See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324524639 The Stages of Life after Death According to Islam Preprint · April 2018 DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.20418.07365 CITATIONS 0 READS 15,674 1 author: Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects: The Science of Comparative Religions View project Religious Studies View project Scott Vitkovic 32 PUBLICATIONS 3 CITATIONS SEE PROFILE All content following this page was uploaded by Scott Vitkovic on 15 April 2018. The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324524639
The Stages of Life after Death According to Islam
Preprint · April 2018
DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.20418.07365
CITATIONS
0READS
15,674
1 author:
Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:
The Science of Comparative Religions View project
Religious Studies View project
Scott Vitkovic
32 PUBLICATIONS 3 CITATIONS
SEE PROFILE
All content following this page was uploaded by Scott Vitkovic on 15 April 2018.
The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.
This manuscript is based on the most authoritative texts of the Islamic scholarship, including the Holy Quran, Nahjul Balagha, Majma' al-Bayan fi Tafsir al-Qur'an, Usul al-Kafi, Bihar al-Anwar, Man la Yahduruhu al-Faqih, Manazil al-Akhirah, and others, and summarizes the stages of life after death. According to these texts, the basic junctures of the Returning include Death (Maut), Grave (Qabr), Intermediate Stage (Barzakh), Resurrection (Qayamat) and Hell (Jahannam) or Paradise (Jannat). Each of these also includes several other phases through which every human must pass before he reaches his final abode, either in the Hell or Paradise.
The Stages of Life after Death According to Islam Ali Scott Vitkovic | 2
INTRODUCTION
كلمنعليهافان
كرام ويبقىوجهربكذوالجللوال
“Whatsoever is on the earth is transient.”
“And only the Essence of your Lord full of Majesty and Honor shall remain forever.”
(Surah al-Rahman, 55:26-27)
All creation is transient in its essence. Yet, the Divine Essence is intransient. This world’s
transience does not lead to annihilation but rather it is a path to the everlasting abode. For the
believers, this world with all its temptations is a prison. The way out of this ‘prison’ to the eternal
existence with the Divine Essence is truly one of the Almighty’s greatest blessings.
The Commander of the Faithful Amir al-Mu’meneen Ali (as) says,
“O my child, know that you have been created for the next world, not for this world,
for destruction (in this world) not for lasting, and for dying not for living. You are
in a place which does not belong to you, a house for making preparations and a
passage towards the next world. You are being chased by death from which the
runner cannot escape, as it would surely overtake him. So, be on guard against it
lest it overtakes you at a time when you are in a sinful state and you are thinking of
repenting but it creates obstruction between you and repentance. In such a case you
يد ثنفسكمنهابالتوبة، رككوأنتعلىحالسيئة،قدكنتتحد يحولبينكوبينذلك،فإذاأنتقدأهلكت ف نفسك
Life begins not in this world but after death. The few years of life in this world is nothing
but a foundation building for the eternal life.
“Indeed, if you could see that has been seen by those of you who have died, you would be
puzzled and troubled. Then you would have listened and obeyed; but what they have seen is yet
curtained off from you. Shortly, the curtain would be thrown off. You have been shown, provided
you see and you have been made to listen provided you listen, and you have been guided if you
accept guidance. I spoke unto you with truth. You have been called aloud by (instructive) examples
and warned through items full of warnings. After the heavenly messengers (angels), only man can
convey message from Allah. (So what I am conveying is from Allah).” (Nahjul Balagha: Sermon
20, Al-Kulayni, Usul al-Kafi, I, 405)
1 Ibn Maytham al-Bahrani (vol.5, p.2) has quoted Abu Ja`far ibn Babawayh al-Qummi to have stated that Amir al-Mu'meneen wrote this piece of advice in the name of his son Muhammad ibn al-Hanaffiyyah, while al-`Allamah as-Sayyid ar-Radi has written that its addressee is Imam al-Hasan (as). But the fact is that Amir al-mu'minin wrote another piece of advice to Ibn al-Hanafiyyab in brief which included a part of the same which he wrote to al-Imam al-Hasan. (Kashf al-mahajjah, Ibn Tawus, pp.157- 159; al-Bihar, vol.77, pp.196-198).
