Al-Akhirah
الآخرة
[Ahl Ah-khee-rah]
Quick Summary:
What is the meaning of Arabic phrase Akhirah?
Akhirah is an Islamic term referring to the hereafter or the final destination. It is a core belief in Islam that life on earth is but a test and that we will be returning to Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ), where he will decide our eternal home, Jannah (paradise) or Jahanam (hellfire). This will be decided on a day known as Yawm ad-Din (day of judgment).
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Terms Islamic
Arabic Text:
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الآخرة
Transliteration:
The transliteration of Arabic words helps convert them into their English counterparts, which assists with pronunciation. We may provide several common transliterations for this word.
1. Akhirah
2. Al-Akhirah*
*Al (ال) in Arabic is just the definite article, similar to "the" in English. So, Al-Akhirah, the hereafter, Akhirah means hereafter.
Further Details
In Islam, a Muslim must have belief in the six articles of faith.
1. Belief in the oneness of Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ).
2. Belief in the existence of Angels.
3. Belief in the scriptures of Allah (i.e., The Torah, Bible, Psalms, and last the Holy Qur'an).
4. Belief in the Prophets and Messengers of Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ).
5. Belief in the day of judgment.
6. Belief in the Divine Decree (Qadr).
It is one of the cornerstones of faith for a Muslim to believe in the day of judgment and the hereafter. The soul of every being will experience the afterlife.
In contrast, the dunya refers to life on earth, which is temporary and fleeting. Life in the Akhirah is permanent and for eternity. How one spends time developing and nurturing the spiritual aspect of the soul in the dunya will affect the conditions and experience in the Akhirah.
There are various levels of Jannah (paradise) and Jahannam (hellfire), and the soul's placement will be determined by the extent of the person's character and deeds.
The Qur'an describes this world as an illusion, a temporary state of being. It preys on those driven by their egos and whose concerns are only for the immaterial. This may seem fun, and the chase may give a sense of purpose or fulfillment. However, the message in the Qur'an is quite straightforward and warns us against love of this type of indulgence.
"Competition in [worldly] increase diverts you Until you visit the graveyards."
— (Surah At Takathur Ayat 1-2)
"O my people, this worldly life is only [temporary] enjoyment, and indeed, the Hereafter - that is the home of [permanent] settlement."
— (Surah Ghafir Ayah 39)
Belief in the Akhirah keeps us grounded and reminds us of the true goal of life. It is not time spent chasing money, luxury, or status. Instead, it is to lead a virtuous life obeying the commandments of Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) and time spent in remembrance of Him.
Quran Verses Which Mention The Afterlife:
There are many verses in the Quran which teach us about death and the afterlife. Here’s a select few:
“O you who have believed, fear Allah . And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow – and fear Allah . Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.”
— (Surah Al-Hashr, ayah 18)
“They will say, ‘We were not of those who prayed, Nor did we used to feed the poor And we used to enter into vain discourse with those who engaged [in it], And we used to deny the Day of Recompense Until there came to us the certainty.’ ”
— (Surah Al Muddathir 43-47)
Example Sentences
Example #1:
A Muslim remains focused on working for his/her Akhirah regardless of the tests occurring on earth. Build your good deeds, its what matters most!
Example #2:
Always remind yourself of Death. This might sound extreme to some of you but it isnt — Reminding yourself of death allows you to understand that this dunya and everything in it is just temporary and that there are bigger things that are waiting for us in Akhirah.
Example #3:
It’s so important to believe in the Akhirah. There are so many corrupt people in this world who won’t have to answer to anyone in this life. But they will after they die. We do what we can to make the world better but also know that everyone will answer for their actions.
Example #4:
Walaahi. We must really make Du'a for our people, we are so lost trying to chase this world we forget that the akhirah is our home.
Example #5:
Sorry to hear about the sad demise of your father, please accept our condolences may Allah grant him an elevated place in Akhirah.
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