Stages of Life After Death in Islam: A Journey Beyond the World

What is Akhirah – Introduction

In Islam, Akhirah refers to life after death, a fundamental belief that the moment of death is determined by Allah (SWT). The stages of life after death begin when individuals remain in their graves until Yawm al-Din (the Day of Judgment). Additionally, Allah (SWT) will resurrect them for final judgment based on their deeds in this world. On this day, Allah (SWT) will weigh each person’s actions to determine their eternal fate in either Paradise or Hell, signifying His greatest justice.

The journey through the stages of life after death underscores the profound importance of one’s actions in this world. Moreover, it highlights their impact on destiny in the Hereafter.

For more information about life after death click this link; The Concept of Life After Death in Islam.

Death and the Departure of the Soul

The process of dying is called Sakaratul Maut (the throes of death), and it is considered a significant event as the Angel of Death (Malak al-Maut) comes to recover the soul.

At the moment of death, the Angel of Death gently or forcefully removes the soul from the body depending on the person’s deeds. For the righteous, it is said that the soul departs easily, like water flowing from a jug, while for the wicked, it is torn out painfully. The soul then essays on a journey through the stages of the afterlife, which starts with the questioning in the grave by the angels Munkar and Nakir.

The righteous will answer these questions with ease and will be granted peace in their graves. They will expand their graves, and a window to Paradise will open for them. Furthermore, this will allow them to experience the beauty and blessings of Jannah. However, those who lead sinful lives will struggle to answer these questions.

Stages of Life After Death in Islam

In Islamic teachings, life does not end with death. Instead, death marks the beginning of a new chapter in the eternal journey of the soul. This belief in life after death is a central principle of Islam. It offers hope and motivation for believers to live righteous lives, knowing they will be held accountable in the Hereafter.

Barzakh (The Intermediate Life)

Barzakh is the first stage of the stages of life after death in Islam. It is a period where the soul remains in a state of waiting until the Day of Judgment. During this phase, the soul experiences a preview of either reward or punishment, depending on its deeds during worldly life.

The righteous souls are said to experience peace and bliss during Barzakh, while sinful souls face punishment. This phase can be compared to a dream-like state, where the soul becomes aware of what awaits it in the future.

Blowing of the Trumpet (Israfil’s Trumpet)

The angel Israfil signifies the next crucial event in the stages of life after death by blowing the trumpet. This act will signal the destruction of the world and mark the beginning of the Day of Judgment. There are two blowings of the trumpet:

1. The First Blowing: This initial blow will cause all living beings to die and bring an end to the world as we know it. Everything will cease to exist, and the signs of the Day of Judgment will manifest.
2. The Second Blowing: After a period of silence, Israfil will blow the trumpet a second time, which will resurrect all souls from their graves. This resurrection will initiate the final gathering of humanity for judgment before Allah (SWT). The Quran describes this event:

The blowing of the trumpet is a pivotal moment in the stages of life after death, transitioning from Barzakh to the Day of Resurrection.

The Day of Judgment

Qiyama, or the Day of Judgment, is the moment when all humans, from the first to the last, will be resurrected and held accountable for their deeds. This phase is one of the most significant stages of life after death in Islam. Moreover, it represents the ultimate reckoning of every individual’s actions in this world. On this day, Allah (SWT) will weigh each person’s deeds, determining their eternal fate in Paradise or Hell based on His justice and mercy. The Day of Judgment serves as a reminder for believers to live righteously and seek forgiveness. Furthermore, they must recognize that their actions will have consequences in the Hereafter. The Quran describes this day as a moment of great alarm:

On this day, everyone will be held accountable for their deeds, both good and bad. The earth and the universe will be destroyed, and a new realm will be created for judgment.

Resurrection After Death

Resurrection plays a key role in the stages of life after death in Islam. After the trumpet is blown for the second time, all the dead will be resurrected from their graves.

The Quran describes the resurrection as a miraculous event in which even bones will come back to life. Moreover, it demonstrates Allah’s (SWT) power over life and death. This event signifies the beginning of the final judgment, where every soul will stand before Allah (SWT) to account for their actions during their earthly life. The resurrection underscores the belief in accountability and reinforces the importance of living a life aligned with Islamic teachings.

Resurrection signifies the reality of the afterlife and serves as a reminder that this world is temporary. The Quran mentions the resurrection as a sign of Allah’s (SWT) power over all things, highlighting the next stage of accountability.

The Gathering Place (Mahshar)

After the resurrection, all people will be gathered in a vast area called Mahshar, where they will await their judgment. This place of gathering is another key moment in the stages of life after death in Islam, as individuals stand in wonder of what is to come.

In Mahshar, people will experience the weight of their deeds, reflecting on their lives while waiting for Allah (SWT) to pass judgment. The atmosphere will be charged with tension and expectation, as everyone awaits the ultimate reckoning. Furthermore, this reckoning will determine their eternal fate in the Hereafter. This gathering emphasizes the collective experience of humanity and the importance of accountability in the eyes of Allah (SWT).

