The Last Day is the Day when mankind will be resurrected to be asked about
their deeds and receive reward or punishment for them. It is called “the Last
Day,” because it is the last day, no day after that. Afterwards, people of
Paradise will permanently reside and take their places in it, and people of Hell
will permanently reside and take their places in it.
Belief In The Last Day Has Three Parts
1. To believe in the Resurrection. - The Resurrection happens when the
Horn will be blown for the second time. Afterwards, mankind will be resurrected
to face the questioning by the Lord of the worlds. They will neither be wearing
shoes nor circumcised, and they will be naked and visible to others on this
state, (however, everyone will be absolutely preoccupied with what they are
going to face and the hardship of the Day of Resurrection). Allah said, what
translated means, “As We began the first creation, We shall repeat it, (it is) a
promise binding upon Us. Truly, We shall do it." [21:104].
The Resurrection is a true event that the Qur’aan, the Sunnah and the consensus
of Muslims have confirmed. Allah said, what translated means, “After that,
surely you will die. Then (again), surely, you will be resurrected on the Day of
Resurrection.” [23:15-16]. The Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa-sallam) said, what
translated means, “On the Day of Resurrection, Mankind wilt be resurrected while
they are bear-footed and naked.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslim]
The Muslims are unanimous on confirming the Day of Resurrection. This is the
wisdom of Allah, for He decreed that creation will have a day of reckoning for
their deeds after He sent them Messengers to inform them of His Commandments. He
said, what translated means, “Did you think that We had created you in play
(without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us?” [23:115]
and, “Verily, He Who has given you (O Muhammad (sallallaahu alaihi wa-sallam))
the Qur’aan will surely bring you back to the Ma’ad (place of return).” [28:85].
2. To believe in the Reckoning - In the Last Day, the slave will be
rewarded or punished for his deeds. This fact was also confirmed by the Qur’aan,
the Sunnah and the consensus of Muslims. Allah said, what translated means,
“Verily, to Us will be their return. Then verily, for Us will be their
Reckoning.” [88:25-26], “Whoever brings a good deed shall have ten times the
like thereof to his credit, and whoever brings an evil deed shall have only the
recompense of the like thereof and they will not be wronged.” [6:160] and, “And
We shall set up balances of justice on the Day of Resurrection, then none will
be dealt with unjustly in anything. And if there be the weight of a mustard
seed, We will bring it And Sufficient are We as Reckoners.” [21:47].
The Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa-sallam) said, what translated means, “Allah
will bring the believer closer to Him, and will shield him form being exposed
(for his evil deeds in front of everyone). He will say: ‘Do you remember such
and such (evil) deed? Do you remember such and such (evil) deed?’ He will say:
‘Yes, O my Lord!’ When He gets his confessions for his evil deeds, and he (the
salve) thinks that he is close to destruction, he will say: ‘I have preserved
you (from being exposed in front of others for these evil deeds) during your
lifetime. Today, I forgive them for you.’ Then, he will be given his record of
deeds. As for the disbelievers and the hypocrites, they will be called in
public: ‘These are the ones who lied on their Lord (did not follow His Guidance
sent down with their Prophets). Therefore, Allah’s curse will befall the unjust
ones." [Saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslim]
And,“Whoever intends to perform a good deed, and performs it, Allah will record
it for him as ten deeds, to seven hundredfold, to many more folds. Whoever
intends to commit and evil deed, and commits it, Allah will record it as one
evil deed.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslim]
Muslims are unanimous that the Day of Reckoning will come. This is the Wisdom of
Allah. He revealed the Books, sent down the Messengers and commanded that they
be accepted, followed and obeyed. He commanded that whoever oppose them (the
Books and the Messengers) are to be fought. He permitted shedding their blood,
and the seizure of their children, women and possessions. If there will not be a
Day of Reckoning, then this Commandment will be time wasted. Allah is immune
form such joyful play. “Then surely, We shall question those (people) to who it
(the Book) was sent and verily, We shall question the Messengers. Then surely,
We shall narrate unto them (their whole story) with knowledge, and indeed We
were not absent.’ [7:6.7].
3. To believe in Paradise and Hell. They are the final destination for
whoever deserves either one of them, and for eternity. Paradise is the
destination of the ultimate happiness and joy that Allah prepared for the
believers who feared Him, believed in what He required from them to believe and
obeyed Him and His Messenger. They are the ones who were sincere to Allah and
followers of His Messenger. Paradise contains, of Allah’s bounties, “What no eye
has ever violated, what no ear has ever heard of and what no mind has ever
imagined (of joys that Allah hid for the believers).” [4] Allah said, what
translated means, “Verily, those who believe (in Allah) and do righteous, good
deeds, they are the best of creatures. Their reward with their Lord is Gardens
of Eternity, underneath which rivers flow, they will abide therein forever,
Allah Well-Pleased with them, and they with Him. That is for him who fears his
Lord.” [98:7-8] and, “No person knows what is kept hidden for them of joy as a
reward for what they used to do.)’ [32:17].
