Author: Abu Ayesha
Resurrection After Death (part 33)
Introduction
In the previous sections of this study, we discussed various aspects of resurrection after death and the beliefs associated with it, and we came to realize the profound significance of this doctrine. Before concluding this discussion, it is appropriate to examine the positive and negative effects and consequences that belief in the Hereafter has on both individual and social life.
Belief in the Hereafter and Its Impact on Human Life
The Hereafter is one of the two fundamental pillars of belief in the divine religions and an innate conviction embedded within every human being. When properly nurtured, it produces numerous psychological, educational, spiritual, and moral benefits. Belief in the Hereafter has a profound influence on human conduct, for a person who believes in the Day of Resurrection regards his actions as accountable and measured. Such a person avoids disobeying Allah the Exalted, knowing that disobedience leads to His displeasure, deprives one of Paradise, and jeopardizes one’s eternal life in the Hereafter. Consequently, he proceeds through life with caution and responsibility.
It is a clear reality that those who do not believe in the Resurrection, life after death, and the gathering of humanity before Allah the Exalted perceive no real barrier preventing them from committing errors and sins. Nor do they possess a compelling motive to refrain from wrongdoing and transgression. Thus, belief in the Hereafter and its related realities serves as one of the greatest restraints upon human behavior.
If this belief becomes firmly established within a society, its members will not engage indiscriminately in every action. Rather, whenever they recognize that a particular deed may negatively affect their fate in the Hereafter, they will avoid it. Therefore, belief in resurrection and life after death plays a vital role in regulating human behavior and giving purpose and direction to life.
Belief in the Hereafter is highly influential in directing the course of human life. Anyone seeking to reform a society must first establish faith in the Hereafter within that society. Otherwise, true reform will not occur; instead, the society will gradually decline. For where there is no accountability, people act freely without regard for consequences or judgment.
Faith in the Last Day is one of the pillars of faith and one of the fundamental doctrines of Islam. After belief in the Oneness of Allah, the doctrine of resurrection after death constitutes the second foundation of Islamic belief.
The role of belief in the Hereafter in an individual’s life is reflected in protection from sins, safeguarding against moral vices, and the preservation of inner peace and spiritual security. Faith in the Hereafter exerts a deep and far-reaching influence upon human actions. In reality, human conduct reflects one’s beliefs and convictions; in other words, a person’s behavior is directly and inseparably linked to his worldview. Through belief in the Hereafter, fulfilling divine obligations becomes easier, one’s perspective on worldly life changes, and one is motivated to strive for holy human goals and cultivate virtuous moral qualities.
Belief in the Hereafter is among the most effective means of reforming human beings and enabling them to attain the highest levels of perfection, whereas denying it leads to misguidance and an unfortunate end. The Holy Qur’an presents belief in resurrection as essential for human development and moral cultivation. Therefore, it repeatedly reminds people of this reality and calls them to reflect upon it, for without belief in the Hereafter, human education and refinement remain incomplete.
Faith in the Hereafter also produces numerous personal benefits. By personal benefits, we mean those effects that become evident in the private life of each individual, such as piety, self-monitoring, self-accountability, freedom from heedlessness, moderation in worldly ambitions, and similar virtues.
In light of the discussions presented in the previous sections regarding resurrection after death, and based on the research conducted in various scholarly works, we now turn to some of the most significant benefits and positive effects of belief in the Hereafter:
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Giving Meaning and Purpose to Life
One of the most important effects of belief in the Hereafter is that it gives meaning and direction to human life. If there were no life after death, worldly existence would be futile and purposeless. The Holy Qur’an presents belief in the Hereafter as the remedy for meaninglessness and futility, teaching that all creatures, including human beings, are journeying back to Allah the Exalted. This makes it clear that worldly life is not the ultimate goal but rather a preparation for the everlasting life to come—a life in which human beings will attain their true aspirations and ultimate fulfillment, unlike the temporary and imperfect life of this world.
Allah the Exalted says: (أَفَحَسِبْتُمْ أَنَّمَا خَلَقْنَاكُمْ عَبَثًا وَأَنَّكُمْ إِلَيْنَا لَا تُرْجَعُونَ) Translation: “Did you think that We created you in vain and that you would not be returned to Us?” [1]
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Controlling Human Desires
One of the most important factors that liberates reason from the domination of base desires and enables a person to control his passions is remembrance of the Hereafter. Reflection upon the Hereafter restrains one from following whims and desires, controls rebellious inclinations, and creates an environment in which moral virtues flourish and holy qualities become stronger.
It is narrated from Abu Hurairah (RA) that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: «أَكْثِرُوا ذِكْرَ هَاذِمِ اللَّذَّاتِ» Translation: “Frequently remember the destroyer of pleasures.” [2]
Remembering death encourages a person to reflect upon death itself and the events that follow it, motivating him to prepare for those difficult and momentous stages.
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Developing a Sense of Responsibility
One of the blessed effects of belief in the Hereafter is the awakening of a profound sense of responsibility within the human soul. According to the Qur’anic worldview, the human being is a responsible creature who will be held accountable for his deeds and actions. This sense of responsibility arises from belief in the Hereafter and influences all aspects of a person’s behavior. Such an individual considers himself accountable for every action and recognizes that he must answer before Allah the Exalted.
The Holy Qur’an emphasizes this accountability on the Day of Resurrection: (فَوَرَبِّكَ لَنَسْأَلَنَّهُمْ أَجْمَعِينَ عَمَّا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ) Translation: “So by your Lord, we shall surely question them all concerning what they used to do.” [3]
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Protection from Sin
Belief in the Hereafter serves as a powerful deterrent against sin and a strong motivation for performing righteous deeds. A person who believes in the life to come distances himself from wrongdoing and impurity and strives for virtue and righteousness. Even if he falls into sin, he turns to Allah in repentance and seeks His forgiveness.
For this reason, the Holy Qur’an identifies firm belief in the Hereafter as one of the defining qualities of the righteous and repeatedly encourages believers to adopt a life of piety. It reminds them of the contrasting destinies of the people of Paradise and the people of Hell, affirming that they are not equal and that true success belongs only to the inhabitants of Paradise. [4]
Allah (SWT) says: (لَا يَسْتَوِي أَصْحَابُ النَّارِ وَأَصْحَابُ الْجَنَّةِ أَصْحَابُ الْجَنَّةِ هُمُ الْفَائِزُونَ) Translation: “The people of the Fire and the people of Paradise are not equal. It is the people of Paradise who are the successful ones.” [5]
To be continued…
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References:
- Makkī, Dr. Majd, A Comprehensive Collection of the Creed of Ahl al-Sunnah, translated by Fayḍ Muḥammad Balūch, vol. 2, 1394 SH (2015 CE), p. 714.
- Qur’an, Sūrat al-Muʾminūn (23), verse 115.
- Sunan al-Tirmidhī, edited by Aḥmad Muḥammad Shākir, vol. 4, p. 553, ḥadīth no. 2307.
- Qur’an, Sūrat al-Ḥijr (15), verses 92–93.
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Qur’an, Sūrat al-Ḥashr (59), verse 20.
