Death is a difficult reality already faced by each person before us, and there are many who continue to face it today and for time to come. Islam clearly talks about this certainty reminding us of the true nature of this life, and the accountability in the hereafter. However, there are many who choose to deny an afterlife or say they have doubts about it; they can be clumped into the following categories:

1DENIER:
I don’t believe in an afterlife, we will simply turn to dust at the end

2REJECTOR:
I know there is an afterlife but, I am not willing to accept it

3DOUBTER:
Maybe there is an afterlife, and maybe there isn't

It may not seem obvious but the three categories can all be classified as Disbelievers: all three question the existence of the hereafter. Islam is built upon a system of beliefs and we do not have the freedom to reject any of them, rather all have to be accepted to be called a Believer. To think of it another way, God is infallible and has perfected His religion; it will go against His perfection to deny any tenet of belief, including belief in the afterlife.

Events of the afterlife and death are part of the Ghayb (Unseen). As the name suggests, it is that which we cannot ‘see’ or know about in this world unless the One who made it describes it to us, for example, the soul, angels, paradise, hell, and future events are all part of the Ghayb. The Quran clearly spells out believing in the Ghayb is an essential part of Islam:

This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of God. Those who believe in the Ghayb, establish the prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them. [Quran 2:2-3]

Let’s examine the validity of each above mentioned category one at a time, with respect to belief in an afterlife:

1. Denier

A Denier’s main claim is that there is no afterlife, but by saying something will not happen does not reduce its possibility. For argument’s sake let’s consider two scenarios:

There is NO afterlife:

There IS an afterlife:

The only way to conclusively be at ease with one’s decision is to review the books of faith and scrutinize them. Unlike some faiths Islam welcomes scrutiny and seeking clarification by asking questions, and you will find its concept in the Quran and Sunnah not only convincingly describe the purpose behind creation, but illustrate with great detail the events leading to and after death. Unfortunately waiting till we die to believe, or not taking the time to think things through will be too late. People are led to different paths to face their eventuality, and no one has been given the chance to come back and change. Regret will accompany such a soul and it is only prudent to do the necessary research beforehand.

2. Rejecter

They are an interesting group because they resemble a Denier. They realize the existence of an afterlife but deny it for various reasons, a means to justify not submitting to God, or claim His path is too difficult and then follow their own lusts and desires. A Rejecter also needs to evaluate the reason for his stubbornness, which can only be dealt with sincerity and honesty to oneself. Islam outlines that there is no compulsion in religion and people are free to make their choices, but as with any decision we need to make educated choices, being aware and accepting the consequences.

3. Doubter

Doubters stand on the fence unsure or unwilling to commit their stance on belief in an afterlife. They may be based on legitate circumstances or used as a means to justify their lifestyle. Doubts can only be resolved by first understanding its source, usually one's own faith, for example the concept of another person dying for their sins goes against the idea of God being fair and just, and by giving God human-like frailities of tiredness, having a son, or by associating partners with Him, they go against the singular divinity deserving of the All-Mighty.

Being a Muslim and having doubts

There are Muslims as well who have doubts and who also need to learn about their religion - the main source of doubts is ignorance, which is only cured by seeking knowledge. Methodological steps and a lot of sacrifices have been taken to preserve sources of knowledge, the Quran and Sunnah (narrations/actions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)), because gaining it serves an important goal of becoming closer to God. Compromising on seeking an understanding of Islam keeps doubts alive, which may turn one away from God and the great reward in the hereafter reserved for the Believers. Similar to a Rejecter, by intentionally being comfortable with doubts or arrogantly holding to wrong beliefs one can easily fall prey to their desires, whose hearts and ears will be closed to reminders on death or the consequences of the hereafter, fueling the dangerous path they have chosen.

Indeed, those who disbelieve - it is all the same for them whether you warn them or do not warn them - they will not believe. Allah has set a seal upon their hearts and upon their hearing, and over their vision is a veil. And for them is a great punishment. [Quran 2:6-7]

The Afterlife

It begins at the final moments of this short life when the soul is taken out by the Angel of Death. Two starkly different events occur depending on whether the soul belonged to a Believer or a Disbeliever. The soul of the Believer will flow out of its vessel willingly and be wrapped in clothes and scents of Paradise, while the Disbeliever fate of pain and agony with begin. The Angel of Death will pull out the soul like wet wool going passing through thorns, and once out of the body will quickly be covered with clothes and scents of Hell by two vicious angels.

The journey to the grave, questioning that takes place, processions to the hereafter, and the eternal fate determined on the Day of Judgment are likewise rewarding or punishing events dependent upon the choices we make. This world is a means of testing our faiths which will distinguish the Believer and Disbeliever. We are free to choose what meaning we want to give in believing in an afterlife and the purpose of life, but as mentioned before the choices we make have consequences. By seeking knowledge and understanding we are better educated to choose the life we want to live, and what abode of the afterlife we should seek.