We are brought from 'Non Existence' to 'existence'. When we die, this is not a form of non-existence right? since our bodies, though decayed and gone are not considered non-existent. Is this a correct understanding?
As-salamu ‘alaykum (Please start your future questions with this beautiful Islamic greeting; may Allah bless you)
I pray that you are well bi idhniLlah
In the traditional Islamic perspective, existence and non-existence, especially concerning human life and death, are deeply intertwined with spiritual and metaphysical beliefs. The understanding is that humans are indeed brought from a state of ‘Non-Existence’ (ʿAdam) into ‘Existence’ (Wujūd) by the will and creative power of Allah (God), as affirmed in various verses of the Qur’an and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
When addressing the question of death and its relation to non-existence, it is pivotal to differentiate between the physical and spiritual dimensions of human existence. In Islam, death does not signify the end of existence but rather a transition from one state of being to another. The physical body, which is from the earth and returns to it, undergoes decay and transformation, thus may appear to move towards 'non-existence' from a purely materialistic viewpoint. However, from an Islamic perspective, this physical change does not equate to absolute non-existence.
The soul (Rūḥ), considered the essence of life and consciousness, does not perish with the physical body. Instead, it transitions to a different realm of existence, known as the Barzakh (the interspace), awaiting the Day of Resurrection (Yawm al-Qiyāmah). This belief is supported by numerous verses in the Qur’an and Hadiths, illustrating that life in this world (Dunyā) is temporary and that true, eternal life commences after death.
Furthermore, Islamic teachings elaborate on the resurrection of bodies and souls on the Day of Judgment, where every individual will be brought forth to be judged by Allah for their deeds in the worldly life. This reaffirms the concept that even though the physical body undergoes decay, it, along with the soul, will be resurrected in a new form for the final judgment.
Therefore, within the Islamic tradition, death is not considered a return to the state of non-existence but rather a passage to a different form of existence that transcends our earthly understanding. This perspective emphasises the continuity of existence beyond physical death, highlighting the eternal nature of the soul and the eventual resurrection of the body and soul for judgment in the hereafter.
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
I pray that you are well bi idhniLlah
In the traditional Islamic perspective, existence and non-existence, especially concerning human life and death, are deeply intertwined with spiritual and metaphysical beliefs. The understanding is that humans are indeed brought from a state of ‘Non-Existence’ (ʿAdam) into ‘Existence’ (Wujūd) by the will and creative power of Allah (God), as affirmed in various verses of the Qur’an and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
When addressing the question of death and its relation to non-existence, it is pivotal to differentiate between the physical and spiritual dimensions of human existence. In Islam, death does not signify the end of existence but rather a transition from one state of being to another. The physical body, which is from the earth and returns to it, undergoes decay and transformation, thus may appear to move towards 'non-existence' from a purely materialistic viewpoint. However, from an Islamic perspective, this physical change does not equate to absolute non-existence.
The soul (Rūḥ), considered the essence of life and consciousness, does not perish with the physical body. Instead, it transitions to a different realm of existence, known as the Barzakh (the interspace), awaiting the Day of Resurrection (Yawm al-Qiyāmah). This belief is supported by numerous verses in the Qur’an and Hadiths, illustrating that life in this world (Dunyā) is temporary and that true, eternal life commences after death.
Furthermore, Islamic teachings elaborate on the resurrection of bodies and souls on the Day of Judgment, where every individual will be brought forth to be judged by Allah for their deeds in the worldly life. This reaffirms the concept that even though the physical body undergoes decay, it, along with the soul, will be resurrected in a new form for the final judgment.
Therefore, within the Islamic tradition, death is not considered a return to the state of non-existence but rather a passage to a different form of existence that transcends our earthly understanding. This perspective emphasises the continuity of existence beyond physical death, highlighting the eternal nature of the soul and the eventual resurrection of the body and soul for judgment in the hereafter.
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick