What Is Belief in the Day of Judgment?
This text explores the significance of the concept of the afterlife, its place in the Quran and Hadith, and its impact on believers. Discover the spiritual depth of the Day of Judgment by examining practical examples and sources.
Definition of the Afterlife
The word “ākhirah” in Arabic means “the last, the final abode, eternal life.” In Islamic belief, it refers to a new and everlasting realm that begins once our life in this world ends. After completing the test of this worldly life, a person enters the phases of the grave (barzakh), resurrection, the gathering (mahshar), accountability (hisab), the balance (mizan), the bridge (sirat), and eventually Paradise (Jannah) or Hellfire (Jahannam). Belief in the afterlife, as one of the fundamental pillars of faith, plays a crucial role in shaping a Muslim’s sense of responsibility in worldly life.
Belief in the afterlife motivates believers not to chase worldly gains alone but to seek divine pleasure. This is because the believer knows that all deeds will be fully rewarded or punished in the afterlife. This awareness shapes a Muslim’s morality, worship, and social interactions. When reflecting upon one’s conscience, a believer prioritizes lasting good over fleeting desires.
The Importance of Belief in the Day of Judgment
Faith in the afterlife is a foundational principle that helps a person organize their worldly life. Even though we live a relatively short lifespan in this world, we recognize that we are at the threshold of an eternal existence. This realization restrains the whims of the self, increases awareness of responsibility, and keeps moral principles alive.
The Quran frequently draws attention to the transitory nature of this worldly life and points out that the afterlife is the realm of everlasting bliss or torment. A believer, aware of the true meaning of life, deals with worldly troubles and pleasures with balance and wisdom, knowing that ultimate reward or punishment awaits in the Hereafter.
Belief in the Afterlife in the Quran
The Quran emphasizes belief in the afterlife repeatedly while discussing the pillars of faith. Many surahs describe scenes of the Day of Resurrection and what follows. For instance, the Quran states:
وَاتَّقُوا يَوْمًا تُرْجَعُونَ فِيهِ إِلَى اللّٰهِ ثُمَّ تُوَفَّى كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَا كَسَبَتْ وَهُمْ لَا يُظْلَمُونَ
“Fear the Day when you shall be returned to Allah, then every soul shall be paid in full what it has earned, and none shall be wronged.” (Quran 2:281)
This verse underscores that the reckoning on that Day is inevitable for every person. Everything a person does in this worldly life—actions, words, even intentions—will be accounted for in the afterlife. Consequently, belief in the Day of Judgment inspires a person not to squander their life, to multiply good deeds, and to refrain from sin.
Another verse states:
مَنْ عَمِلَ صَالِحًا فَلِنَفْسِهِ وَمَنْ أَسَاءَ فَعَلَيْهَا ثُمَّ إِلَى رَبِّكُمْ تُرْجَعُونَ
“Whoever does good deeds, does so for his own self, and whoever does evil deeds, does so against himself. Then unto your Lord you shall all be returned.” (Quran 45:15)
This verse also makes it clear that people will see the consequences of both their good and bad deeds. Hence, the believer is urged to spend every moment engaged in righteous deeds rather than leaning toward injustice, selfishness, or wrongdoings.
Belief in the Day of Judgment in Hadith
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of belief in the afterlife in many of his sayings. For example, he said: “Be in this world as though you were a stranger or a traveler.” (Bukhari, Riqaq, 3). This statement reminds believers to view their worldly life as temporary and to stay mindful of the fact that the afterlife is the true abode.
In another narration, “A wise person is the one who calls himself to account and performs deeds that will benefit him after death.” (Tirmidhi, Qiyamah, 25). This encourages people to use worldly life not just for material gains but as an opportunity to work for eternal success. Such statements push individuals to consistently reflect on their actions, keeping the belief in the afterlife alive in their minds and hearts.
Impact of This Belief on Daily Life
Belief in the afterlife directly influences a person’s behavior in family life, business, social circles, and many other areas. A Muslim who helps a neighbor does so not just for worldly recognition but with the knowledge that the ultimate reward lies in the afterlife, thus acting with pure intentions.
Similarly, in business, honesty becomes paramount, as earning unlawful gains or cheating involves severe consequences in the Hereafter. This consciousness helps establish a robust social and moral order, since people become more sensitive to the rights of others when they know they will be accountable before God.
Moreover, a believer who constantly remembers the Hereafter faces worldly trials such as illness, loss, or any hardship with greater patience. Because they believe in the rewards that await the patient in the afterlife. This belief keeps despair at bay, allowing the believer to turn to Allah with hope and resolve.
Key Elements of the Afterlife
- Grave and Barzakh: Upon death, a person’s soul enters the grave or the “barzakh” realm. There, they experience a period of waiting and testing based on their deeds in this worldly life, until the Day of Resurrection.
- Resurrection (Qiyamah): The cosmos and all life will come to an end, and by Allah’s command, everything will be shaken. According to Islamic belief, this Day will inevitably come, gathering all of humanity and the jinn before Allah.
- Gathering and Reckoning (Mahshar and Hisab): After the Resurrection, people will be gathered in the vast field of the Mahshar. Here, everyone’s deeds will be laid out, and everyone will be questioned before receiving their due.
- The Scale and the Bridge (Mizan and Sirat): The Mizan is a metaphysical scale where deeds are weighed. The Sirat is a bridge stretched over Hellfire; each individual crosses it in accordance with their faith and deeds, experiencing challenges or ease.
- Paradise and Hell: As the final destination, believers will enter Paradise, the abode of eternal joy, while disbelievers and oppressors will enter Hell, the place of eternal punishment. These destinations reflect the ultimate manifestation of Allah’s absolute justice.
Final Word
Belief in the Day of Judgment occupies a central position in the life of a believer, inviting one to live with poise and mindfulness. It instills balance between hope and fear, guiding the believer away from being deluded by fleeting worldly pleasures. A person of strong faith recognizes this life is transitory, directing their efforts toward attaining the pleasure of the Creator and preparing for eternal life. The Quran and Hadith consistently underscore this great Day—an inevitable reality that follows our temporary worldly existence. Through this belief, every moment of life gains significance, and the heart is endowed with a deep sense of accountability and assurance. This world is the stage for our test, while the Hereafter is the realm where the results of this test are fully unveiled. Therefore, a believer should live responsibly in this world, always mindful of the afterlife, seeking Divine pleasure.
References
- Bukhari, Al-Jami’ al-Sahih
- Tirmidhi, Al-Jami’ as-Sunan
- Tabari, Jami’ al-Bayan
- Ibn Kathir, Tafsir al-Qur’an al-Azim
- Imam al-Ghazali, Ihya Ulum ad-Din
- Al-Malili Hamdi Yazir, Hak Dini Kur’an Dili
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