As for Hell, it is the destination of torment and punishment that Allah prepared
for the unjust disbelievers. They are the ones who disbelieved in Him and
disobeyed His Messengers. Hell contains kinds of punishment and torment that no
one could ever imagine. Allah said, what translated means, “And fear the Fire,
which is prepared for the disbelievers.” [3: 131] “We have prepared for the
wrongdoers, a Fire whose walls will be surrounding them. And if they ask for
help (relief, water etc.) they will be granted water like boiling oil that will
scald their faces. Terrible the drink, and an evil dwelling.” [18: 29] and,
“Verily, Allah has cursed the disbelievers, and has prepared for them a flaming
Fire (Hell). Wherein, they will abide forever, and they will find neither a
protector nor a helper. On the Day when their faces will be turned and rolled
form all sides in the Fire, they will say: “Oh, would that we had obeyed Allah
and obeyed the Messenger (Muhammad).” [33:64-66]
Belief in Life After Death: Believing in the Last Day requires Muslims to
also believe in life after death and in the following:
1. The questioning in the grave. The dead will be asked, in their graves,
about the lord, the religion and the Prophet they followed during their
lifetime. Allah will lead the believer to say what is necessary, saying, “Allah
is my Lord. My religion is Islam. My Prophet is Muhammad (sallallaahu alaihi
wa-sallam).” As for the unjust, Allah will lead him to misguidance saying, in
answer to the above questions “What! What! I do not know.” Also! the hypocrites
and the ones who always had doubts about Allah, the religion and the Prophet (sallallaahu
alaihi wa-sallam), will say, “I do not know. I heard people say something and I
followed them.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslim]
2. The torment or joy in the grave. The unjust, the disbelievers and the
hypocrites will be tormented in their graves. Allah said, what translated means,
“And if you but see when the wrongdoers are in the agonies of death, while the
angels are stretching forth their hands (saying): “Deliver your souls; this day
you shall be recompensed with the torment of degradation because of what you
used to utter against Allah other than the truth. And you used to reject his
Ayat (proofs, signs, evidences, etc.) with disrespect” [6: 93] and about
Pharaoh’s people, “The Fire; they are exposed to it, morning and afternoon, and
on the Day when the Hour will be established (it will be said to the angels):
“Cause Pharaoh ‘s people to enter the severest Torment” [40:46].
Zaid ibn Thabit (radiyallaahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (sallallaahu
alaihi wa-sallam) said to his companions what translated means, “I would have
asked Allah to let you hear what I am hearing from the punishment in the grave,
but for the fear that you would not bury each other after that” Then the Prophet
(sallallaahu alaihi wa-sallam) turned his face towards them, saying, “Seek
refuge in Allah from the torment of the Fire.” They said, “We seek refuge in
Allah from the torment of the Fire.” He said, “Seek refuge in Allah from the
torment of the grave.” They said, “We seek refuge in Allah from the torment of
the grave.” He said, “Seek refuge in Allah from all calamities, apparent or
hidden.” They said, “We seek refuge in Allah from all calamities, apparent or
hidden.” He said, “Seek refuge in Allah from the calamity of Al-A‘war Ad-Dajjal
(the False Messiah).” They said, “We seek refuge lit Allah from the calamity of
Al-A‘war Ad-Da.jjal.” [Saheeh Muslim]
As for joys of the grave, they are given to the believers. Allah said, what
translated means, “Verily, those who say: “Our Lord is Allah (alone),” and then
they stood fast on them (these words that they say), on them the angels will
descend (at the time of their death) (saying): “Fear you not, nor grieve! But
receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised?” [41:30] and,
“Then why do you not (intervene) when (the soul of a dying person) reaches the
throat? And you at the moment are looking on? But We (our angels who take the
soul) are nearer to him than you, but you see not. Then why do you not, if you
are exempt from the reckoning and recompense (punishment). Bring back the soul
(to its body), if you are truthful? Then if he (the dying person) be of those
near ones (close to Allah), (there is for him) rest and provisions, and a Garden
of Delights (Paradise)." [56: 83-89].
Al-Baraa’ ibn ‘Azib narrated that the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa-sallam)
said about the believer, that after he is asked by the angels (about the lord,
the religion and the Messenger he followed) and after he replies (saying that
his Lord is Allah, his religion is Islam and his Messenger is Muhammad (sallallaahu
alaihi wa-sallam), “A caller from heaven will say: ‘My slave has said the truth.
