Belief in the Day of Judgment (The Fifth Pillar of Faith)

The fifth pillar of Iman (faith) in Islam is belief in the Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Qiyamah). This tenet highlights the transient nature of life and underscores the eternal accountability of every human being before Allah. It signifies the culmination of existence, where all deeds—good or bad—are weighed, and ultimate justice is served by Allah.

In this post, we will delve into the meaning of the Day of Judgment, its significance in Islamic belief, its signs, and the implications it has on a Muslim's life. We will also reflect on relevant Quranic verses that reinforce this vital aspect of faith.

Understanding Belief in the Day of Judgment

Believing in the Day of Judgment entails the conviction that life does not end with death. After the worldly life, every soul will be resurrected to face divine justice. Allah, the All-Knowing and All-Powerful, will reward or punish individuals based on their deeds.

"And to Allah belongs the unseen [aspects] of the heavens and the earth, and the matter of the Hour is not but as a glance of the eye or even nearer. Indeed, Allah is over all things competent."
(Surah An-Nahl, 16:77)

The Day of Judgment is not just a belief; it serves as a profound reminder of accountability and reinforces the concept of divine justice in a world often fraught with inequality.

The Significance of Belief in the Day of JudgmentAccountability

Belief in Yawm al-Qiyamah instills a sense of responsibility in a Muslim. Every action, no matter how small, is recorded and will be brought to light on that day.

"So whoever does an atom's weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom's weight of evil will see it." (Surah Az-Zalzalah, 99:7-8)

This verse reminds Muslims that nothing escapes Allah’s knowledge, encouraging righteousness and deterring sin.

Hope and Motivation

The promise of eternal paradise for the righteous serves as a source of hope. Believers are motivated to endure hardships and live according to Allah's commands, knowing that their efforts will not go unrewarded.

"Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds—they will have gardens beneath which rivers flow. That is the great attainment." (Surah Al-Buruj, 85:11)

The Day of Judgment ensures that ultimate justice is served. Even if one faces injustice in this world, they are reassured that Allah will address it on the Day of Judgment.

"And We will set up the scales of justice for the Day of Resurrection, so no soul will be treated unjustly at all. And if there is [even] the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it forth. And sufficient are We as accountant." (Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:47)

Signs of the Day of Judgment

Islam provides both minor and major signs that indicate the approach of the Day of Judgment.

Minor Signs

These include the spread of immorality, loss of trust, widespread ignorance, and the neglect of prayers.

"Then there will come after them successors who neglect prayer and pursue desires; so they are going to meet evil." (Surah Maryam, 19:59)

Major Signs

The major signs include the emergence of the Dajjal (Antichrist), the return of Prophet Isa (Jesus, peace be upon him), the appearance of Ya'juj and Ma'juj (Gog and Magog), and the rising of the sun from the west.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

"The Hour will not be established until the sun rises from the west. When it rises and the people see it, they will all believe, but that will be the time when belief will not profit a soul which did not believe before." (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 4635)

Events of the Day of Judgment

The Quran vividly describes the occurrences of the Day of Judgment.

All living beings will be resurrected from their graves, and their deeds will be presented to them.

"The Day they will come out of the graves rapidly as if they were racing to a target." (Surah Al-Ma'arij, 70:43)

Every individual will receive their record of deeds. The righteous will receive their book in their right hand, while the sinners will receive it in their left.

"Then as for he who is given his record in his right hand, he will be judged with an easy account and return to his people in happiness. But as for he who is given his record behind his back, he will cry out for destruction." (Surah Al-Inshiqaq, 84:7-11)

Deeds will be weighed on a scale, and the outcome will determine one’s fate.

"And the weighing [of deeds] that Day will be the truth. So those whose scales are heavy—it is they who will be successful." (Surah Al-A'raf, 7:8)

The Sirat is a bridge over Hell that everyone must cross. The righteous will traverse it swiftly, while the sinners may stumble and fall.

The final destinations are either Jannah (paradise) for the righteous or Jahannam (hell) for those who disbelieved and sinned.

"Indeed, the righteous will be in pleasure, and indeed, the wicked will be in Hellfire." (Surah Al-Infitar, 82:13-14)

Impact of Belief in the Day of Judgment

Encourages Accountability: Knowing that every deed will be judged motivates Muslims to live ethically.
Promotes Justice: It reinforces trust in Allah’s perfect justice, even when worldly justice fails.
Fosters Spiritual Growth: Regular remembrance of Yawm al-Qiyamah encourages Muslims to prioritize worship and avoid sins.

Conclusion

Belief in the Day of Judgment is a cornerstone of Islamic faith that shapes a Muslim’s perspective on life and the hereafter. It serves as a powerful reminder of accountability, justice, and the ultimate reward or punishment awaiting each individual.

The Quran consistently calls upon humanity to reflect on this reality and prepare for it by living righteously. By adhering to the guidance of Allah and seeking His mercy, Muslims can hope to cross the Sirat successfully and attain the eternal bliss of Jannah.

"And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous." (Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:133)