The Stages of Life after Death According to Islam Ali Scott Vitkovic | 3
The believers welcome their death as be a blessing from Allah because they are taken to
the presence of Ahlul Bait (as). While for some death may come easily, for example in their sleep,
for others, it can be a long process, full of suffering, both physical and psychological, especially,
if a man has built his attachments to this world and not to the hereafter. In any case, the dying
person remembers his sins and regrets but the time for action has already passed.
“And the stupor of death will come in truth, that is what you were trying to escape.”
(Surah Qaf, 50:19).
لكماكن ذ وجاءتسكرةالموتبالحق تمنهتحيد
“Certainly you were heedless of it, but now we have removed from you your veil, so
your sight today is sharp.” (Surah Qaf, 50:22)
ذافكشفناعنكغطاءكفبصركٱليو نهـ م لقدكنتفىغفلة محديد
Numerous Ahadees state that at the time of death, the Holy Angels, Holy Prophet
(saw) and the Holy Aimmah (as) come near the head of the dying person, who can see them.
According to the third volume of ‘Bihar-al-Anwar’, Imam Ali ar-Ridha (as) went to meet one of
his companions who was about to die. He looked towards the Imam (as) and said,
“I see the radiant faces of your Grandfather (the Holy Prophet), your Father (the
Commander of the Faithful), your Mother (Hazrat Fatema), and the other Imams
in your ancestry. I also see your luminous face along with them.”
For a believer their sight is a blessing from Allah but for a hypocrite or disbeliever, it is a
sign of Allah’s wrath. Shaykh Kulaini narrated the following from Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (as) who
said,
“The Holy Prophet once said ‘O Ali! When the Angel of death comes to take the
spirit of the disbeliever, he brings along with him a club of fire, by which he removes
his spirit and the flames of hell scream at the dying man.’”
1.2 The Adeela at the Time of Death
At the time of death Shaitaan comes to the dying man and tries to deceive him and turn him
away from the Right Path (Sirat al-Mustaqeem). According to Mafateehul Jinaan by Fakhrul
Muhaqqeqeen, those who wish to remain safe from shaitaan’s mischief of abandoning their faith
during death, should recite Dua’e Adeelah.
The Stages of Life after Death According to Islam Ali Scott Vitkovic | 6
1.3 From Death till Grave
After the spirit is separated from the body, it lingers on the top for some time, witnesses the
bath given to his body and hears the voices of the people who have come to attend his funeral.
After the dead body is buried, the spirit returns and maintains relations with the body (Majlesi,
2000). At first the person faces two angels who are the grave inspectors and who ask the man about
his faith and beliefs. According to Allamah Tabatabai:
“This question and answer followed by reward and punishment in the intermediate
realm is only for mo'menin and tyrants, while ordinary Muslims are exempted.”
When the spirit sees that the people are leaving, he knows that from now on it is destined
to remain alone. It becomes restless, and says:
“Alas! Those children of mine whom I brought up with love and care have
abandoned me. My only companions are my past deeds.” (Al-Qummi, 2007)
The first glad tidings which a believer receives in the grave is:
“Oh you who believe! Allah has forgiven your sins and the sins of those who
attended your funeral.” (Al-Qummi, 2007)
“To Allah we belong and to Him is our return.” (Surah al-Baqarah 2:156)
إناللوإنـاإليهراجعون
2. Grave (Qabr)
2.1 Wahshat al-Qabr / Grave's Loneliness
The intermediate realm or the world of the grave (Fig.1) is located between this world and
the hereafter where man resides until the time of resurrection. The darkness and loneliness,
questioning by Munkir and Nakeer, squeezing in the grave (Fishar), and the chastisement in hell
are some of the frightful stages of the life after death.
When Hazrat Fatema binte Asad, the mother of Hazrat Ali (as) died, Amirul Mo’mineen
(as) came weeping to the Holy Prophet (saw) and gave him the new of her death. The Prophet was
grieved and said, “My mother has died.” History bears witness that she had brought up the Prophet
affectionately like a mother. The Prophet (saw) gave her his own gown for the shroud and Himself
laid in the grave for some time before burying her. After burying her, he stood near the grave and
called out:
“Your son, your son, not Aqeel, nor Ja’far.”
