Journal: Conservative Theological Journal
Volume: CTJ 08:23 (Mar 2004)
Article: Judgment and Hell Behind the Veil of Islam
Author: Raj Kripalani

CTJ 8:23 (March 2004) p. 106

Judgment and Hell Behind the Veil of Islam

Raj Kripalani

Graduate Studies
Tyndale Theological Seminary

There are more than one billion people in the world who now claim to believe in the writings of the revelations given to the prophet Muhammad who lived in the 7^th century AD. What does Islam teach about life after death, judgment, and hell?

Death is a great mystery to most people. According to Islam, at the moment of death, everyone knows his or her destiny; heaven or hell. In Islam, man is not seen as essentially fallen or sinful. Islam teaches that people are born innocent and remain so until each makes himself or herself guilty by a guilty deed. As a result, there is an all-pervasive Quranic concern and insistence on a day of judgment at the end of history when all will be held accountable for their beliefs and actions.

For the disbelievers of Muhammad and the Quran, death is a horrible event; the angels beat them on the faces and rear ends as they snatch away their souls:

And had you seen when the angels will cause to die those who disbelieve, smiting their faces and their backs, and (saying): “Taste the punishment of burning.”1

I swear by the angels who violently pull out the souls of the wicked.2

Events Related to the Day of Judgment

The Quran describes the events of the Day of Judgment. First, this day will not be established till Hajj (pilgrimages) are abandoned.

CTJ 8:23 (March 2004) p. 107

“Narrated Shu’ba extra: The Hour (Day of Judgment) will not be established till the Hajj (to the Ka’ba) is abandoned”3

In addition, according to Muhammad, Doomsday will be preceded by an unfit transfer of power.

Narrated Abu Huraira: While the Prophet was saying something in a gathering, a Bedouin came and asked him, “When would the Hour take place?” Allah’s Apostle continued his talk, so some people said that Allah’s Apostle had heard the question, but did not like what that Bedouin had asked. Some of them said that Allah’s Apostle had not heard it. When the Prophet finished his speech, he said, “Where is the questioner, who inquired about the Hour?” The Bedouin said, “I am here, O Allah’s Apostle.” Then the Prophet said, “When honesty is lost, then wait for the Hour.” The Bedouin said, “How will that be lost?” The Prophet said, “When the power or authority comes in the hands of unfit persons, then wait for the Hour.”You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
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