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Abstract

The concept of the afterlife is one of the central beliefs in many religious traditions, offering a perspective on the existence beyond this world. In Islam, the belief in life after death (Akhirah) plays a fundamental role in shaping the moral and spiritual framework for its followers. This comparative study explores the concept of the afterlife in Islam and compares it with similar beliefs in other major world religions, including Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism. In Islam, the afterlife is defined as a continuation of the soul's journey after death. According to the Quran and Hadith, individuals are judged by Allah based on their deeds in life, and they are either rewarded with eternal paradise (Jannah) or punished in hell (Jahannam) depending on their faith and actions. The Islamic belief emphasizes personal accountability, the importance of righteousness, and the mercy of Allah. The concept of resurrection, the Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Qiyamah), and the eternal nature of the afterlife are central to Islamic eschatology. In Christianity, the afterlife is similarly characterized by the belief in heaven and hell, but it is framed through the lens of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ. Christians believe that those who accept Christ as their savior will attain eternal life in heaven, while those who reject Him face eternal punishment in hell. Hinduism presents a different view with the belief in reincarnation, where the soul is reborn in a new body according to one's karma. The ultimate goal is to achieve Moksha, liberation from the cycle of rebirth and union with the divine. Similarly, Buddhism shares a belief in reincarnation but emphasizes the pursuit of Nirvana, the cessation of suffering and the end of the cycle of rebirth.This study highlights the key similarities and differences in the afterlife concepts across these religions, focusing on the moral implications, theological frameworks, and the ultimate purpose of human life as perceived in each belief system.
Keywords: Afterlife, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Akhirah, Heaven, Hell, Resurrection, Reincarnation, Judgment, Moksha, Nirvana