People were surprised and asked him the reason for uttering these words. The Holy Prophet
(saw) replied that,
“One day we were discussing Qayamat and I said that on that day people will be
coming out of their graves in a state of nakedness. My aunt (Fatema binte Asad)
started crying, so I assured her that I would give her my own gown for shroud, so
she would not have to face that humiliation. She was also scared of the squeeze in
the grave (Fishare Qabr), so I lay myself in her grave so as to save her from this
too. After burying her, Munkir and Nakeer came to question her. They asked her
about her Lord, she replied that Almighty Allah was her Lord. Then they asked her
about Prophethood and she bore testimony that I was Allah’s Apostle. But when
The Stages of Life after Death According to Islam Ali Scott Vitkovic | 7
they questioned her about her Imam, she was a bit confused. Hence I called out to
her that, ‘Your son, your son, not Aqeel nor Ja’far (but Ali).’”
She was the second woman who accepted the Prophethood of the Holy Prophet (saw), the
first being Hazrat Khadija (as). Fatema binte Asad was a distinguished lady, who had the honor of
giving birth to a son like Ali (as), and while staying as Allah’s guest in the Ka’bah for three days.
Despite these to her credit, she was fearful of the hereafter and wept. (Al-Qummi, 2007)
2.2 Grave's Constriction and Pressure (Fishare Qabr)
Amirul Mo’mineen Ali (as) says:
“O the servants of Allah! The state in the grave of a person whose sins are not
forgiven is more horrifying than death itself. Fear the grave’s narrowness, its
squeezing, its imprisonment, and its loneliness. Verily the grave calls out daily: ‘I
am the house of loneliness, of terror and worms.’ Grave is like a garden of Paradise
for a good doer, while it is like a dungeon of hell for the evil-doer. Allah tells His
enemies that He will send ninety-nine serpents in their graves, who will tear their
flesh and smash their bones, and this punishment will continue till the outbreak of
Qayamat. If one of the serpents exhales toward this earth, all plants and trees will
be destroyed. O servants of Allah! Your souls are tender, and your bodies delicate,
you cannot confront ordinary serpents of this world, how then will you face them?”
(Al-Qummi, 2007)
2.3 Questioning by Munkar and Nakeer
The questioning and squeezing in the grave is both for the physical body and for the spirit.
In the grave one is questioned regarding one’s beliefs (Aqaid) and deeds (A’maal). The questions
are put to every believer as well as a non-believer. Only infants, the mentally retarded, and the
people of lesser intellect are exempted from it (Majlesi, 2000). According to Imam Ali Zainul
Abedeen (as), man is questioned about his Namaz, Siyam, Hajj, Zakat, Khums, love of Ahlulbait
(as), and also about how he spent his entire life and wealth. The two angels with voices like thunder
and eyes like lightening will ask the following questions:
1. “Who is your Lord?”
2. “Who is your Prophet?”
3. “What is your Religion?”
4. “Who is your Imam?”
If the deceased gives correct answers, a gate is opened near his head, and his grave is
widened as far as he can see. The period of Barzakh (which will continue until the Day of
Resurrection) passes with ease and the Angels proclaim to him,
“Sleep thou like a newly wedded bride.” (Al-Kulayni, 2008)
However, if the deceased is unable to give correct replies, a door of the hell of Barzakh will
open and a breath from the breaths of hell will fill his entire grave.
The questioning in the grave will be a cause of happiness for the believer. He will
confidently give testimony to the Oneness of the One God and Prophethood of His Beloved
Messenger, see the radiant faces of the Angels, and smell the fragrance of the gardens of Paradise
accompanying them. That is why these Angels have been named Mubashir and Basheer
(announcers of good tidings).
The Stages of Life after Death According to Islam Ali Scott Vitkovic | 8
However, the unbelievers in their grave will see the beginning of their pains and divine
punishment, and to the misfortune and torture that lies ahead of them. The very arrival of the Angels
will terrorize them, and this is why these angels are named Munkar and Nakeer (the abhorring
ones).
According to Bihar al-Anwar, a man was questioned about his beliefs in the grave. He was
able to successfully respond, until one question was put to him:
“Do you remember that on such day you had seen a person was being oppressed but you
did not help him? You saw that his honor was being trampled upon and his wealth taken. You were
in a position to help him but you did not do so.”
