Day of Judgment

Day of Judgment

The Day of Judgment, known in Arabic as Yawm al-Qiyāmah (يوم القيامة) and in Turkish as Kıyamet Günü, is a fundamental eschatological concept in Islam. Muslims believe that at the end of time, all human beings will face God (Allah) to account for their deeds—both good and bad. Based on this account, God will judge them and assign appropriate rewards or punishments.

Etymology and Translations

• Arabic: يوم القيامة (Yawm al-Qiyāmah)
• Turkish: Kıyamet Günü

Quranic Foundation

The time of the Day of Judgment is not mentioned explicitly in the Quran, but it is described as impending and inevitable. Quranic imagery vividly depicts phenomena like earthquakes, shifting mountains, and the sky splitting apart. Key verses include:

• Surah Al-Inshiqaq (84:1-5)
• Surah Al-Zalzalah (99:1-6)
• Surah Al-Qiyamah (75:6-12)

Eschatological Signs

Islamic tradition enumerates several major and minor signs preceding the Day of Judgment. Major signs include:

1. The appearance of Al-Dajjal (the false messiah).
2. The return of Isa (Jesus) to restore justice.
3. The emergence of Gog and Magog (Ya’juj wa Ma’juj).

Process and Events of Judgment Day

The events are comparable to biblical eschatological accounts and feature:

• Natural cataclysms: earthquakes, moving mountains, and boiling oceans.
• Cosmic shifts: ruptured skies, extinguished sun, scattered and falling stars.
• Resurrections: opening of graves and bringing forth the dead.
• Divine scrutiny: the earth exposing hidden sins and lost stories.

The Cosmic Battle

Islamic eschatology describes a preceding cosmic battle between evil forces led by Al-Dajjal and righteous forces under Al-Mahdi and Isa (Jesus).

Conclusion and Takeaways

The Day of Judgment serves as a moral cornerstone in Islam, emphasizing accountability and justice. It underlines the transient nature of worldly life, urging believers to adhere to a righteous and pious life in anticipation of eventual divine reckoning.

References and Further Studies

1. Sayyid Mujtaba Musawi Lari, “Resurrection, Judgement and the Hereafter”
2. Niels C. Hvidt, “Christian Prophecy: The Post-Biblical Tradition”
3. Karen Armstrong, “A History of God: The 4,000-Year Quest of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam”

Takeaways

• The concept of the Day of Judgment reinforces the belief in life after death and the importance of righteous living.
• Preparatory signs and preceding cosmic battles add depth to Islamic eschatology and interrelate with other Abrahamic religious traditions.

In conclusion, the Day of Judgment is a significant tenet in Islam, serving as a reminder of the final divine accountability awaiting all individuals, urging them towards piety and moral integrity in their earthly lives.