Hazrat Aisha (RA) narrated that:

“The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) described this day: The people will be gathered barefooted, naked, and uncircumcised.” I said, “O Allah’s Messenger (SAW)! Will the men and the women look at each other?” He said, “The situation will be too hard for them to pay attention to that.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 6527]

Momin will be under the shade of Allah’s (SWT) mercy, while others will suffer from fear and the uncertainty of their fate.

Receiving the Book of Deeds

The next stage in the stages of life after death is the distribution of the Book of Deeds, which records every action a person performs in their life.

Those who receive their book in their right hand belong to the righteous, while those who receive it in their left hand face punishment. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran;

Disbelievers and sinners will receive the book in their left hand, signaling their failure and impending punishment.

Reckoning (Hisab)

The Hisab is the judgment process, where every individual will be questioned about their deeds. The Quran stresses that no action, no matter how small, will not be hidden from Allah (SWT). Good and bad deeds will be accounted for, and each soul will be judged accordingly.

Believers who sincerely repented for their sins and maintained faith will have an easy Hisab, while disbelievers and hypocrites will face a difficult trial.

Scale or Mizan

Following the Hisab, deeds will be weighed on the Mizan (scale). The scale will weigh the good deeds against the bad ones. Those whose good deeds outweigh their bad will be rewarded with Paradise, while those with heavier evil deeds face punishment. The Quran describes the scale as a symbol of Allah’s (SWT) perfect justice.

River and Pool of Kawthar

The Kawthar is a special river in Paradise gifted to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). On the Day of Judgment, the Prophet (PBUH) will offer water from the pool of Kawthar to the believers. Additionally, they will drink from it and never experience thirst again. This is a great honor and one of the rewards mentioned in the stages of life after death in Islam.

Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (RA) narrated that:

The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “Al-Kauthar is a river in Paradise, whose banks are of gold, and it flows over pearls and corundum. Its dirt is purer than musk, and its water is sweeter than honey and whiter than milk.” [Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3361]

The followers of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) consider drinking from this river a reward for the righteous.

Sirat (The Bridge)

The Sirat is a bridge that spans over Hellfire (Jahannam) and leads to Paradise. Every individual will have to cross this bridge after their judgment. The speed at which a person crosses the Sirat is determined by their faith and deeds during their lifetime.

The righteous will cross quickly and safely, reflecting their good actions and strong faith, while the sinful will struggle and may falter as they attempt to cross. Those whose evil deeds outweigh their good ones risk falling into the depths of Hellfire. This moment serves as a final test of one’s life choices, emphasizing the importance of righteous living and the consequences of one’s actions in the Hereafter.

Intercession (Shafa’ah)

On the Day of Judgment, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and other righteous individuals will intercede on behalf of sinners. Allah (SWT) will grant Shafa’ah as a form of mercy. Moreover, this allows those who have committed sins to seek forgiveness and avoid eternal punishment.

The intercession of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is especially significant for believers, as it represents a final opportunity for forgiveness and mercy. This act of intercession serves as a reminder of Allah’s compassion and the importance of sincere repentance. The Prophet (PBUH) will stand before Allah (SWT) and plead for the forgiveness of those who have faith. Furthermore, this reinforces the belief that mercy can prevail over justice for those who sincerely seek it.

Purgatory

In Islamic teachings, some sinful believers may enter a state akin to purgatory, a temporary place of punishment, before being allowed into Paradise. Unlike disbelievers, who face eternal punishment, these believers will eventually be purified of their sins and granted entry into Paradise. This concept reflects Allah’s (SWT) mercy and forgiveness, highlighting the belief that even those who have sinned can attain redemption through His grace.

Hell (Jahannam)

For those who failed in their judgment, Jahannam is their final destination. It is described as a place of intense fire, suffering, and punishment for disobedient souls. The Quran vividly describes Jahannam as a terrifying place where the disbelievers will live forever.

Paradise (Jannah)

In Jannah, people will experience endless happiness, beauty, and closeness to Allah (SWT), without pain or suffering. The Quran describes Jannah as:

Jannah has no pain or suffering, only endless happiness, beauty, and closeness to Allah (SWT).

Conclusion

The stages of life after death in Islam remind us of the temporary nature of this worldly life and the importance of preparing for the Hereafter. Each stage highlights the journey of the soul.

In Islam, the journey after death is a series of profound experiences that test the soul’s faith, deeds, and intentions. Each stage serves as a reminder to live righteously, uphold justice, and continuously seek Allah’s (SWT) forgiveness. Understanding these stages helps Muslims remain mindful of the Hereafter and inspires them to strive for a place in eternal Paradise.

May Allah (SWT) guide us to His mercy, grant us success in crossing these stages, and reunite us in Jannah.