Yawm al-Qiyamah (The Day of Judgment)

Definition

Yawm al-Qiyamah (يوم القيامة), the Day of Resurrection and Judgment, is one of the most detailed topics in the Quran. Belief in it is the fifth pillar of iman. On this day, all of creation will be resurrected, gathered, and held accountable before Allah for every deed they committed.

Major Events

The Blowing of the Trumpet: Israfil will blow the Sur, causing all living beings to die, then blow it again to resurrect everyone (Quran 39:68). The Gathering (Hashr): All of humanity from the first to the last will be gathered on a vast plain. The Standing (Mawqif): People will stand under the sun, sweating according to their deeds, for what feels like 50,000 years (Quran 70:4). The Intercession (Shafa'ah): The Prophet Muhammad will be granted the greatest intercession. The Scales (Mizan): Deeds will be weighed on a real scale (Quran 21:47). The Record (Suhuf): Each person will receive their book of deeds in their right hand (the righteous) or left hand/behind their back (the wicked) (Quran 84:7-12). The Bridge (Sirat): All must cross a bridge over the Hellfire; believers will cross safely.

The Final Destination

After the reckoning, people will enter either Paradise (Jannah) or the Hellfire (Jahannam). Muslims who committed major sins may be punished temporarily in the Hellfire but will eventually enter Paradise through Allah's mercy and the intercession of the Prophet.