The man has fallen silent and as he failed to fulfill his responsibility, the Angels told him a
punishment of a hundred lashes has been ordered for him. Then they inflicted the first lash which
filled his entire grave with fire. (Majlesi, 2000)
In our present times, the world is filled with oppression and injustice, because most people,
including those who consider themselves Muslims, do not help those who are oppressed, and
indeed, even aid in the oppression of the Believers, while proclaiming that they are waiting for
Imam Zaman (as), thinking that they can deceive God. Truly, they are deceiving only themselves
and the wrath of God is upon them in the both words.
“And if he be of those who have belied, gone astray, he shall have an entertainment
of a boiling water, and the scorching in the hellfire.” (Surah al-Waqe’ah: 92-94)
بينالضالين واماانكانمنالمكذ
نحميم فنزلم
وتصليةجحيم
Allamah Majlisi in his Mahasin quotes Imam Muhammad-al-Baqir (as) and Imam Ja’far-
as-Sadiq (as) as saying that when a believer dies, six faces enter his grave along with him. Out of
these, one is more illuminated, chaste and more scented than others. One stands on the right side,
the second on the left, third in front, the fourth near the head, fifth near the legs, and the one more
illuminated shelters on the head. From whichever side the wrath of Allah comes, the face on that
side defends the dead body. The one who is more illuminated asks these other faces:
“May Allah bless you all, who are you”?
The one on the right side says,
“I am the prayers which he recited in his life time.”
The one on the left side says,
“I am the zakat which he gave while alive.”
The one standing in the front says,
“I am his fasts.”
The one near the head says,
“I am the Hajj and Umrah which he performed in his life.”
While the one standing near the legs says,
“I am the Kindness (Ehsan) which he performed with his brother believer.”
Then all these faces turn towards the more illuminated one and ask him as
to who it is. It replies,
“I am the love of Ahlulbait.”
The Stages of Life after Death According to Islam Ali Scott Vitkovic | 9
3. Intermediate Stage (Barzakh)
According to Imam Ja’afar as-Sadiq, Barzakh is a period starting from death till Qayamat
(Majlesi, 2000). Literally, ‘Barzakh’ means barrier which lies between two things and keeps them
from meeting each other. Allah has placed a curtain between this world and the hereafter.
“And before them is a barrier (Barzakh) until the day they are raised.” (Surah al-
Mo’menoon, 23: l00)
ومنورائهمبرزخإلىيوميبعثون
Barzakh is also called a corporeal or a non-material world (Alame Misali) because while it seems
somewhat like this world, but its nature and matter is totally different. In the state of Barzakh the
intellect of the corporeal body is very strong. The pleasures, which we derive in this world are
nothing as compared to those in that stage because the reality lies there whereas here is the likeness
of it. ‘Barzakh’ is eternal and non-perishable because it is not made up of matter or elements like
the other things and hence do not cease to exist.
Ahadees state that this universe is compared to the mother’s womb, and the state of Barzakh
to the expansive world outside it. If a child in the mother’s womb is informed about a vast and
expansive world outside, it will be difficult for it to grasp it. In the same manner human intellect
cannot understand the state of the expansive Barzakh. The Holy Qur’an says,
“No one knows what has been kept hidden for them of comfort as a reward for what
they used to do.” (Surah al-Sajdah, 32: 17)
فلاتعلمنفسماأخفيلهممنقرةأعينجزاءبماكانوايعملون
3.1 Wadi-us-Salaam and Wadi-e-Barhoot
Whenever a believer dies in the East or the West, his spirit is taken to Wadi-us-Salaam in
Najaf, near the grave of the Commander of the faithful Ali (as), and he rejoices in abundant bliss.
In another tradition Najaf is described as an assembling place for the high-honored and blessed
Angels. While if a sinful person is buried in Najaf and his spirit is being punished in ‘Wadi-e-
Barhoot’, his spirit strengthens its union with the body and hence is relieved of the punishment, as
has been related in many incidents. Wadi-e-Barhoot is located in the barren lands of a deserted
valley in Yemen, which is devoid of food or water. This is the dwelling place of evil spirits who
are made to stay there during Barzakh and taste severe chastisement.
