Day of Judgment: Definition, Etymology, and Significance in Islam
Definition and Concept
The Day of Judgment, known in Arabic as “Yawm al-Qiyāmah” (يوم القيامة) and in Turkish as “Kıyamet Günü,” is a fundamental belief in Islam that signifies the final assessment of humanity by God (Allah), culminating in eternal judgment. This day marks the end of the world and the resurrection of all individuals who have ever lived, followed by their judgment based on their deeds.
Etymology
- Arabic: يوم القيامة (Yawm al-Qiyāmah) - “Yawm” means “day,” and “al-Qiyāmah” means “resurrection” or “rising.”
- Turkish: Kıyamet Günü - “Kıyamet” means “resurrection” or “doomsday,” and “Günü” means “day.”
The term combines the notions of a specific day when events transpire and the act of rising or resurrecting from the dead.
Theological Importance
The belief in the Day of Judgment is one of the primary tenets of Islamic faith, ranking among the Six Articles of Faith (Arkan al-Iman):
- Belief in Allah
- Belief in the Angels
- Belief in the Revealed Books
- Belief in the Messengers
- Belief in the Day of Judgment
- Belief in Predestination (Qadar)
Qur’anic References
The Qur’an makes numerous references to the Day of Judgment, highlighting its critical nature in the Islamic worldview. Some key verses include:
- Surah Al-Zalzalah (99:6-8): “On that Day, people will proceed in separate groups to be shown their deeds. Whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.”
- Surah Al-Haaqqa (69:20-21): “My record! My record! Surely I had known that I should come to my reckoning.”
Beliefs and Practices
- Resurrection and Accountability: Muslims believe that all humans will be resurrected and judged by Allah. Their deeds, recorded by angels, will be divulged, and justice will be served.
- Heaven (Jannah) and Hell (Jahannam): Based on their deeds, individuals will be rewarded with eternal bliss in Heaven or face punishment in Hell.
- Mahdi and Appearance of Dajjal: Some Islamic eschatological traditions also mention the eventual coming of the Mahdi (the guided one) and the emergence of the Dajjal (the deceiver), who play significant roles before the final judgment.
Cultural Practices
In many Muslim cultures, the belief in the Day of Judgment influences daily living, ethical behavior, and acts of charity. It motivates Muslims to live a righteous life, perform good deeds, and seek forgiveness for their sins, ensuring they align their actions with Islamic teachings.
Suggested Books for Further Study
- “The End of the World: Signs of the Hour - Major and Minor” by Dr. Muhammad al-‘Areefi
- “Islamic Eschatology: The Signs of the Day of Judgment and the Prophet’s Statements” by Muhammad al-Hilali
- “The Hereafter (Ma’ad): Islamic • Philosophy of the Day of Judgment” by Al-Balagha Foundation
Takeaways and Conclusion
The Day of Judgment is a cornerstone belief in Islam that shapes the moral and spiritual understanding of Muslims regarding the afterlife and divine justice. This concept encourages a vigilant lifestyle imbued with ethical practices and a constant reflection on one’s actions, steering Muslims towards a path of righteousness and accountability in anticipation of the final judgment by Allah.
