Qiyāmah – The Day of Judgment and the Resurrection
The day of resurrection will be the end of days, when all of mankind will be brought back to life in their original forms, and will be tried and examined according to the deeds that they performed during their lifetimes – this day is called the “Day of Judgment.”
The Qur’an has devoted almost one-third of its verses to this event, and in one passage we read:
“Indeed, it is We who bring the dead to life and record what they have put forth and what they left behind, and all things We have enumerated in a clear register.” (36:12)
Another verse informs us,
“And every soul will be paid in full for its deeds, and He knows best all that they do.” (39:70)
Humanity was created to be caretakers of the earth; thus, life on earth becomes a test, to maintain and preserve nature; and more importantly, to maintain and preserve our morality and the purity of our souls.
According to Islam, a person will be judged according to the actions that they performed in his or her life. If their deeds were primarily good, then they will enter Heaven (‘The Garden’ or ‘Paradise’). However, if one’s deeds or actions are predominantly evil, he or she will enter Hell.
Islam believes that before the time of Resurrection and the Day of Judgment, the souls of people in their graves will either live in comfort or distress, reflecting their future state in either Heaven or Hell. This abode is called Barzakh.
Repentance is the source of success, and in the Qur’an we are told,
“Turn to God, O believers, that you may be successful.” (24:31)
No matter how grievous a person’s sin may be, God’s forgiveness is much greater. No one should be ashamed to turn towards God in repentance for one’s shortcomings, as God can erase the sins of whomever He pleases.
The Qur’an states,
“Say, O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of God; verily, God forgives all sins. Verily, He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.” (39:53)
Other verses which speak of God’s infinite mercy include the following,
“Tell My servants that I am the Forgiving, the Merciful” (15:49)
“Will they not turn to Allah and ask His forgiveness? Allah is the Forgiving, the Merciful” (5:74)
“Your Lord is full of forgiveness for mankind in spite of their wrongdoing.” (13:6)
For this reason, Muslims begin nearly every action, speech, or endeavor with the words, “In the name of God, the Most Merciful, and the Most Compassionate.”
