِّ خَلْقٍ عَلِيمٌ 79 الَّذِي جَعَلَ لَكُمْ مِنَ الشَّجَرِ الْأَخْضَرِ نَارًا فَإِذَا أَنْتُمْ مِنْهُ تُوقِدُونَ 81 أَوَلَيْسَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ بِقَادِرٍ عَلَى أَنْ يَخْلُقَ مِثْلَهُمْ بَلَى وَهُوَ الْخَلَّاقُ الْعَلِيمُ 81 إِنَّمَا أَمْرُهُ إِذَا أَرَادَ شَيْئًا أَنْ يَقُولَ لَهُ كُنْ فَيَكُونُ 82 فَسُبْحَانَ الَّذِي بِيَدِهِ مَلَكُوتُ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ وَ إِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ 83¹²

And he makes examples of Us and forgets his own creation, He asks, “Who will bring the bones to life when they are decomposed?” Answer him, “He will give them life, Who brought them to life in the first place, and He is aware of all life— Who created for you fire from the green tree, so now you kindle fires for yourself —Does not the One Who created the heavens and the Earth have the power to create like (a human being again)? Why not? He is the absolute Creator, the All-Knowing. Whenever He commands something to come into existence, all He says, “Be,” and it is! So glory to Him in Whose hand is the absolute right to do what He wills, and towards Him you people will be brought back.

The Holy Quran contains hundreds of verses urging us to take this crucial matter seriously. Allah has kindly warned us about Judgment Day, demonstrating His benevolence; He is neither cruel nor tyrannical. Numerous signs and prophecies that are being fulfilled indicate that Doomsday is near. Everything that begins must eventually end. If existence were to conclude without any purpose, it would imply that this universe is merely a waste. A Creation so magnificent yet lacking purpose or an end is illogical. Allah does not create anything without reason.

Profound wisdom exists in what remains “unseen,” which makes faith in the unseen profoundly rewarding. When death occurs, all is revealed—faith becomes meaningless and unrecognized at that juncture. Additionally, recognition of the truth on Judgment Day will bring no benefits.

Heaven is a place for believers, while Hell awaits non-believers. This reflects the will of the Lord, who treats everyone justly. He neither gains nor loses from this outcome. He provides us with numerous opportunities and the necessary tools and wisdom to make thoughtful choices. Ultimately, our destiny rests in our own hands. No one will face injustice. After all, each one of us is His Creation, and He is our Lord.

• ¹  Holy Quran, Az-Zumr, 39: 68
• ²  Holy Quran, Al-Ma'arij, 70: 4
• ³  Holy Quran, Al-Imran, 3: 30
• ⁶  Holy Quran, Al-Mu'minun, 23: 115
• ⁷  Holy Quran, Al-Qasas, 28: 88
• ⁸  Holy Quran, At-Tur, 52: 21
• ⁹  Holy Quran, Al-Hashr, 59: 18
• ¹⁰  Holy Quran, Al-Hadid, 57: 16
• ¹¹  Holy Quran, Al-Muddaththir, 74: 40-48
• ¹²  Holy Quran, Ya-Sin, 36: 78-83