Islam –Life after death (Akhirah)
Islamic teachings on life after death / Martydom in Islam
Barzakh /
  1. This is a period of waiting between a person’s death and the Day of Judgement
  2. Some believe that during this time, the soul is punished or rewarded for the body’s actions
  3. Others believe that during this time, the soul is given a temporary body, which will be light or dark, reflecting good or bad, so the soul knows the judgement
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  • Standing for, and defending, their faith may lead to some Muslims being martyrs for their faith
  • Martyrdom is being killed in defence of or struggle (Jihad) for Islam
  • Muslims believe that dying in this way leads to immediate Paradise
  • Extremists have used this concept to justify destructive and aggressive acts against non-Muslims who they see as threatening Islam
Life after death - definition
  • Muslims believe life on this world is a preparation for the next world
  • This belief is known as Akhirah, meaning afterlife or hereafter
  • Humans are the representatives of G-d on this world, and are expected to do what G-d wants through guidance from the Qur’an and Muhammad
  • Muslims believe that after death will come the Day of Judgement, known as yawm al-Qiyamah
  • At a time of G-d’s choosing, the dead will be resurrected to life. Each person will be judged by G-d, beginning with Muhammad
Quotations & References
Quotations & References
  • Angels will welcome believers into heaven with a message of peace (13:24)
  • Heaven will be a place of constant peace (56:25-26)
  • The fire of hell will be ‘almost bursting with fury’ (67:7)
  • “And do not think of those who have been killed in the way of Allah as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, (and) provided for…” (3:169)
  • “Let there be no compulsion in the religion. The right direction is distinctly clear from error (2:256) [Note: This quotation is used against the extremist view of martyrdom]

Day of Judgement /
  1. There will be signs that the end of the world and Day of Judgement are approaching
  2. Sunni belief is that Isa (Jesus) as the Messiah will appear
  3. Shi’a Muslims believe that the Twelfth ‘hidden’ Imam is the Messiah rather than Isa
  4. On the Day of Judgement, G-d will bring judgement on all
  5. Those who have died believing in G-d, Muhammad, and who are Muslim will gain Paradise forever
  6. Those who are not Muslim will go to hell (Jahannam) forever, although G-d may be merciful and allow a person to enter Paradise after punishment
  7. Only the sin of Shirk permanently excludes G-d’s forgiveness
  8. The resurrection on the Last Day will be physical
  9. Heaven and hell will appear on this day

Heaven /
  1. Heaven is known as al-Janna
  2. It is believed to be a physical garden where people are young and happy
  3. Heaven will have eight gates that Muhammad has named. Each gate will be for acts of devotion to G-d

Hell /
  1. Hell is known as Jahannam
  2. Hell is presented as a place of darkness and fear
  3. It is a place for sinful believers to be purified. Unbelievers will be eternally punished