4. Resurrection (Qayamat)
Regarding Qayamat the Qur’an states,
“It will weigh heavy on the heavens and the earth. It will not overtake you but
suddenly.” (Surah al-Aʿrāf 7: 187)
ثقلتفيالسماواتوال رضلتأتيكمإلبغتة
It is related that there is no Angel in the heavens or the earth, skies or mountains, seas or
deserts who does not fear Fridays. Angels believe that Qayamat may come on that very day. It is
also narrated that whenever the Holy Prophet (s) would talk about Qayamat, there would be
sternness in his voice, and his cheeks would turn red. Qayamat is full of fright and terror, so much
so that even the dead tremble in their graves.
The Stages of Life after Death According to Islam Ali Scott Vitkovic | 10
4.1 The Trumpet of Israfeel (Soore Israfeel)
When Allah intends to bring forth Qayamat, He will order Israfeel to blow the trumpet
(Soor). The trumpet is large and illuminated, and has one mouth-piece and two tubes, one pointing
towards the earth and other towards the sky. Israfeel will go to the Baitul Muqaddas in Jerusalem,
and while facing the Qibla, blow the trumpet. When the voice will come out from that side which
is towards the earth, all living beings on it shall die, and when the voice will come out from that
side which is towards the sky, all living beings in it shall also die. Then Allah will say to Israfeel,
“Die”, and he too shall die. Allah has described the end of the world in many verses of the Qur’an.
“When the Imminent [Hour] befalls —there is no denying that it will befall— [it
will be] lowering, exalting. When the earth is shaken violently, and the mountains
are shattered into bits, and become scattered dust …” (Surah al-Wāqiʿah 56: 1-6).
إذاوقعتالواقعة
ليسلوقعتهاكاذبة
خافضة رافعة
إذارجتالرضرجا
وبستالجبالبسا
فكانتهباءمنبثا
“The day the earth is transformed into another earth and the heavens [as well], and
they are presented before Allah, the One, the All-paramount.” (Surah Ibrāhīm 14:
48)
يومتبدلالرضغيرالرضوالسماواتوبرزواللالواحدالقهار
“When the sky is rent apart, when the stars are scattered, when the seas are merged, when the graves are overturned, then a soul shall know what it has sent ahead and
left behind.” (Surah al-Infiṭār 82: 1-5)
إذاالسماءانفطرت
وإذاالكواكبانتثرت
رت وإذاالبحارفج
وإذاالقبوربعثرت
علمتنفسماقدمتوأخرت
People will be engrossed in their different activities, some will be feeding the cattle, some
busy in the factories, some weighing things, while some will be absorbed in sins. But when the
trumpet will be blown, they all shall die as they are. Then the angry voice of Allah will be heard
“Where are those men who walked arrogantly over the earth, where are the kings and the emperors
who prided upon their empires, where are the people who claimed to be Gods, where are your so
called kingdoms. Whose Kingdom is it today”? No one will have the courage to answer. Then He
Himself will say “Verily Allah’s, the Dominant (Qahhar), the Compelling (Jabbar)” (Ibn Babawayh,
1987).
4.2 Resurrection (Qayamat)
The entire universe will remain destroyed till Allah wishes. Someone asked Ma’soom (as)
regarding this time gap. Ma’soom (as) replied that,
“It will remain like that for forty years.”
In another tradition it is stated:
The Stages of Life after Death According to Islam Ali Scott Vitkovic | 11
“It will remain like this for four hundred years.”
Thereafter it will rain consequently for forty days and all physical matter will gather
together and collect. Israfeel will be the first one to come to life again. Allah will then command
him to blow the trumpet again. When he does it, all dead will arise. A voice will then come,
“O souls driven forth from the bodies and the scattered flesh and the rotten bones
and the dispersed hairs, come and join together, come forth to account (for your
deeds).”
The earth will be commanded by Allah to vomit all that lies buried in it. The Quran testifies,
“And the earth discharges her burdens” (Surah az-Zilzal, 99:2).
وأخرجتالرضأثقالها
All the matter buried in the earth will come out and join. And the people will arise and stand
together. But each one will have a distinct state and different voices. The virtuous will be uttering
Allah’s praises saying,
“Praise be to Allah who has fulfilled what He promised.”
