Death & the Afterlife

The Angel of Death comes by his Lord’s command. The believer’s soul is taken gently like a hair from dough. The disbeliever’s soul is torn out like a skewer from wet wool. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Frequently remember the destroyer of pleasures" — meaning death.

After burial, the two angels Munkar and Nakir come. They ask: Who is your Lord? What is your religion? Who is your Prophet? The believer answers firmly, his grave is widened and he sees his place in Paradise. The disbeliever falters; his grave is compressed until his ribs interlock.

People are resurrected barefoot, naked and uncircumcised. The sun draws near. The believer is shaded by the Throne of the Merciful. Deeds are placed on the scales — whoever’s scales are heavy is in a pleasant life. The easy reckoning for believers — a presentation and forgiveness. Being cross-examined in reckoning is torment.

"In it is what the souls desire and what delights the eyes." In it is what no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no heart of man has conceived. In it are rivers of water, milk, honey and wine — wine that does not intoxicate. And its greatest blessing is seeing the Noble Face of Allah.