5. Belief in the Day of Judgment

Believing in the Day of Judgment means firmly believing that one day, life on earth will end, and all humans will be resurrected to be held accountable for everything they did. It’s the day when Allah will judge everyone with perfect justice.

The Qur’an uses many different names to describe this day—like Yaumul Qiyamah (Day of Resurrection), Yaumul Hisab (Day of Reckoning), Yaumul Jaza (Day of Recompense), and As-Sa’ah (The Final Hour). Each name emphasizes a different aspect of this important event.

The Day of Judgment is a guaranteed reality. Allah has made it clear in many verses of the Qur’an that it will definitely happen. However, the exact time is known only to Him. “Indeed, the Hour is coming—there is no doubt about it.” (Qur’an 22:7)

Before the Day of Judgment comes, Allah will send signs to warn mankind. These signs are categorized into minor and major signs. Minor signs include widespread immorality, dishonesty, and ignorance. Major signs include the appearance of the Antichrist (Dajjal), the return of Jesus (Isa), the emergence of Gog and Magog (Ya’juj and Ma’juj), and the sun rising from the west.

It all begins with the blowing of the trumpet by the angel Israfil. The first blast will destroy everything. Then, after a time only Allah knows, the trumpet will be blown again—and all humans will come back to life to be judged.

After the second blast, everyone will be raised from their graves—alive and aware. They’ll be gathered for judgment. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that people will rise barefoot, naked, and uncircumcised, and they’ll be overwhelmed by the events.

All of humanity will be gathered in a massive open field called the Plain of Mahsyar. The sun will be brought very close, and people will sweat based on the weight of their deeds. It will be a day of intense fear and regret, especially for those who wasted their lives.

Each person’s deeds will be reviewed one by one. Good and bad deeds will be weighed on a divine scale called the Mizan. Even the smallest act will be counted. Nothing will be hidden from Allah, and no one can lie to Him.

Everyone will be handed their personal book of deeds. The righteous will receive theirs in their right hand—showing success. The wicked will receive theirs in their left hand or from behind—signifying loss and regret.

Everyone will have to cross a bridge called As-Sirāt, stretched over Hell. It’s thinner than a hair and sharper than a sword. The faithful will cross with ease, but the sinful may stumble and fall into the fire below.

On that day, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) will be granted special permission to intercede on behalf of his followers. Others like prophets, righteous people, and even children who died young may also be allowed to intercede.

After judgment, people will be sorted into two groups: those who enter Paradise and those who go to Hell. Paradise is a place of eternal joy and peace, while Hell is a place of unimaginable suffering for those who rejected truth and lived in sin.

Life after death is eternal—there’s no more dying. Those in Paradise will enjoy eternal bliss, while those in Hell will face endless punishment—unless Allah forgives them. It’s a forever existence, based on what we did in our short lives.

Believing in the Day of Judgment encourages people to live responsibly. Knowing that every action will be judged helps believers stay honest, humble, and conscious of their behavior—because they know there will be consequences.

This pillar of faith reminds us that this life is temporary, and the real life is in the Hereafter. We must prepare for it by doing good deeds, avoiding sin, and always striving to be better. True success lies in being ready for the Day we meet our Creator.