While the sinners will be lamenting while coming out of their graves saying,
“Woe to us! Who raised us from our place of sleep? This is what the All-beneficent
had promised, and the apostles had spoken the truth!” (Surah al-Yaseen, 36:52)
ياويلنامنبعثنامنمرقدناهذاماوعدالرحمنوصدقالمرسلون
It is related in another tradition that one foot will be on the earth while the other in the grave,
and they will be standing in wonder so much so that thirty thousand years will pass away. This will
be the first part of the punishments of Qayamat. The believers will say,
“O Lord! Hasten us to our eternal abode, so that we may delight in the blessings of
Paradise.”
While the evildoers will say,
“O Lord! Let us remain here, for your wrath is less here (as compared to the
hereafter).”
4.3 Coming out of the Grave
The time when people will come out of their graves is very horrifying. Allah says in the
Qur’an,
“So leave them to gossip and play, until they encounter their day which they are
promised, the day when they emerge from the graves, hastening, as if racing toward
a target, with a humbled look [in their eyes], overcast by abasement. That is the day
they had been promised.” (Surah al-Ma’arij 70:42-44)
فذرهميخوضواويلعبواحتىيلاقوايومهمالذييوعدون
يوميخرجونمنالجداثسراعاكأنهمإلىنصب يوفضون
خاشعةأبصارهمترهقهمذلةذلكاليومالذيكانوايوعدون
Abdullah ibne Mas’ood said, that once he was in the presence of the Commander of the
faithful Ali (as) when he (as) said,
The Stages of Life after Death According to Islam Ali Scott Vitkovic | 12
“For every man there are fifty halting stations in Qayamat, and each station will be
equal to the span of a thousand years. The first halting place is when coming out of
the grave, where every man will have to wait bare feet and naked. He will have to
bear the agony of hunger and thirst. However, the person who believes in the Unity
(Tawheed) of Allah, Proclamation (Be’asat) of the Holy Prophet (saw), Accounting
(Hisaab) and Resurrection (Qayamat), and bears testimony to the Prophethood
(Nubuwwat) of Prophet Muhammad (saw), and follows the instructions which have
been ordained unto him, will be safe from this agony of hunger and thirst.”
The Holy Quran says,
“The guilty will be recognized by their mark, so they will be seized by the forelocks
and the feet.” (Surah ar-Rahman, 55:41)
يعرفالمجرمون بسيماهمفيؤخذبالنواصيوالقدام
4.4 Facts regarding Resurrection (Qayamat)
Shaikh Tabarsi in his book مجمعالبيانفىتفسيرالقرآن quotes from Bara’ bin Azib who said that
one day Ma’az bin Jabal was seated in the presence of the Holy prophet (s) in the house of Abu
Ayyub Ansari. Ma’az asked the Holy Prophet regarding the following verse,
“The day the Trumpet will be blown and you will come in groups” (Surah an-
Naba’ 78:18)
يومينفخفيالصورفتأتونأفواجا
The Holy Prophet (saw) replied,
“O Ma’az! You have asked me a very horrifying question.”
Then he started weeping and said,
“Some people from my Ummah will arise from their graves in different states. Some
will have the face of monkeys, while some of pigs. Some will be walking upside down
on their heads. Some of them will be blind and will not be able to walk. Some will
be deaf and dumb and will not understand anything. Some will be in a state that
their tongues will be hanging out of their mouth with filthy water out of it, which
they will be licking with their tongues. Some people will arise with amputated hands
and feet. Some will be hanging from the branches of trees made of fire. Some will
be more rotten than a corpse and emitting a repugnant odor. And some will be
wearing long garments of tar which will have been stuck to their skins and flesh.
Those having the face of pigs will be the ones who ate unlawful (haram) property.
Those walking upside down on their heads and the blind ones will be the unjust and
oppressive rulers. The deaf and dumb will be the ones who prided upon their
knowledge (Ilm) and worship (Ibadah). The ones licking their tongues will be the
Scholars (Ulama) and Judges (Qazis), who did not practice what they preached.
The ones with amputated hands and feet will be the ones who troubled their
neighbors in the world and oppressed them. The ones hanging from the tree
branches will be the ones who backbit along with the kings and rulers (to please
them), and instigated them by creating mischief. The ones emitting a repugnant odor
will be the ones who acted according to their lusts and passions, and did not give
Allah’s rights. The ones wearing garments of tar will be the haughty and arrogant
people.”
