Will There Be a New Life After the Day of Judgment?
The question of whether there will be a new life after the Day of Judgment is deeply rooted in Islamic theology and is addressed through Quranic verses and prophetic traditions. The Day of Judgment, also known as Yawm al-Qiyamah, marks the end of the current world and the beginning of a new existence. Below is a detailed explanation based on Islamic sources.
Concise Answer
According to the Quran and Islamic teachings, the Day of Judgment will bring about the complete destruction of the current world through catastrophic events such as earthquakes, explosions, and cosmic upheavals. After this destruction, a new world will emerge, fundamentally different from the present one. Human beings will be resurrected in this new world, where they will face the consequences of their deeds, either in Paradise (Jannah) or Hell (Jahannam). Some traditions also suggest that after the resurrection and final judgment, God may create an entirely new creation, distinct from the current universe.
Detailed Answer
1. The End of the Current World
The Quran describes the Day of Judgment as a moment of profound transformation, where the existing world will be utterly destroyed. This destruction is depicted through vivid imagery of cosmic and terrestrial upheavals:
- Mountains: The Quran states that mountains will be uprooted, crushed, and reduced to dust:
“And the mountains will be like wool, carded.” (Quran 70:9)
“And the mountains will be moved from their places.” (Quran 81:3) - Seas and Oceans: The seas will overflow and boil:
“And when the seas are made to flow forth.” (Quran 82:3)
“When the oceans boil over with a swell.” (Quran 81:6) - Cosmic Changes: The sun, moon, and stars will lose their light, and the sky will be torn apart:
“When the sun is folded up, and when the stars fall, losing their luster.” (Quran 81:1-2)
“When the heaven is split asunder.” (Quran 84:1) - Earthquakes: The earth will experience a catastrophic quake:
“Mankind, heed your Lord! The quaking of the Hour is a terrible thing.” (Quran 22:1)
These descriptions indicate that the current world will not continue in its present form. Instead, it will be completely transformed.
2. The Emergence of a New World
After the destruction of the current world, a new world will be created. The Quran explicitly mentions this transformation:
“On the day when the earth shall be changed into a different earth, and the heavens (as well), and they shall come forth before Allah, the One, the Supreme.” (Quran 14:48)
This new world will serve as the setting for the resurrection and judgment of all human beings. It will be a realm where the righteous will dwell in Paradise and the wicked will be consigned to Hell.
3. The Resurrection and Final Judgment
The resurrection (Hashr) of humanity is a central belief in Islam. On the Day of Judgment, all individuals will be raised from the dead and held accountable for their deeds:
“And the earth will shine with the light of its Lord, and the record [of deeds] will be placed, and the prophets and the witnesses will be brought, and it will be judged between them in truth, and they will not be wronged.” (Quran 39:69)
This resurrection will occur in the new world, which will be free from the imperfections and limitations of the current one.
4. The Creation of a New Creation
Some Islamic traditions suggest that after the final judgment, God may create an entirely new creation. This idea is supported by the following Quranic verse:
“Were We then worn out by the first creation? Yet they are in doubt about a new creation.” (Quran 50:15)
Imam Baqir (peace be upon him) is reported to have explained this verse, stating that after the destruction of the current world and the assignment of people to Paradise or Hell, God will create a new cosmos with new creatures who will worship Him in a manner distinct from the current creation. This new creation will inhabit a new earth and be governed by a new heaven.
5. Scientific Parallels
Modern scientific theories about the eventual destruction of the universe, such as the “Big Crunch” or “Heat Death,” bear some resemblance to the Quranic descriptions of cosmic upheaval. While these theories are not identical to Islamic teachings, they highlight the transient nature of the universe, aligning with the Quranic assertion that the current world is temporary:
“We created not the heavens and the earth and all between them but for just ends, and for a Term Appointed.” (Quran 46:3)
Conclusion
The Day of Judgment will mark the end of the current world, which will be destroyed through catastrophic events. A new world will then emerge, where resurrection and final judgment will take place. Some traditions also suggest the possibility of an entirely new creation after the final judgment. These teachings emphasize the transient nature of the current universe and the eternal power of God to create and recreate as He wills.
References
- Quran: 70:9, 81:3, 82:3, 81:6, 81:1-2, 84:1, 22:1, 14:48, 39:69, 50:15, 46:3.
- Makarem Shirazi, Naser. Payam-e Qur’an (The Message of the Quran), vol. 6. Amirul Momeneen School Publications, 1995.
- Tabatabai, Muhammad Hussein. Al-Mizan fi Tafsir al-Quran. Translated by Muhammad Baqir Musavi Hamedani. Jame’ah Modarresin Publications, 1995.
- Faiz Kashani. Tafsir al-Saafi. Tehran: Sadr Publications, 1415 A.H.
- Qira’ati, Mohsen. Resurrection. Jame’ah Islamic Modarresin Publications, 3rd edition.
For further reading, see:
- The Nature of the Relationship of Action with Temporal Incidents (Question 2229).
- The Age of Mankind (Question 637).
- The Creation of Adam and the Findings of Scientists (Question 2999).
