Life After Death: Your Soul’s Journey After Death

Life happens, right? We are often so caught up in life that we forget the inevitable truth: death. We may even avoid the subject altogether simply because it is a frightening concept. But it is a fact that a Momin who has lived their life by Allah’s will should be looking forward to the afterlife.

For the Muslim who has lived this worldly life on the righteous path, the afterlife will be a reward! Allah has written the time for everyone’s death, and each soul shall face death!

"Nor can a soul die except by Allah’s leave. The term being fixed as by writing.” Quran 3:145

Read on to learn more about life after death and the fears, sadness, and even joys connected to death.

What Happens After Death in Islam?

Do you think death is scary? A Momin will tell you that this Duniya is scarier! Allah made this world a temporary home for us. A believer’s imaan, taqwa, and righteousness are tested daily during this life.

What is Akhirah?

The term used for the afterlife in Islam is Akhirah. Death causes the separation of the soul from the body and the beginning of the afterlife. Allah decides when an individual dies. Additionally, the deceased will remain in their grave until the Day of Judgement. Allah will judge them according to how they lived on the Day of Judgment.

People who perform good deeds here on Earth enter Jannah (Paradise). There is no pain, sickness, or sadness in Jannah. The righteous people will enter Jannah as a reward for their time spent on Earth. Those who perform evil deeds in this life enter Jahannam (Hell).

Allah says in the Quran:

 “Of the good that they do nothing will be rejected of them; for Allah knoweth well those that do right. Those who reject faith – neither their possessions nor their (numerous) progeny will avail them aught against Allah; they will be companions of the fire, dwelling therein forever.” Quran 3:115- 1:116

Who is the Angel of Death?

Death is the only constant in life and can occur anytime any day. Allah (SWT) sends one of His archangels, known as ‘the angel of death,’ to retrieve the soul from the human. 

What is the Name of the Angel of Death?

The angel of death is commonly believed to be called Izrael, but this can neither be confirmed nor denied from any Ahadith or Quranic ayat.

Allah says in the Quran:

“Say: The angel of death, who is set over you, will take your souls. Then you shall be brought to your Lord.” [Al-Sajdah 32:11] 

A person is pronounced dead once the angel of death has captured their soul.

Janazah and Burial After Death

The Islamic Rites After Death

After a Momin passes, their family members may give them a Ghusl (full-body ritual purification). Next, the Janazah (funeral prayer) of the deceased is held. Finally, the body is buried six feet underground.

The deceased’s family may continue to pray for them; further, they can perform many acts of Sadaqah and charity in their name.

The Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) said:

“A man’s status will be raised in Paradise and he will ask, ‘How did I get here?’ He will be told, ‘By your son’s du’aa’s (prayers) for forgiveness for you.” (Reported by Ibn Maajah, no 3660; see also Saheeh al-Jaami’, 1617)

On another occasion, a man asked the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH):

“My mother has passed away, and if she could have spoken, she would have given something in charity. Will she receive a reward if I give something on her behalf?” He said, “Yes.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, Fath, 1388)

Who Are Munkar and Nakir?

After the deceased’s body has spent some time in the grave, the angels Munkar and Nakir visit him. Furthermore, they have to ask the deceased about their faith. Munkar and Nakir will sit the soul up in the grave and ask it 3 questions: “Who is your Lord? Who is your Prophet? And what is your faith?”. 

The answers to these three crucial questions will determine how the deceased’s soul will spend its time till the Day of Judgement.

What is Barzakh?

According to Islam, when a person dies, the soul enters the state of waiting, also known as Barzakh, until the Day of Judgement. Barzakh or purgatory is an Arabic word that means barrier, hindrance, or separation. Barzakh is the transition period between this temporary world and the afterlife.

While in Barzakh, the souls will be treated according to the life they lead on Earth. A God-fearing person will be treated like royalty; furthermore, Barzakh will become a joyful place for him. The person who leads a life of sin will face the consequences of his decisions.

“That I might do righteousness in that which I left behind. No! It is only a word he is saying, and behind them is a barrier until the Day they are resurrected.” – (23:100) 

The Day of Judgement

The day of Judgement, or Yom al Qiyamah, is when all souls will be resurrected. It will last as long as 50,000 years. Allah will judge all people according to their lives in this Duniya, and eventually, all souls will reach their final destination, Jannah or Jahannum.

May Allah make us all of the people of Paradise! Ameen!

Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) said :

“I testify before Allah that no servant dies bearing witness there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah and then does what is right, except that he will find his way into Paradise. My Lord Almighty has promised me that seventy thousand of my nation will enter Paradise without reckoning or punishment. Verily, I hope you will not enter Paradise until all of you settle together in the heavenly residences with your righteous forefathers, your spouses, and your progeny.”

Source: Musnad Aḥmad 16215

How to Prepare for Death in Islam

Now that you know what happens to the soul after death, how can you prepare for your afterlife? The simple answer: understand what Allah expects from His creations, and try to do as He has commanded. Moreover, the easiest way to prepare for the afterlife is to perform good deeds to simplify your afterlife journey. 

When a believer passes, all his deeds stop. Therefore, he will not be able to perform any more good deeds. So, it is best to try and live a sin-free life on the right path to enter Jannah.

The Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) said:

"when a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah (a continuous charity), a knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him." – Muslim

The Dua for the Deceased

When a Muslim learns of another Muslims death, they are encouraged to recite the following Dua:

إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّآ إِلَيْهِ رَٰجِعُونَ

Transliteration: ‘Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un’

Translation: ‘Surely to Allah, we belong, and to Him, we will all return’.

Conclusion

Death is a frightening notion. It arouses the fear of the unknown even in the strongest individuals, causing most people to avoid discussing it. But the truth is that a Muslim should always be conscious of death. He should beware that this world, and his stay in it, is a test. Our real life will begin after death. Therefore, a Muslim should strive to live according to Allah’s will.

Success in the afterlife depends on how we live in this Dunya! May Allah guide us all to a righteous life and a blissful afterlife! Ameen

FAQ’s

How does Islam view death?

Islam does not view death as something terrifying or as a punishment. For the believer who has lived following Allah’s commands, it is a blessing and a reward. Death will bring him closer to his eternal life in Jannah.

What happens to the soul after death?

After death, all souls go to Barzakh. Barzakh is the transition period between this world and the afterlife. It is literally a barrier or curtain between our world and the afterlife.

Can one tell if death is near?

No, a person cannot tell if his death is near. Allah preordains the time of death, and only Allah knows when and how someone will die.