Islamic Studies: Life After Death and Judgment

Islamic Studies Study Notes

• Islamic Exam Study Guide: Covers various Islamic topics, including hadith, Islamic practices, and Islamic history, including specific historical events.

Life After Death

• Life of the Barzakh: The period between death and resurrection. Muslims should prepare for death through righteous deeds.
• Stages of Human Life: Consist of the world, the Barzakh, and the hereafter.
• Beneficial Actions after Death: Includes prayers for the deceased, charity, fulfilling the deceased's debts.
• Comparison of the Believer and the Disbeliever: A table contrasts the experiences of believers and disbelievers after death concerning their soul's departure, burial, interaction with angels, and entry into the afterlife.

Day of Judgment

• Names of the Day of Judgment: Includes "Day of Resurrection," "The Other Day," "The Event," "The Hour," and "The Day of Resurrection".
• Angel of Trumpet: Is named Israfil.
• Period between Trumpets: Is 40 days.
• Changes to the Earth, Mountains, Seas, Stars, and Sun: The description of these changes on the Day of Judgment according to Islamic texts.
• Specific actions and events: Explains the concept of the Day of Judgement, including the gathering of people, the different ways people will be judged based on their deeds in life, and the physical transformation of the Earth as it moves towards the final judgment.

Maintaining Fajr Prayer

• Meaning of "al-Husna wal-Ziada": Refers to the complete and excellent paradise and seeing Allah's face.
• Reasons for Waking Up Early (Fajr Prayer): Includes early sleep, help from family and friends, remembering Allah after waking up, and using alarms.
• Importance of Fajr and Asr Prayers: Are emphasized for their special rewards during times of sleep and rest.
• Benefits of Fajr Prayer: It's equivalent to an entire night's worship, provides peace and tranquility, and is witnessed by angels. Waking up early also has health benefits.

Zakat (Charity)

• Definition of Zakat: Islamic obligatory charity, given to specific groups, which is an act of worshipping God.
• Benefits of Zakat for Individual: It completes and strengthens the Muslim's faith, signifies the truth of belief and morality, purifies wealth, and cleanses the soul of greed.
• Benefits of Zakat for Society: Helps prevent crime, brings blessings, and reduces the gap between rich and poor.
• Obligatory Nature of Zakat: Is a mandatory religious duty.
• Conditions for Zakat Obligations: Includes Islam, freedom, having the required amount (nisab), full ownership, and completing one lunar year (annual cycle).
• What is not eligible for Zakat: Personal residences, personal vehicles, household furnishings and furniture, or items considered personal property for living.
• Who is not eligible to receive Zakat: Wealthy people, non-Muslims, relatives (in most cases), and spouses.
• Who is eligible to receive Zakat: The poor, needy, administrators of Zakat, those devoted to the religion, those in debt, those undertaking jihad.
• Examples of eligible wealth: Includes gold and silver, livestock, agricultural products (dates, grain).

Islamic Battles (and Events)

• Battle of Badr (2 AH): Muslims (313) against Meccans (1,000). A significant victory, considered a turning point, with notable figures and casualties.
• Battle of Uhud (3 AH): Muslims (1,000+) versus Meccans, Muslim losses, involving strategic errors.
• Hudaibiya Treaty (6 AH): A peace treaty between the Muslims and Meccans. Muslims delayed pilgrimage for a period
• Victory of Mecca (8 AH): Key figures, including Abu Sufyan's conversion, marked the dominance of Islam.

Work Ethics

• Importance of Work: The Prophet emphasized the value of earned income versus relying on others.
• Skills and Dedication: Hard work and mastery of skills are virtues.
• Ethical Conduct: Honesty, sincerity, avoiding harming others, and refraining from activities that obstruct prayer are crucial aspects.
• Seeking Livelihood: It’s a virtue to work hard to provide for oneself instead of relying on others for help.
• Dedication in Work: Emphasizes the importance of diligence and excellence in one's work.

The Concept of the Hereafter

• Resurrection (Ba'th): Reviving the dead on the Day of Judgment.
• Gathering (Hashr): The assembly of all people on the Day of Judgment. Describes the appearance of people on Judgement day and the concept of individuality and actions affecting that appearance.
• Preparation for the Hereafter: Focuses on the need for righteous deeds in the world to prepare for the next life.
• Events of the Hereafter: Describes events before the judgment and those that happen on the Day of Judgement.

Following Prophet Muhammad's Sunnah

• Purpose of Human Creation: Is worshiping God and fulfilling his purpose on Earth.
• Conditions for Accepting Good Deeds: Sincerity and devotion.
• Prophet Muhammad's Attributes: Compassion, respect and guidance.
• Ways to Follow the Prophet's Sunnah: Includes avoiding innovations, seeking closeness to Allah, and the concept of performing good deeds as a form of worship.

Rites of Pilgrimage and Umrah

• Umrah: A pilgrimage to Makkah. Details the rites and practices of Umrah, including the rituals and their importance. Specific numbers of circuits around the Kaaba and between Safa and Marwa are mentioned.
• Obligations for Umrah: Specific rituals and actions required during the pilgrimage.

Other Islamic Concepts

• Islamic Law: Explains the concept of Islamic law (Sharia) and its sources.
• Examples of God's prohibitions: Explains prohibitions of specific actions deemed harmful to society and the importance of these prohibitions.