Islamiyat · Oct / Nov 2022 · Paper 22 · Question 5

Give a descriptive account of Muslim belief in life after death and the Day of Judgement.

Use AO1 Levels of Response.

Muslims believe in life after death, al-akhira. They also believe that life in this world is temporary and a preparation for the next, which will be one of rewards or punishments depending on how we live our lives. Without this belief all other beliefs are meaningless.

Muslims believe that upon death a person enters an intermediate phase, barzakh, which is the waiting period between death and resurrection. At the appointed hour known only to God this world as we know it will come to an end upon the blowing of the horn by angel Israfeel.

Following the end of the world will be the Day of Judgement, Yawm al- Qiyama: people will be resurrected into their original bodies from their graves, thereby entering the third and final phase of life. All will assemble before God for their final judgement. Disclosure of the records of the deeds done in this life will follow and God will judge His creation. All will give an account of their deeds.

A bridge, Siraat, will be established over hell extending to paradise. All who are steadfast in God’s religion in this world will cross over easily. Paradise and hell will be the final resting places for the faithful and the damned respectively after the Last Judgement.

How does the belief in life after death affect the daily lives of Muslims? Use AO2 Levels of Response.

It could be said that if a person does not believe that one day he / she will be accountable before God for their actions what is stopping them from committing wrongdoings.

This belief in accountability keeps Muslims from all wrong actions, makes them turn to God in repentance and they strive to remain on the righteous path to gain God’s pleasure and to attain their ultimate goal of reaching paradise.

All valid responses to be credited on their own merit.