The Stages of Life after Death According to Islam Ali Scott Vitkovic | 13
The Holy Quran states,
“(That) day the measure of which is fifty thousand years…” (Surah al-Ma’arij 70:
4).
يومكانمقدارهخمسينألفسنة
Ma’soom (as) has said that Qayamat has fifty halting stations, and each station is equal to
a thousand years. The evil doers will have to wait for a thousand years in each station.” The
calculation of years is according to the time of this world, but there will not be any sun or moon
(for days and nights). Man will be able to see all those things, which he could not see in the world
at night. And all the deeds which men committed concealing from one another will be made
apparent in front of all (Majlesi, 2000).
Allah says:
“Even if the wrongdoers possessed all that is on the earth, and as much of it besides,
they would surely offer it to redeem themselves with it from a terrible punishment
on the Day of Resurrection, and there will appear to them from Allah what they had
never reckoned.” (Surah az-Zumar, 39:47)
ولوأنللذينظلموامافيالرضجميعاومثلهمعهلفتدواب هم نسوءالعذابيومالقيامةوبدالهم منالل مالميكونوايحتسبون
4.5 Scrolls of Deeds (Name A’maal)
Allah says in the Qur’an,
“When the records [of deeds] are unfolded” (Surah at-Takweer, 81:10).
وإذاالصحفنشرت
“Indeed, there are over you watchers, noble writers, who know whatever you do.”
(Surah al-Infitar, 82:10-12)
وإنعليكملحافظين
كراماكاتبين
يعلمونماتفعلون
Whatever a man does, or sees, or even intends doing, is noticed and written down by two
Angels ‘Raqeeb’ and ‘Ateed’. Someone asked Imam (as) as to how could ‘Kiraman-Katebeen’
know of the peoples’ intentions (niyyah) as to record good or bad deeds. The Imam (as) replied
that,
“When a person intends doing a good deed, sweet fragrance emits from his mouth.
The Angels smell this fragrance and come to know. Whereas when a person intends
doing an evil deed, a foul odor emits from his mouth, and the Angels become aware.”
If a person intends doing a good deed, one good deed is written down in his scrolls, and if
he performs that intended deed, ten good deeds are written down. Whereas if a person intends doing
an evil deed, the same is not written down in his scrolls till he actually performs it. As it is written
in the Qur’an,
“Whoever brings virtue shall receive ten times its like; But whoever brings vice
shall not be requited except with its like, and they will not be wronged.” (Surah al-
An’am, 6:160)
The Stages of Life after Death According to Islam Ali Scott Vitkovic | 14
Al-Qummi, B. (2012). Essence of Shia Faith. Sargodha: Maktaba Sibtain.
Al-Tabarsi, S. (1997). Majma' al-bayan fi tafsir al-qur'an, Vol. 1-10, مجمع البيان فى تفسير القرآن. Beirut: دار الكتب العلمية.
Ibn Babawayh, A.-S. A.-S. (1987). Man la Yahduruhu al-Faqih, Vol. 1-4, من لا يحضره الفقيه. Beirut: Muwassat Alami lil
Matbuat.
Majlesi, M. B. (2000). Bihar Al-anwar. Beirut: Dar Ihya Turath al Arabi.
Separation of the spirit from the bodyTurning away from the right path during deathFrom death till graveTerror of the graveNarrowness of the grave (fishare qabr)Questioning by Munkir and NakeerThe Valley of Peace (wadi-us-salam)The Valley of Punishment (wadi-e-barhoot)The trumpet of Israfeel (soore israfeel)Coming out of the graveScrolls of deedsAngels take the Scrolls to the Prophet (s) and Aimmah (as)Weighting scales (meezan)Accounting (hisab)Questioning about deedsSpring of Kausar (hawzeh kausar)The high honor of Ahl-ul Bayt (as)Imam Ali (as) as distributor of heavens and hellsIntercessions (shafa'ah)Heights (a'araf)Bridge of Serat (poole serat): 1st Pass: Kindness, Trust and Love of Ahl-ul Bayt (as) 2nd Pass: Namaz (salat) 3rd Pass: Zakat 4th Pass: Fasting (saum) 5th Pass: Pilgrimage (hajj) 6th Pass: Purity (taharah) 7th Pass: Rights (mazalim)