What Does The Quran Say About The Afterlife?

In Islamic tradition, the Quran is revered as the direct word of God, delivered to Muhammad (pbuh) via the angel Gabriel with no changes or alterations. In terms of contents,it can best be described as a rich tapestry of theology, history, genealogy, and self-help. It focuses very heavily on this life, dealing out worldly wisdom and tips on how the Prophet's followers can improve the world in which we currently live. However, the Quran also devote a great deal of time to discussing what awaits us in the next life. Additional details on the afterlife can be found in the Hadith. The Hadith are a collection of sayings from the Prophet Muhammad, many of which shed further light on topics covered in the Quran. In this article, we're going to be examining some of the most interesting facts about the afterlife mentioned in the Quran and the Hadith.Allah Will Resurrect Everybody The Quran teaches us, in no uncertain terms, that Allah will resurrect everybody on the Day of Judgment. Each individual shall then be held accountable for their deeds in this life and be permitted into Paradise or cast into the Hellfire. Allah's role in process is stressed time and time again, as you will see in the below Quranic extract:

"And they say, 'There is not but our worldly life; we die and live and nothing destroys us except time.' And they have of that no knowledge; they are only assuming. And when Our verses are recited to them as clear evidences, their argument is only that they say, 'Bring [back] our forefathers, if you should be truthful.' Say, 'God causes you to live, then causes you to die; then He will assemble you for the Day of Resurrection, about which there is no doubt,' but most of the people do not know."
- Quran 45:24-26

This passage was revealed to the prophet Muhammad in response to the idolaters of his time. They held the belief that the afterlife was a non-issue and that man simply lived and died in this world and that was that. They regularly mocked Muhammad for his teachings about the next world, challenging him to bring back their ancestors from the dead if he truly had the power to do so. Of course, Muhammad didn't have the power to bring people back from the dead, nor did he ever claim to. Only Allah is capable of resurrecting those who have passed away, which is again stressed in the following extract:

"And he (the non-believers) resents for Us an example (that death is the end of consciousness) and forgets his creation. He says, 'Who will give life to bones while they are disintegrated?' Say, 'He will give them life who produced them the first time; and He is, of all creation, Knowing.' [It is] He who made for you from the green tree, fire, and then from it you ignite. Is not He who created the heavens and the earth able to create the likes of them? Yes, [it is indeed the case]; and He is the Knowing Creator."

- Quran, 36:78-81

This passage is significant as it not only confirms Allah's ability and intention to resurrect all human beings on the Day of Judgment, but also reaffirms His status as the creator of the universe. It brings our existence full circle and assures us of our resurrection.

Allah's Judgment Is Final

Throughout the Quran and the Hadith, we are told that Allah is a forgiving and benevolent being. He wants all of mankind to dwell with Him in Paradise after being risen up on the Day of Judgment. As such, there are certain portions of the Quran which seem to suggest a willingness on Allah's part to bend the rules and overlook certain misdeeds in order to ensure the highest number of people can enjoy the bliss of Paradise. However, Allah's mercy is accompanied by incorruptible justice. Those who are truly undeserving of being saved will not have the privilege of a second chance. This is made clear in the following extract of the Quran:

"When death comes to one of them, he says, 'My Lord, send me back! So that I can do good in the things I neglected.' By no means! It is a mere word that he speaks."

- Quran, 23:99-100

This passage speaks of the inevitable regret the non-believers will experience when they are cast into the Hellfire. In an attempt to avoid eternal suffering, they will plead with Allah and His angels for a second chance in the realm of the mortals. Of course, this second chance will not be forthcoming. Some scholars have also pointed out a tinge of distrust, which can be found in the final sentence of the above passage. While the doomed non-believer will promise to do good things if Allah would only allow them to return to their life in this world, the Quran states that their promise is "a mere word that he speaks". Even if the non-believer were permitted to return to this world to perform good deeds, they would likely fall back into their old ways sooner or later. Allah is aware of this, which is why He affords each of us only one chance to prove our worthiness.