MAGAZINE: EDITION APRIL 2023
World Religions

World Faiths – Transitioning to the Afterlife

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Symbol of Islam: Crescent Moon and StarWe have ordained death for all of you; and We cannot be prevented; from bringing in your place others like you, and from developing you into a form which at present you know not. And you have certainly known the first creation. Why, then, do you not reflect?

Islam, the Holy Qur’an, 56:61-63

Symbol of Islam: Crescent Moon and StarWhen a man dies all his good deeds come to an end except three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge and a righteous son who prays for him.

Islam, Saying of the Holy Prophet (sa), Sunan al-Nasa’i

Symbol of Islam: Crescent Moon and StarBelief in the hereafter – among other ways and means – is a strong catalyst which moves an individual to perform good and virtuous acts. An individual who considers the Hereafter to be nothing more than a fable or tale, becomes one who is rejected, and loses in this world and the next. This is because awe of the Hereafter also arouses fear in a person, drawing them in towards the true fountain of divine understanding. And divine insight cannot be attained without the awe and fear of God. Hence, remember that when a person begins to doubt the Hereafter, this puts a person’s faith in danger and taints the prospects of a good end.

Islam, the Promised Messiah (as), Malfuzat – Volume II, p. 53

Towards the wicked man and the righteous one;

And him in whom right and wrong meet;

Shall the Judge act in upright manner, according to the laws of the present existence.

Zoroastrianism, Avesta, Yasna 33:1

Then I saw a great white throne and the one who sat on it; the earth and the heaven fled from his presence, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Also another book was opened, the book of life. And the dead were judged according to their works, as recorded in the books.

Christianity, The Bible, Revelation 20:11-12

Symbol of Hinduism: AumThose who remember me at the time of death will come to me. Do not doubt this. Whatever occupies the mind at the time of death determines the destiny of the dying; always they will tend toward that state of being. Therefore, remember me at all times…Remembering me at the time of death, close down the doors of the senses and place the mind in the heart.

Hinduism, Bhagavad Gita 8.5-7, 12-13