Barzakh: The Intermediate Realm Between Death and Resurrection

What is Barzakh in Islam?

Barzakh is an Arabic word that translates to “obstacle,” “hindrance,” “separation,” or “barrier.” In Islamic terminology, it refers to the state or realm between death and the Day of Judgment. In Islam, Barzakh is a transitional period where the soul is separated from the body.

Meaning of Barzakh

The term “Barzakh” signifies a partition or veil that separates two distinct realities: the world of the living and the hereafter. It is a state of existence where individuals are held accountable for their actions in this world, awaiting the ultimate judgment.

Barzakh in the Quran

The concept of Barzakh is mentioned in several Quranic verses. One significant verse is in Surah Al-Mu’minun, where it states:

This verse highlights the concept of barzakh in Islam as a barrier between the world and the hereafter. It emphasizes the finality of death and the impossibility of returning to rectify one’s actions after passing away.

Hadith about Barzakh

Numerous hadiths elaborate on the state of Barzakh in Islam, providing insights into the experiences of souls in this intermediate realm. While specific details vary, the consensus is that individuals in Barzakh are aware of their surroundings and the prayers offered for them by the living.

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that:

The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “When the deceased – or he said when one of you – is buried, two angels, black and blue-eyed_ come to him. One of them is called Al-Munkar, and the other An-Nakir. They say: ‘What did you use to say about this man?’ So he says what he was saying (before death): ‘He is Allah Almighty’s slave and His Messenger. I testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah (SWT) and that Muhammad (SAW) is His slave and His Messenger.’ So they say: ‘We knew that you would say this.’ Then, his grave is expanded to seventy cubits, and then it is illuminated for him. Then it is said to him: ‘Sleep.’ So he said: ‘Can I return to my family to inform them?’ They say: ‘Sleep as a newlywed, whom none awakens but the dearest of his family.’ Until Allah (SWT) resurrects him from his resting place.”If he was a hypocrite, he would say: ‘I heard people saying something, so I said the same; I do not know.’ So they said: ‘We knew you would say that.’ So the earth is told: ‘Constrict him.’ So it constricts around him, squeezing his ribs together. He continues being punished like that until Allah Almighty resurrects him from his resting place.”

(Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1071)

Experiences of the Soul in Barzakh

The life of this world is nothing in comparison to the life of the Hereafter.  The joys and sorrows of this life are very small in comparison to what comes after. The next phase begins when the soul leaves the body. At this crucial stage, there are two groups of people, the fortunate ones and the wretched ones. The experiences of the soul in Barzakh depend on the person’s faith and actions during their earthly life. The righteous believers feel peace, and comfort, and catch a glimpse of their future rewards in Paradise. Conversely, those who live sinful lives experience torment and get a glimpse of their punishment in Hell. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) described Barzakh as a period of questioning by the angels Munkar and Nakir, who ask about one’s faith and deeds.

Significance of Body and Soul Separation

The separation of the body and soul is a foundational belief in Islamic teachings about the afterlife. The body is considered a temporary vessel for the soul, which is eternal. When a person dies, the soul is freed from the physical body and enters the realm of barzakh. This separation signifies the beginning of a new stage of existence, where God holds individuals accountable for their deeds and they await the final judgment.

The significance of this separation lies in:

• Accountability: The soul is held responsible for its actions in this world.
• Preparation: The time in Barzakh is considered a period of preparation for the hereafter.
• Reward and Punishment: Some hadiths indicate that believers may experience comfort and tranquility in Barzakh, while non-believers may encounter challenges and difficulties.

The Role of Deeds in Barzakh

A person’s actions in this world have a significant impact on their experience in Barzakh.

• Rewards for Good Deeds: Believers who have led righteous lives are expected to experience comfort and peace in Barzakh. This may include visits from loved ones, access to gardens of paradise, and other forms of divine mercy.
• Punishment for Sins: Those who have committed sins (major or Minor) may face challenges and difficulties in Barzakh. However, it’s important to note that the ultimate punishment for major sins is reserved for the Hereafter.
• Intercession: The intercession of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and other righteous individuals can benefit believers in Barzakh. Their prayers and supplications can alleviate the difficulties faced by the deceased.

The Role of Good Deeds

• Weight of Good Deeds: Hadiths emphasize the significance of accumulating good deeds as they will be weighed on the Day of Judgment. Every act of kindness, charity, and obedience to Allah (SWT) will add to the weight of the scales.
• Qualities of Good Deeds: It’s not only the quantity of good deeds that matters, but also their quality. Deeds done with sincerity, for the sake of Allah (SWT), and accompanied by good intentions carry more weight.
• The Impact of Small Deeds: Even small acts of kindness can have a meaningful impact on the scales. Hadiths encourage us to consistently perform good deeds, no matter how small they may seem.

