Understanding the Islamic Concept of Barzakh

In order to understand the Islamic concept of barzakh, one must be able to have knowledge of the Islamic prophecy and things associated with it. Only then can one learn what happens in barzakh, followed by an understanding of what happens on the Day of Judgment, which is also important for the understanding of the concept of barzakh. More importantly, by understanding historical context of the Islam belief, one is able to distinguish the differences in Islamic beliefs from beliefs of the older two Abrahamic faiths; Christianity and Judaism.

Firstly, it is important to identify what the prophecy of Islam is in order to obtain a historical understanding of the Islamic belief. Islam was founded in the year 622 CE (common era). According to Islamic teaching, Allah (God) has sent many prophets throughout time to teach the message of monotheism. Prophets were human beings who taught the people around them about faith in One Almighty God (Allah), and how to walk on the path of righteousness. Mohammed was the last prophet and final reminder to people to find peace in their life through the submission to God; to believe in Him and follow His guidance. With the understanding of what the prophecy of Islam is, one can proceed to learning about the Islamic concept of barzakh and what happens there.

Barzakh is the Islam belief that after death, mankind will enter a realm before the day of resurrection, which is known as Barzakh. Barzakh literally means a ‘barrier’. This ‘barrier’ stands between two things that don’t allow the two to meet. In this case, barzakh is between death and the final judgment. The people who have died and entered this realm cannot reenter the world and must stay there until the Day of Resurrection. Ma’ad, one of the pr...

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...did not die’. Islam belief in human nature is also different from Christianity; but the same in Judaism, that human nature has the equal ability to do good or evil. Means of salvation in Islam is closely the same to the other Abrahamic beliefs. In addition, good and bad afterlife beliefs are closely related as well. Interestingly, Christianity views Islam as a false religion and Islam views Judaism and Christianity as ultimately having wrong beliefs and ‘only partial revelation’. Ultimately, these Abrahamic religions are the most influential religions in the world. Their impact on the world is very deep and all trace their history to Abraham in the Hebrew Bible. The brief overview of the similarities and differences of the three monotheistic faiths enables people to enrich or at least receive a concrete vision of what can possibly come with death and the afterlife.