⏳ The Day of Severing (YAUMU ʾL-FAṢL): An Insight into the Islamic Day of Judgment

Yaumu ʾl-Faṣl (يوم الفصل‎), literally translating to “Day of Severing,” is a pivotal concept in Islamic eschatology. Referred to as the Day of Judgment, it is a day when all souls will be resurrected and judged by Allah for their deeds, determining their eternal fate in either Paradise or Hell.

Definition and Etymology

Yaumu ʾl-Faṣl (يوم الفصل‎) comes from the Arabic root “فصل‎” (faṣl), which means to separate or to divide. The term signifies the decisive day when humanity will be divided based on their righteousness or sinfulness.

Qur’anic References

The term Yaumu ʾl-Faṣl is mentioned notably in the Qur’an. For instance, Sūrah lxxvii (Surat Al-Mursalat) specifically mentions:

• Verses 13-14:

  “For the Day of Severing! and who shall teach thee what the Day of Severing is?”

This underscores the gravity and the unknown nature of this day, known only to Allah.

Background & Significance

In Islamic theology, Yaumu ʾl-Faṣl is an integral component symbolizing the ultimate justice of Allah. It is seen as the culmination of earthly life, where:

• Record of Deeds: Every individual’s actions, both good and bad, are meticulously recorded by angels.
• Resurrection: All humans will be brought back to life to face judgment.
• The Scale (Mizan): Deeds will be weighed, and those whose good deeds outweigh their bad will find favor.
• Accountability: Each soul will be fully accountable, and no unjust act will go without recompense.

Cultural Perspectives

Similarities Across Cultures

• Judgment Day Concepts: Similar notions of a final judgment are found in various religious traditions such as Christianity’s Last Judgment or Judaism’s Day of the Lord.

Differences

• Details in Theology: While many religions speak of a final judgment, the specifics, such as the nature of resurrection or the criteria for judgment, differ. In Islam, it’s detailed with the concept of the Book of Deeds and the Scale.

Synonyms and Antonyms

• Synonyms:

  • Rex Domino (Latin for the Day of the Lord)
  • Qiyamah (Resurrection in a broader Islamic context)

• Antonyms:

  • Worldly Life (Dunya)

Related Terms

• Qiyamah: Refers to the overall event of the resurrection and judgment.
• Jannah (Paradise): The final abode of the righteous.
• Jahannam (Hell): The final abode of the wicked.

Exciting Facts

• Eschatology: Islamic eschatology (study of end times) is extensive, detailing probes like the arrival of al-Masih ad-Dajjal (false messiah) and the descent of Jesus.
• Interfaith Dialogue: Many interfaith dialogues explore commonalities and differences in eschatological beliefs providing rich platforms for understanding.

Quotations

• Maulana Wahiduddin Khan:

  “The Day of Severing is not just a day of accountability, but one of divine justice and mercy, where every soul will witness its true worth.”

Suggested Literature

• Book: ‘The Hereafter’ by Sayyid Abul A’la Maududi - Provides an in-depth look at Islamic eschatology.
• Article: “Islamic Eschatology” by Joseph Hell (Journal of Religious Studies) - Comparative analysis on eschatological views across cultures.

Quizzes

With truth and clarity, may your journey towards understanding be illuminated.

• Fatima Hasan