Al-Akhira: Life After This World?

The Qur'an makes reference to the different stages of human existence (56:60-61), starting from the stage of the fetus, through birth, development, and growth, leading to aging, deterioration, and ultimately physical death (17:21). It identifies life after death, or

(2:62), as a gateway to a higher level of existence.

The period between death and resurrection is termed barzakh (intermediate) in the Qur'an (23:99-100). It is the state between both the physical and spiritual worlds. The final stage is that of resurrection (qiyamah) where every individual will be held accountable for his or her deeds and rewarded for the good they have performed and forgiven or punished for the sins they have committed (Qur'an 3:194). Allah is referred to (Qur'an 1:4) as Master of the Day of Recompense. Muslims do not believe in the Day of Accountability for the sake of salvation. Rather, this day but awakens each human being to the fact that life is a test (Qur'an 67:2), that life has a purpose (23:1115), that our actions have effects (4:85), and that we have a responsibility to do good while avoiding evil (9:71). The purpose of life, then, is to fulfill one's responsibility to our Creator and to His creation. The test of life is to manifest goodness while avoiding evil and injustice, and in the process, our existence should serve as a catalyst toward leaving behind a better world.

Existence in the afterlife takes two forms. One is the abode for those who have done good. This abode is referred to (Qur'an 18:107; 23:11) as Jannah/Firdous (the Garden/Paradise). Though the Qur'an makes reference to Paradise in the form of similes, in reality we cannot perceive nor imagine the pleasures and tranquility of Paradise (32:17). It is therefore aptly referred to as the Abode of Peace (10:25).

The other abode is Jahannam (Hell/Great Depth of Blazing Fire) and represents the evil consequence of sinful actions and perhaps a remedial zone for the purification of the wrongdoers. Some consider hell to be eternal and that those who enter there will remain therein for eternity.

However, the terms abad and khulud suggest that the expression "lengthy period" more appropriately captures the duration of the punishment meted out in Jahannam.

From numerous Qur'anic references, it is apparent that punishment is not meant to exceed the crime or the wrong which has been perpetrated. It would contradict the spirit of the Qur'anic message and the Mercy of Allah if a sinner were to be punished for eternity for sins committed over a lifetime of 60-80 years. The fact that Allah rewards tenfold the good that people do but punishes the sinner only in accordance with the wrong committed (Qur'an 6:160) indicates the merciful nature of the Supreme Being, who increases the reward but not the punishment. He Himself says in reference to the sinners in hell: "the fire is the abode wherein you shall abide, except as Allah pleases. Certainly thy Lord is Most Wise, All-Knowing" (Qur'an 6:129).

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