Yawm al-qiyamah

Definition

Yawm al-qiyamah, or the Day of Judgment, is a fundamental concept in Islam referring to the day when all individuals will be resurrected for divine judgment based on their actions in life. This day signifies the end of the world and the ultimate accountability of every human being, where they will face their deeds, receive rewards or punishments, and be assigned their eternal fate in either paradise or hell.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Yawm al-qiyamah is described in various verses throughout the Quran, emphasizing its certainty and the need for believers to prepare for it through righteous actions.
2. On this day, all humans will be resurrected from their graves, and their deeds will be presented before them for evaluation.
3. Islam teaches that the balance of good and bad deeds will determine a person's fate; those with more good deeds will enter paradise, while those with more bad deeds may face punishment in hell.
4. The Day of Judgment is also associated with signs and events leading up to it, including major occurrences that indicate its approach, like natural disasters and societal upheaval.
5. Belief in yawm al-qiyamah serves as a motivation for Muslims to lead ethical lives, uphold justice, and fulfill their religious obligations.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of yawm al-qiyamah influence Islamic ethics and behavior?
  • The concept of yawm al-qiyamah significantly shapes Islamic ethics by instilling a sense of accountability among believers. Knowing that they will face judgment for their actions encourages Muslims to engage in righteous behavior and avoid sinful actions. This belief acts as a moral compass, guiding individuals to fulfill their religious duties and contribute positively to society, with the ultimate goal of achieving a favorable outcome on the Day of Judgment.
• What are the theological implications of resurrection on yawm al-qiyamah within Islamic belief?
  • The resurrection on yawm al-qiyamah holds profound theological implications within Islam as it reinforces the concepts of divine justice and mercy. It emphasizes that every individual's actions have consequences and that God's judgment is both fair and encompassing. The resurrection affirms life after death and highlights the transient nature of worldly existence, urging believers to prioritize their spiritual growth and adherence to Islamic teachings.
• Evaluate how beliefs regarding yawm al-qiyamah shape community practices and social norms in Muslim societies.
  • Beliefs about yawm al-qiyamah significantly shape community practices and social norms within Muslim societies by fostering a collective consciousness centered around accountability. This belief encourages communities to promote moral values, engage in charitable acts, and support one another in fulfilling religious obligations. Additionally, communal activities such as prayer gatherings during significant Islamic dates are often tied to reflections on death and resurrection, reinforcing social cohesion while reminding individuals of their responsibilities towards one another in preparation for the Day of Judgment.

Related terms

Akirah: The belief in the afterlife in Islamic theology, where individuals are judged after death and either rewarded with eternal life in paradise or punished in hell.

Munkar and Nakir: Two angels who interrogate the deceased in their graves about their faith and deeds, determining their fate until the Day of Judgment.

Surah Al-Qiyamah: The 75th chapter of the Quran that discusses the resurrection, the Day of Judgment, and the ultimate fate of human souls.