akhira

Akhira, meaning “the Hereafter,” refers to the life after death in Islamic theology. It encompasses the events following death, the intermediate state of Barzakh, the Day of Judgment, and the eternal destinies of individuals. The concept emphasizes that this world is transient and that there is a final, everlasting reality to which all people will be held accountable.

Core beliefs about the akhira include the bodily resurrection, the gathering before God for judgment, and the ultimate assignment to paradise (Jannah) or hell (Jahannam) based on faith, deeds, and divine mercy. Some traditions describe additional elements such as the crossing of the Sirat (a narrow bridge) and the possibility of intercession by prophets. While the specifics can vary, the general framework of life after death, reckoning, and eternal consequence is widely affirmed across Islamic thought.

In Sunni Islam, belief in the akhira is one of the six articles of faith. In Shia Islam, it is also central, though interpretations and emphasis may differ in details. The akhira shapes moral conduct, worship, and daily decisions, reinforcing the view that human life has ultimate purpose and that God will render justice and reward or punish accordingly. The concept is taught in the Qur’an and in prophetic traditions and remains a foundational element of Muslim eschatology.