Therefore, furnish him (his grave) from Paradise, dress him from Paradise and
open a door for him to Paradise.” Then he said, “He will receive from its
tranquility and perfume. His grave will be enlarged for him the distance that
his sight reaches.” [Musnad Ahmad & Aboo Dawood]
Benefits of Believing in the Last Day
1. The desire to do righteous, good deeds, seeking the good results in the Last
Day.
2. The fear from committing and approving of evil deeds, fearing the torment of
the Day of Reckoning.
3. The believer feels that this belief makes him forget the hardships he faces
in this life. He is preoccupied with working righteousness trying to reach the
joys and good rewards of the Last Day.
Some disbelievers reject the idea of life after death saying that this is not
possible. This claim is false. Religion, the senses and the mind are used to
refute this claim.
As for Religion, Allah said, what translated means: “The disbelievers pretend
that they will never be resurrected (for the account). Say (O Muhammad): “Yes!
By my Lord, you will certainly be resurrected, then you will be informed (and
recompensed for) what you did, and that is easy for Allah.” [64:7] All
Scriptures are unanimous on this matter.
As for the Senses, Allah demonstrated to his slaves how He raised the dead in
this life. In Surat Al-Baqarah. Allah mentioned five examples:
1. The People of Moses said to him, “We will no believe in you unless we see
Allah without a barrier.” They were seized by death and then Allah resurrected
them. To remind the Children of Israel with this story, Allah said, what
translated means, “And (remember) when you said: “O Moses: We shall never
believe in you till we see Allah Plainly.” But you were seized with a
thunder-bolt (lightening) while you were looking. Then We raised you up after
your death, so that you might be grateful.” [2:55-56].
2. The story of the murdered man whom the Children of Israel differed as to who
killed him. Allah ordered them to sacrifice a cow and strike him with some of
its parts. so he can tell them who killed him, “And (remember) when you killed a
man and fell into dispute among yourselves as to the crime. But Allah brought
forth that which you were hiding. So We said: “Strike him (the dead man) with a
piece of it (the cow).” Thus Allah brings the dead to life and shows you His
signs so that you may understand.” [2:72-73].
3. The story of the nation that escaped from its land for fear of death by the
hands of their enemies, although their number was in the thousands. Allah made
death seize them and then raised them back to life, “Did you (O Muhammad (sallallaahu
alaihi wa-sallam)) not think of those who went forth from their homes in
thousands, fearing death? Allah said to them: “Die.” And then He restored them
to life. Truly, Allah is full of Bounty to mankind, but most men thank not.”
[2:243].
4. The story of the person who passed by a village that all its inhabitants had
died. He could not imagine that Allah can resurrect them. Allah made death seize
him for a hundred years and then raised him from the dead, Or (think you of)
such as he who passed by a town all in utter ruins. He said: “Oh! How will Allah
ever bring it to life after it’s death?” So Allah caused him to die for a
hundred years, then raised him up (again). He said: “How long did you remain
(dead)?” He (the man) said: “(Perhaps) I remained (dead) a day or a part of a
day.” He said: “Nay, you have remained (dead) for a hundred years, look at your
food and at your drink, they show no change; and look at your donkey! And thus
We have made of you a Sign for the people. Look at the bones, how We bring them
together and clothe them with flesh.” When this was clearly shown to him, he
said: “I Know (now) that Allah is Able to do all things.” [2:259].
5. The story of Abraham who asked Allah to show him how He raises the dead.
Allah ordered him to kill four birds, cut them in parts and spread the parts
over the surrounding mountains. He told him to call the dead birds, and that he
did. These parts were collected (by Allah’s Power) and the birds came back to
life and they came to Abraham. Allah said, what translated means, “And
(remember) when Abraham said: “My Lord! Show me how You give life to the dead. “
He (Allah) said: “Do you not believe?” He (Abraham) said: “Yes (I believe), but
to be stronger in faith.” He said: “Take four bird, then cause them to incline
towards you (slaughter them, Cut them into pieces), and then put a portion of
them on every hill, and call them, they will come to you in haste. And know that
Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.” [2:260].
These are five examples of incidents that happened. They prove that raising the
dead can happen by the will of Allah. We mentioned before that Jesus raised the
dead from their graves, by the will of Allah.
As for the Mind, there are two ways to correctly use it to confirm raising the
dead:
1. Allah is the One who started the creation of heavens and earth. The One who
is Capable of starting the creation is also Capable of restarting it. Allah
said, what translated means, “And He is Who originates the creation, then will
repeat it (after it has been perished), and this is easier for Him.” [30:27]
and, “As We began the first creation, We shall repeat it, (it is) a promise
binding upon Us. Truly, We shall do it.” [21:104] and to the one who denied that
Allah will give life to the bones when they have rotted away, “Say (O Muhammad (sallallaahu
alaihi wa-sallam)): “‘He will give life to them Who created them for the first
time! And He is the All-Knower of every creation.” [36:79].
