Akhirah

Question 1

What is Akhirah? (1)

Answer 1

The afterlife; eternal life of the soul after death

Question 2

Give a few signs of the end of the world according to Islamic teachings. (2)

Answer 2

1. Most important - return of the Mahdi, which will coincide with the second coming of Isa
2. Other signs, rejection of Islam, deterioration of society in terms of corruption and chaos.

Question 3

Describe what will happen on the Day of Judgement. (3)

Answer 3

1. The dead will resurrect and stand before Allah to be judged according to how they lived their lives
2. A book containing their deeds (written by the noble recorders) is presented - if it is placed in their right hand, then they have performed more good deeds than bad and will pass through to Jannah. Otherwise, it will be placed in their left hand and they will go to Jahannam
3. Munkar and Nakir will question each person to test their faith - there is no way to cheat, to answer correctly you must have lived in true submission to Allah.

Question 4

What happens to souls before the Day of Judgement. (1)

Answer 4

Souls are taken by the archangel of death, Azrail, and enter Barzakh

Question 5

How are good deeds distinguished from bad ones? (2)

Answer 5

1. Intentions (niyyah) to do a good deed, performing good deeds and intentions to do a bad deed are all counted as good deeds.
2. Performing bad deeds is counted as a bad deed.

Question 6

What happens after judgement? (2)

Answer 6

1. Ppl will attempt to cross the Bridge of As-Sirat

2. Those blessed by God will pass successfully through to Jannah, but the wicked will fail and fall into Jahannam.

Question 7

Describe the importance of al-Qadr. (3)

Answer 7

1. Islam teaches that suffering should be viewed as opportunities for personal growth, as such, they are part of God’s divine plan.
2. When Muslims say Insha’Allah, they acknowledge their submission to God’s will and his divine plan for all living beings.
3. Sunnis emphasise God’s divine will, Shi’as argue that God cannot be responsible for evil, and emphasise free will.

Question 8

Describe the importance of free will. (1)

Answer 8

This allows humans to be held accountable for their actions on the D.o.J. - Allah wants us to follow the straight path, but humans must make the choices themselves.

Question 9

Explain 4 differing views of akhirah.`(4)

Answer 9

1. Hell lasts forever (VS) those who repent may be pardoned.
2. Allah is still a merciful god although he condemns ppl to hell b/c he has offered many chances to repent and only punishes disobedience according to “what they have earned” (VS) a merciful god cannot condemn ppl to eternal suffering.
3. Muslims are obedient b/c they fear Jahannam (VS) Muslims are happy to live according to the Qur’an
4. Life is a test (VS) there is no proof of an afterlife, and the view of life as a test is unfair for those who suffer more than others.

Question 10

Define the following key terms.

1. Mahdi
2. Jannah
3. Jahannam
4. Barzakh
5. al-Qadr
6. Insha’Allah
7. Free will

Answer 10

1. Mahdi - long awaited saviour who will deliver justice to the earth
2. Jannah - Islamic version of heaven; eternal state of joy, happiness and peace
3. Jahannam - Islamic version of hell; eternal state of torment, punishment and suffering.
4. Barzakh - a state of waiting before the final trumpet is blown by Israfil, announcing the resurrection of the dead.
5. al-Qadr - predestination; Allah is omniscient and has a divine plan for all living beings.
6. Insha’Allah - if God is willing/allows it
7. Free will - the ability to act/make choices independent of outside influence.