Death is an indisputable truth of life. Regardless of which race, faith, age group, or status one belongs to, the fact of life is that we will all die one day.
However, while we’re all certain of death, the question that arises and debated throughout various religions’ histories is: “What happens after death?”
According to Islam and the teachings of the Quran, one’s existence doesn’t end on earth; rather, it is undeniably followed by the eternal life of the hereafter.
And so one wonders what the day will be like when Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala resurrects us?
On the Day of Judgment, each one of us will be resurrected to account for our lives. Allah clearly states in the Quran,
“That Day, the people will depart separated [into categories] to be shown [the result of] their deeds.So whoever does an atom's weight of good will see it, And whoever does an atom's weight of evil will see it.” – [99: 6-8]
What this means is that Allah will weigh the good and bad actions of each individual according to His Justice on the Day of Judgment. Since He is the Most Merciful, many sins will be forgiven for those who continuously did Istighfar. Similarly, many noble deeds will be multiplied for those who consistently thanked Allah. Therefore, while one will be generously rewarded when excelling in goodness, those will be severely punished whose wrongdoings outweigh their virtues.
Indeed, Allah wants each one of His believers to be salvaged in the afterlife. That is why He has sent guidance and left several signs for those who strive to seek His reflection in everything they do.
In other words, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala has given us all the choice to either freely indulge in the world around us or to humbly abide by His laws. Ultimately, the choice is ours, depending on what we look forward to in the hereafter – punishment or great rewards.
In the Holy Quran, Allah SWT declares,
“What would Allāh do with [i.e., gain from] your punishment if you are grateful and believe? And ever is Allāh Appreciative and Knowing.” – [4:147]
May Allah keep us safe from the Hellfire and give us the opportunity to live our lives as per the teachings of Islam.