2. It is noticed that the soil can become dry and that trees and plants die.
When Allah sends the rain, the soil comes back to life and plants of all kinds
grow and become green. The One who brings life back to the dead soil is Capable
of raising the dead. Allah said, what translated means, “And among His Signs (in
this), that you see the earth barren, but when We send down water (rain) to it,
it is stirred to life and growth (of vegetation). Verily, He Who gives it life,
surely. (He) is Able to give life to the dead (on the Day of Resurrection).
Indeed! He is Able to do all things.” [41: 39] “And We send down blessed water
(rain) from the sky then We produce therewith gardens and grain (all harvests
that are reaped). And tall date-palms, with ranged clusters; A provisions for
(Allah’s) slaves. And We give life therewith to dead land. Thus will be the
Resurrection (of the dead).” (50:9-11].
Some misguided people reject punishment or joy in the grave claiming that
this cannot happen. They claim that if one exhumes the dead, he will find
the grave as it was left and that it did not change in size. This claim is
rejected by the Shari’ah, the senses and the mind:
As for the Shari’ah, we mentioned some texts before. These texts confirm the
punishment or joy in the grave. Ibn Abbas (radiyallaahu anhuma) said, “The
Prophet passed by some walls in Madinah. He heard the screams of two persons who
were being punished in their graves.” The Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa-sallam)
mentioned the reasons behind this punishment, “One of them did not protect
himself (his clothes) form urine. The other one was spreading (sawing)
differences (between people).” [Saheeh ab-Bukharee]
As for the Senses, we know that, while dreaming, the one who is asleep sees that
he is enjoying a huge space or that he is feeling pain because he is squeezed in
a small area. Sometimes, one’s sleep is interrupted because of such nightmares,
although he is still in his bed. Sleeping is similar to dying. Allah said, what
translated means, “It is Allah Who takes away the souls at the time of their
death, and those that die not during their sleep. He keep those (souls) for
which He had ordained death and sends the rest for a term appointed. Verily, in
this are signs for a people who think deeply.” [39:42]
As for the Mind, sometimes one sees dreams that may later happen in real life.
Some Muslims may see the Prophet in their dreams. Whoever sees the Prophet, on
the shape that he was described in books of Hadith, is saying the truth in that
he saw him. This happens while one is still in his bed. If this is the case in
this material life, what about matters of the other life?
As for their claim that when one exhumes a dead body, that no signs of abnormal
change, either in the body or the grave itself, are detected, we say the
following:
1. The Shari’ah cannot be rejected by depending on these doubts. These
doubts can easily be refuted, providing one uses his mind. There is a popular
saying: “There are many who refute a truth, while the problem lies with their
limited comprehension.”
2. Life in the grave is a matter of the unseen. The senses cannot unveil
the unseen. If matters of the unseen are unveiled by the senses, then belief in
the unseen will not have any useful meaning, in which case believing or
disbelieving is irrelevant, since there would be no matters of the unseen to
believe in.
3. Only the dead feel the punishment or joy in the grave. Also, the one
who is dreaming is the only one who is experiencing the pain of being squeezed
in a small space or the joy of being in an open area. Others do not feel the
same as the one who is experiencing these dreams, although he is still in his
bed. The Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa-sallam) used to receive revelation while
he was among his companions and the companions did not hear the revelation.
Sometimes, the angel came in the shape of an invisible man. The companions did
not see the angel while he was delivering revelation to the Messenger.
4. Humans have limited comprehension and understanding of the universe.
They only understand what Allah gave them the capability to understand. They do
not understand all of the existence. The seven heavens, the earth and all that
which is therein praise Allah. Allah, sometimes, gives the power to some of His
creation to hear such praise. Humans cannot hear such praise. Allah said, what
translated means, “The seven heavens and the earth and all that is therein,
glorify Him and there is not a thing but glorifies His praise. But you
understand not their glorification. Truly, He is Ever Forbearing,
Oft-Forgiving.” [17:44]. Also, devils and the Jinn go about in the earth. The
Jinn came to the Messenger and listened to his recitation of the Qur’aan. When
he finished, they went back to their nation to convey the Message to them.
However, this creation is out of the reach of human’s Comprehension, “O Children
of Adam! Let not Satan deceive you, as he got your parents (Adam and Eve) out of
Paradise, stripping them of their raiment, to show them their private parts.
Verily, he and his soldiers see you from where you will not see them. Verily, We
made the devils protectors (and helpers) for those who believe not.” [7:27].
Creation can neither reach what is beyond their comprehension nor understand all
the existence. Therefore, one cannot dispute ‘flatters of the unseen that he
cannot comprehend.
