Akhirah (Afterlife)

Belief in the Akhirah (Afterlife)

Accountability, justice, and eternal life after death

Introduction

Akhirah, the afterlife, is one of the six pillars of faith. It refers to the eternal life that follows death, including the Day of Judgment, Heaven (Jannah), and Hell (Jahannam). Belief in the Akhirah reminds Muslims of accountability and Allah’s ultimate justice, shaping how they live in this world.

Qur’anic Foundation of Akhirah

“But the Hereafter is better and more enduring.” Qur’an 87:17

The Day of Judgment

Yawm al-Qiyamah is when all people will be resurrected and judged for their deeds. Nothing, however small, will be overlooked.

“So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.” Qur’an 99:7-8

Heaven (Jannah)

Jannah is the eternal home of peace, joy, and closeness to Allah. Believers will be reunited with loved ones, free from sorrow and pain.

“Gardens of perpetual residence; they will enter them with whoever were righteous among their fathers, their spouses, and their descendants.” Qur’an 13:23

Hell (Jahannam)

Jahannam is the place of punishment for those who reject faith and persist in sin. It is described as a place of unbearable suffering and regret.

“But those who disbelieve and deny Our signs  they are the companions of Hellfire.” Qur’an 5:10

Stages of the Afterlife

Barzakh (Interim Period): The stage between death and resurrection.

“And behind them is a barrier until the Day they are resurrected.” Qur’an 23:100

Resurrection (Ba‘th): All people will be raised and presented before Allah.

“And they will be presented before your Lord in rows, [and He will say], ‘You have certainly come to Us just as We created you the first time.’” Qur’an 18:48

Accountability (Hisab): Records will be given, and every soul will be judged with perfect justice.

“Then as for he who is given his record in his right hand, he will be judged with an easy account. But as for he who is given his record behind his back, he will cry out for destruction.” Qur’an 84:7-12

Belief in the Akhirah and Its Impact

Belief in the Akhirah motivates Muslims to live with integrity, justice, and compassion. It encourages repentance, patience in hardship, and the pursuit of good deeds, knowing that Allah will judge every action with fairness.

Addressing Misconceptions

• Denial of the afterlife: Some claim there is no life after death. The Qur’an refutes this by affirming resurrection and accountability.
• Living only for this world: Some live as if this life is final. Islam teaches that worldly life is temporary, while the Hereafter is eternal.
• Assuming intercession guarantees salvation: True salvation requires faith paired with righteous deeds.

References

Primary Sources

Qur’an

1. Al-A‘la 87:17: The Hereafter is better and everlasting.
2. Az-Zalzalah 99:7-8: Every deed will be seen on Judgment Day.
3. Ar-Ra‘d 13:23: Gardens of Paradise for the righteous.
4. Al-Ma’idah 5:10: Disbelievers are companions of Hellfire.
5. Al-Mu’minun 23:100: Barzakh until resurrection.
6. Al-Kahf 18:48: Resurrection before Allah.
7. Al-Inshiqaq 84:7-12: Records given and judgment passed.

Hadith

8. Ṣaḥīḥ Ibn Ḥibbān 709: Prefer the afterlife that remains forever

Secondary Sources

9. Ibn Abi al-‘Izz, Sharh al-‘Aqidah al-Tahawiyyah: Explains belief in the Hereafter.
10. Imam al-Nawawi, Riyad al-Salihin: Hadith collection on accountability and Akhirah.