What is Akhirah’s Meaning in Islam?
In Islam, the Akhirah (الآخرة), meaning life after death, is the infinite afterlife that comes after our life in this world. As opposed to this world’s temporary pleasures and experiences, the hereafter is absolute and eternal. It is where supreme justice is administered—where all souls are judged according to their actions.
This article discusses the definition of the Hereafter, its Quranic and Hadith basis, and the impact of belief in the Hereafter on the life, practice, and mission of a Muslim.
Akhirah Meaning in English and Arabic
The term akhira (Arabic: الأخرة) is derived from the word “akhir”, meaning “last” or “end”. Therefore, akhira refers to the final destination of all souls, i.e., the life after death or the afterlife.
In the English language, Akhirah is used to mean the afterlife or hereafter, but in Islam, it is a much deeper concept spiritually. It is not only an after phase, but a central pillar of faith that dictates morality, ethics, and accountability.
Faith in Akhirah: A Pillar of Iman
Belief in the Akhirah is one of the six articles of faith (Iman) in Islam:
- Belief in Allah (Tawhid)
- Belief in Angels
- Belief in the Divine Books
- Belief in Prophets
- Belief in Qadar (divine decree)
- Belief in the Akhirah – the Hereafter
This is not open to negotiation; this is central to being Muslim. It provides hope, fear, responsibility, and ultimately life direction.
Akhirah in the Quran: A Reality, Not a Myth
The Qur’an adopts the term Akhirah repeatedly to refer to its happenings, reward, punishment, and importance. It equates Al-Dunya (this worldly life) with Al-Akhirah, stating that whereas the world is transitory, the Akhirah is finite and perpetual.
“And this worldly life is not but amusement and diversion. But the home of the Hereafter is best for those who fear Allah. Will you not reason?”
Surah Al-An’am 6:32
In Surah Al-Ankabut 29:64, Allah clearly states:
“And indeed, the home of the Hereafter – that is the [eternal] life, if only they knew.”
Phases of Akhirah: From Death Forever
1. Barzakh (The Barrier)
Death brings every soul to Barzakh, a place between the world and Judgment Day. It is a waiting phase when the soul catches a glimpse of its afterlife reward or punishment.
“And behind them is a barrier until the Day they are resurrected.”
Surah Al-Mu’minun 23:100
2. The Sounding of the Trumpet
On the Day of Judgment, the angel Israfil will blow the trumpet and decide the fate of the world. Every living thing will perish, and a second trumpet will bring back all souls to life.
This is when Dunya comes to an end and Akhirah begins.
3. Resurrection (Ba’th) and Gathering (Hashr)
All the souls would be raised from their graves and gathered at a single location for judgment. The Qur’an makes use of the analogy of rain that brings back desolate lands to describe how resurrection is feasible through the will of Allah.
4. The Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Qiyamah)
Each human being shall be held accountable for what they have done. The Book of Deeds will be read. If the book is in the right hand, it is salvation. If it is in the left hand, it is destroyed.
There are three categories:
- Believers who get their book in their right hand and enter into Jannah (Paradise)
- Disbelievers who are eternally punished in Jahannam (Hell)
- Wicked Muslims, who will be temporarily chastised but can be forgiven or interceded for
Jannah and Jahannam: The Last Abodes
✨ Jannah (Paradise)
A place of everlasting peace, loveliness, and retribution for the righteous. Rivers, gardens, friendship, and most of all, the delight of Allah are to be found by the believers.
“No soul knows what has been hidden for them of comfort for eyes as reward for what they used to do.”
Surah As-Sajda 32:17
🔥 Jahannam (Hell)
A destination of harsh punishment for those who stifled truth, committed the worst of evils, and disbelieved. Its accounts are daunting, yet it is also an equally just place.
“Fear the Fire whose fuel is people and stones.”
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:24
Akhirah vs Dunya: A Comparison
Life in the world is an illusion about the Akhirah’s reality. A common analogy applied is a fetus inside a womb—just like a fetus does not know what lies beyond the womb, we do not know the complete picture of the Akhirah.
“They only know the outward aspect of worldly life, but they are unaware of the Hereafter.”
Surah Ar-Rum 30:7
Why the Akhirah is Important Today
Knowledge of the Akhirah meaning in Islam makes life purposeful. When we realize that we are accountable and answerable for reward or punishment for all eternity, we:
- Avoid sin and temptation
- Strive for righteousness
- Exercise mercy and fairness
- Build patience in hardship
- Live with vision and purpose
What is Akhirah meaning in Islam? A Summary
Let us sum up the key points:
- Akhirah is the afterlife, the life after death, and the eternal world.
- It is a pillar of Islamic belief and has a direct impact on a Muslim’s practices and beliefs.
- The Qur’an and Hadith explain the Akhirah: death, Barzakh, resurrection, judgment, Jannah, and Jahannam.
- Embracing the afterlife engenders intentionality, morality, and purposefulness.
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Conclusion
The Akhirah is no distant hypothesis but a divine reality which informs the Islamic perception of the world. A reminder that life is a trial and success is not about being rich, but harmony with Allah for all eternity.
All one’s actions, words, and thoughts are brought to account. And in the Akhirah, it will all be balanced and judged.
So let us work for a life that leads us to a life that never ends.
“Indeed, the Hereafter is better and more lasting.”
Surah Al-A’la 87:17