The Concept of Mizan (Scales)

The concept of Mizan e Amal, or the scales, is closely related to Barzakh in Islam. It is believed that on the Day of Judgment, people’s deeds will be weighed on a scale. The outcome of this weighing will determine their fate in the Hereafter. However, the process of recording deeds and their evaluation begins in Barzakh.

The Consequences of the Weighing

Paradise or Hell: The outcome of the weighing will determine an individual’s eternal destiny. If the scale of good deeds outweighs the scale of bad deeds, the person will enter Paradise. Conversely, if the scale of bad deeds is heavier, the person will be cast into Hellfire.

The Importance of Dua (Supplication) for the Deceased

Islam emphasizes the significance of supplication (dua) for the deceased. We believe that the prayers of the living can provide comfort and support to souls in Barzakh.

• Specific Dua: There are specific duas recommended for the deceased, seeking Allah’s mercy and forgiveness for them.
• Continuous Supplication: It is encouraged to remember the deceased in prayers regularly, especially during the month of Ramadan.
• Charity: Giving charity on behalf of the deceased is also considered a beneficial act.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is it possible to communicate with the dead in Barzakh?

While there are beliefs and practices related to communicating with the dead in some cultures, Islam does not endorse such practices. The Quran and authentic hadiths do not provide any clear guidance on this matter, generally discouraging it.

Q2. What happens to the soul after Barzakh?

On the Day of Judgment, God will reunite souls with their bodies for either eternal bliss in Paradise or eternal punishment in Hell.

Q3. Can Good deeds done after someone’s death benefit them in Barzakh?

Yes, good deeds such as charity, prayers, and supplications offered on behalf of the deceased can benefit their soul in Barzakh.

Q4. Is there life after death?

Yes, Islam firmly believes in life after death. The concept of barzakh is a central part of this belief.

Q5. What is the purpose of Barzakh in Islam?

During Barzakh, God holds individuals accountable for their actions, makes them await the Day of Judgment, and may reward or punish them based on their deeds.

It is important to note that the understanding of barzakh is based on interpretations of the Quran and hadiths, and there are different perspectives among scholars. The information provided here is a general overview based on mainstream Islamic beliefs.

Q6. Where is Barzakh Mentioned in the Quran?

Surah Al-Mu’minun (99-100) mentions Barzakh, indicating a barrier between the dead and the living world.

Q7. What happens in Barzakh, According to Hadith?

According to Hadith, in Barzakh, the deceased face questioning about their faith and see their place in the Hereafter, experiencing a preview of their final destination based on their deeds.

Q8. How Long is Barzakh?

The duration of Barzakh is unknown. The Quran and authentic hadiths do not provide a specific timeframe for the period between death and the Day of Judgment. We consider it to last until the resurrection of all souls.

Q9. How Time Passes in Barzakh?

We have a limited understanding of time in Barzakh. Just as the duration of Barzakh itself is unknown, so too is the nature of time within it.

Q10. Do Souls Meet in Barzakh?

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RA) that the Prophet (SAW) said:

“When the believer is dying, the angels of mercy come to him with white silk and say: ‘Come out content and with the pleasure of Allah upon you to the mercy of Allah, fragrance and a Lord Who is not angry; So it comes out like the best fragrance of musk. They pass him from one to another until they bring him to the gate of heaven, where they say: ‘; How good is this fragrance that has come to you from the Earth! Then the souls of the believers come to him and they rejoice more over him than any one of you rejoices when his absent loved one comes to him. They ask him: ‘What happened to so-and-so, what happened to so-and-so?’ They say: ‘Let him be, for he was in the hardship of the world. When he says, ‘Did he not come here?’ They say: ‘He was taken to the pit (of Hell).’ Come out discontent, subject of Divine wrath, to the punishment of Allah, the Mighty, and Sublime; So it comes out like the foulest stench of a corpse. They bring him to the gates of the Earth, where they say: ‘How foul is this stench!’ Then they bring him to the souls of the disbelievers.”

(Sunan an-Nasa’i 1833)

Q11. Where do the Souls Settle?

Hazrat Abu Huraira (RA) reported Allah’s Messenger (SAW) Saying:

Souls are troops collected together and those who familiarised with each other (in the heaven from where these come) would have an affinity, with one another (in the world), and those amongst them who opposed each other (in the Heaven) would also be divergent (in the world).

(Sahih Muslim 2638a)