Eschatology

Definition and Etymology

Eschatology

Eschatology, derived from the Greek word “ἔσχατος” (eschatos), meaning ’last’ and ‘-λογία’ (-logia), meaning ‘study of,’ refers to the study of ‘last things’ in context to the afterlife and the world’s end. In Islamic theology, these beliefs are deeply embedded in the Quran and Hadith literature.

In Arabic, Eschatology is translated as عقيدة الآخرة (Aqīdah al-Ākhirah). In Turkish, it is known as Ahiret İnancı.

Core Concepts

The Quranic Perspective

The Quran emphasizes the inevitability of certain eschatological events: resurrection (القيامة, al-Qiyāmah), judgment (المحاكمة, al-Muḥākamah), and the eternal separation of the righteous from the wicked. On the Day of Resurrection, humans will be judged primarily based on their faith in God, their acceptance of God’s revelations, and their deeds. The wicked will face eternal torment in Hell (جهنم, Jahannam), while the righteous will be rewarded with paradise (جنة, Jannah).

Judgment Day and Beyond

• Barzakh (برزخ): Many Islamic scholars and theologians introduce the concept of an intermediate state, known as Barzakh, occurring between death and the resurrection and final judgment.

• Tribulations of the Last Days (إشراط الساعة, Āshār Aṣ-Ṣā`ah): Before the final resurrection, Islamic traditions speak of severe tribulations where a Great Deceiver known as al-Dajjal (الدجّال) will appear. Al-Dajjal, although not mentioned in the Quran, is a central figure in Hadith literature.

The Mahdi and Jesus

• Expectation of the Mahdi (المهدي): The belief in the coming of the Mahdi signifies a savior figure who will establish justice and truth worldwide before the ultimate resurrection. There are conflicting views regarding his relationship with Jesus (`Īsā in Arabic, عيسى).

• Second Coming of Jesus (إِسْعَيْ مَسِيح, `Isā al-Masīḥ): Some Islamic traditions assert that Jesus will return as a just judge. He is expected to die again after forty years and be buried beside Prophet Muhammad in Medina.

Related Concepts

• Munkar and Nakir: The two angels who question the deceased in the grave.
• Signs of the Hour (علامات الساعة, Alāmāt al-Sāah): Various smaller and larger signs heralding the imminent end of the world.
• Qiyamah (القيامة): The Resurrection Day when all beings will be resurrected for judgment.

Etymology in Arabic and Turkish

• Arabic: عقيدة الآخرة (`Aqīdah al-Ākhirah)
• Turkish: Ahiret İnancı

Recommended Books for Further Study

1. “Islamic Eschatology: A Comparative Study” by James W. Morris.
2. “The End of the World: The Mahdi, Jesus, and Islamic Eschatology” by Sheikh Imran Hosein.
3. “Muslim Eschatology in the Modern World” by David Cook.

Takeaways

• Eschatology in Islam encompasses the concepts of the end times, final judgment, and the afterlife.
• Important elements include resurrection, judgment, Barzakh, the coming of al-Dajjal, and the anticipated arrival of the Mahdi and Jesus.
• These concepts underscore the moral and ethical dimensions of human existence with implications for life after death.

Conclusion

Islamic eschatology provides a coherent framework to discern the ultimate fate of humanity. It integrates central beliefs of faith, accountability, and the afterlife, demonstrating a distinctive panorama of moral and theological underpinnings guiding Muslim thought.

Eschatology reflects Islam’s comprehensive approach, linking beliefs in the afterlife with immediate moral imperatives, encouraging adherents to lead lives immersed in righteous action, grounded in devoutness to God’s revelations.