Introduction

All of us are walking blind towards a cliff.  None of us know which step it will be that will cause us to fall, we only are certain of one thing - that we are getting closer to the edge.  Once we are over the edge, we can never get back.  Such is life, and such is the fact that we will all meet our end one day.

Indeed, most of us know someone who has passed away and every minute of every day people are dying in one way or another. Some people are dying young, some dying old and some die before they are even born. In some cases a person may be dying after a long illness, in other cases a person's death may be very sudden. None of us knows when we will reach the 'edge of the cliff ', how this will happen or where we will be at the time. Allah says in the Qur'an:

"Nor does anyone know what it is that he will earn tomorrow. Nor does anyone know in what land he is to die. Verily with Allah is full knowledge and Allah is acquainted with all things"

(Qur'an 31:34)

However, one thing we may all be certain of is that we will die - somewhere, some how, some way.

"Everyone shall taste death. And only on the Day of Resurrection shall you be paid your wages in full. And whoever is removed away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise, this person is indeed successful. The life of this world is only the enjoyment of deception."

(Qur'an 3:185)

and

"Say (to them): Verily, the death from which you flee will surely meet you..."

(Qur'an 62:8)

Islam provides a great detail of insight into a person's death and what follows so that we may prepare ourselves for this inevitable event as best as possible. Whilst death may not be a topic that everyone enjoys discussing, its reality cannot be escaped and so we should attempt to understand what is involved to make the experience as enjoyable as possible.

Summary of Islamic beliefs regarding death

In summary, Islam teaches that when a person dies:

  • the soul is taken from the body

  • the person's book (deeds) are recorded

  • the soul is returned to the body in the grave for questioning

  • the person undergoes questioning in the grave by two angels

  • the body and soul undergo torment or experience joy until the Day of Resurrection

  • on the Day of Resurrection all creatures have their body and soul reunited and are judged by Allah according to their deeds on earth

  • Allah decrees for some people to enter Paradise and some to enter the Hellfire according to His judgement of their deeds.  This will be their final destination where they will abide for all eternity.  Note: some people will spend some time in the Hellfire first before being admitted to Paradise as atonement for their sins.

Islam therefore does acknowledge the concept of life after death.  However, it does not in any way support the notion of reincarnation.  What Islam does teach is that there are three 'lives':

1. The life of this world that we are in here and now, which ends with death

2. The life of Al-Barzakh (the grave), which begins with death and ends on the Day of Resurrection

3. The life of the Hereafter, which begins on the Day of Resurrection when the people are raised from their graves.  It is spent in Paradise or Hell and does not end.

What does 'Death' cover in this section?

This section of the IRIS website provides information about the following: before death, repentance, what happens when a person is dying, how the soul is taken from the body, the questioning in the grave, what happens during the time spent in the grave, the Day of Resurrection and other events on this day, and finally, admission to Paradise or Hell and the death of death itself. Use the links at the bottom of each page or browse using the menu on the right hand side of the page.
 

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 Before Death

 


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