✨ Understanding Resurrection: Belief in al-Yaumu ʾl-āk͟hir (اليوم الاخر)
Definition:
Resurrection (al-Yaumu ʾl-āk͟hir): In Islamic theology, this term signifies the ultimate day when all beings will be resurrected for judgment by Allah. It involves reward or punishment based on individuals’ deeds. Numerous terms in the Qur’an refer to this occurrence, such as Yaumu ʾ-Qiyāmah (Day of Standing Up) and Yaumu ʾd-Dīn (Day of Judgment).
Etymology:
- al-Yaumu ʾl-āk͟hir (اليوم الاخر): Literally translates to “the Last Day.”
- Yaumu ʾ-Qiyāmah (يوم القيامة): Translates to “Day of Standing Up” or “Resurrection.”
- As-Sāʿah (الساعة): Translating to “The Hour,” often implies the sudden and unexpected nature of the end times.
Background:
Belief in the Day of Judgment is one of the essential arkan (pillars) of Iman (faith) in Islam. This day marks the culmination of worldly existence and the commencement of eternal life, where divine justice will prevail. Qur’anic verses vividly describe this day’s events, portraying scenes of chaos and tranquility to inspire righteous living.
Cultural Differences and Similarities:
Differences:
- Judaism & Islam: While both religions expect a judgment day, Judaism places less emphasis on explicit resurrection narratives compared to Islam.
- Christianity & Islam: Christianity focuses on the resurrection through Jesus Christ, whereas Islam includes a series of events culminating in God’s judgment without intermediaries.
Similarities:
- Abrahamic Faiths: All Abrahamic religions anticipate an apocalyptic end-time followed by divine judgment.
- Universal Ethics: Emphasis on moral accountability and righteous conduct characterizes eschatologies across these traditions.
Synonyms:
- Day of Reckoning
- Day of Judgment
- The Last Day
- Qiyamah
Antonyms:
- Present World (Dunya)
- Temporal Life
Related Terms:
- Iman (إيمان): Faith or belief in Islamic creed, including belief in the last day.
- Jannah (الجنة): Paradise, the place of eternal peace rewarded to the righteous.
- Jahannam (جهنم): Hell, the place of punishment for the wicked.
Exciting Facts:
- Unprecedented Time: The exact time of Resurrection is hidden from all creation, imparting mystery and urging vigilance.
- Eschatological Imagery: The Qur’ān’s vivid imagery contrasts utter destruction (mountains moving, stars falling) with ultimate tranquility (faces radiant as they meet their Lord).
Quotations:
- “On the day when ye shall behold it, every suckling woman shall forsake her sucking babe; and every woman that hath a burden in her womb shall cast her burden; and thou shalt see men drunken, yet are they not drunken: but it is the mighty chastisement of God!” - Qur’an, Sūrah xxii. 1–2
- “Is not He powerful enough to quicken the dead?” - Qur’an, Sūrah lxxv. 40
References:
- Qur’an - various Surahs discussing the Day of Judgment, like Sūrah ii. 79, Sūrah lxxv. 1-40.
- Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Kitābu ʾl-Fitan – Books of trials and tribulations
- Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, vol. ii – Comprehensive collection of hadiths
- Mishkāt al-Maṣābīḥ – Comprehensive hadith compilation
Suggested Literature and Sources for Further Studies:
- “The Last Day - Al Qiyamah and the Islamic Resurrection,” by Mahmoud Ayoub
- “Eschatology in the Quran - Divine Presence and Human Deserving” by Jane Smith
- “The End Times: Learn About the Final Day of Judgment in Islam” by Sayyid Sabiq
Inspirational Farewell:
As we delve into these eschatological insights, may our reflections fortify our understanding and faith, leading us towards righteous living, preparing us for that inevitable day. Keep the light of knowledge and faith burning bright.
### Which of the following is not a term used in the Qur'an to describe the Day of Resurrection?
- [ ] Yaumu ʾ-Qiyāmah
- [ ] Yaumu ʾl-Faṣl
- [x] Yaumu ʾl-Mahabbah
- [ ] Yaumu ʾl-Ḥisāb
> **Explanation:** "Yaumu ʾl-Mahabbah" is not used in the Qur'an to describe the Day of Resurrection, which is referred to by terms such as Yaumu ʾ-Qiyāmah (Day of Standing Up) and Yaumu ʾl-Ḥisāb (Day of Reckoning).
### The Qur'anic term "As-Sāʿah" refers to:
- [ ] The Beginning of Creation
- [ ] The moment of revelation
- [x] The Hour (indicating the final Day of Judgment)
- [ ] The birth of the Prophet
> **Explanation:** "As-Sāʿah" refers to "The Hour," indicating the final Day of Judgment, a moment of profound upheaval and ultimate reckoning.
### True or False: The exact time of the Resurrection is known to Angel Gabriel.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** The exact time of the Resurrection is unknown to everyone except Allah. Even Angel Gabriel does not possess this knowledge.
### According to the Islamic belief, how many main signs are there preceding the Resurrection?
- [ ] 5
- [ ] 7
- [ ] 9
- [x] 16
> **Explanation:** Islamic eschatological traditions often describe several main signs (16 significant ones are listed) predicting the onset of Resurrection.
### In Islamic eschatology, which figure ultimately defeats al-Masīḥu ʾd-Dajjāl (Antichrist)?
- [x] Jesus (ʿĪsā)
- [ ] Mahdi
- [ ] Prophet Muhammad
- [ ] Noah
> **Explanation:** Islamic tradition holds that Jesus (ʿĪsā) will return and ultimately defeat al-Masīḥu ʾd-Dajjāl (the Antichrist).
### The term used for “Paradise” in Islam is:
- [x] Jannah
- [ ] Jahannam
- [ ] Dunya
- [ ] Akhirah
> **Explanation:** Jannah refers to Paradise in Islamic theology, a place of eternal peace and happiness for the righteous.
### Which sign is NOT one of the "lesser signs" of the Last Day in Islamic tradition?
- [ ] Decay of faith among men
- [ ] Tumults and seditions
- [x] Rising of the sun from the west
- [ ] A maid-servant becoming the mother of her mistress
> **Explanation:** The "rising of the sun from the west" is classified among the "greater signs" of the Last Day in Islamic tradition.
### What is significant about the "root of the tail bone" or ʿAjbu ʾẕ-Ẕanab in Islamic Resurrection?
- [ ] It is the origin of individual consciousness
- [x] It remains uncorrupted until the Last Day, serving as a basis for bodily resurrection
- [ ] It is the source of divine inspiration
- [ ] It symbolizes worldly life
> **Explanation:** Islamic tradition teaches that the ʿAjbu ʾẕ-Ẕanab (root of the tail bone) remains uncorrupted until the Last Day, serving as a germ for the resurrection of the body.
### According to Islamic tradition, who will intercede for humankind on the Day of Resurrection?
- [ ] Noah
- [ ] Abraham
- [ ] Moses
- [ ] Prophet Muhammad
- [ ] Jesus
- [x] All of the above, with Prophet Muhammad having the ultimate intercession
> **Explanation:** While various prophets will intercede for different groups, Prophet Muhammad will have the ultimate authority to intercede on the Day of Resurrection.
### Which of the following is NOT considered a consequence of the final trumpet blast?
- [x] Redistribution of earthly riches
- [ ] Concatenation of all dead for judgment
- [ ] Resurrection of bodies from the graves
- [ ] Souls rejoining their bodies
> **Explanation:** Redistribution of earthly riches is not a consequence of the final trumpet blast. This blast concerns resurrection and the rejoining of souls with their respective bodies for judgment.
