Akhirah Death is not the end but beginning of a new stage called akhriha. Barzach Many Muslims believe that after death the person still has a conscious existence in the grave. This is where they will enter a state of waiting called ‘barzakh’. This term means ‘a barrier’ Muslims believe that when they lie in the grave, God sends two angels to question them about their faith. Day of Judgement and resurrection Israfil will blow a trumpet to announce that the world will destroyed. The present world will be totally transformed into a new world (Akhirah) and then the angel Israfil will blow the trumpet again. Everyone who has ever lived will be raised from the dead (resurrection) and judged by God. People will be given a book of life. Left hand = hell. Right hand = heaven Heaven (Jannah) It is the reward for faith and good deeds. Hell (Jahannam) It is the punishment for those who reject God and do evil. Why is the belief in Akhirah important to Muslims? Muslims will be accountable for actions as God will judge their actions Muslims will have to follow teachings of Qur’an to know how to live their life. Gives hope as those who suffer will have something better to look forward to Will help Muslims accept unjust situations as Allah will provide real justice in afterlife.

Torah No mention in the Torah of an afterlife Why is there no mention in the Torah? Judaism puts far greater focus on people’s actions and purpose in their earthly lives which the call olam ha-ze, than on speculating about what might happen after people die. Mishnah and Talmund In these texts there are references to a belief in life after death. In particular the belief in Olam Ha-Ba (the world to come). “This world is like a lobby before Olam Ha-Ba. Prepare yourself in the lobby so that you may enter the banquet hall.” Resurrection or Reincarnation? Resurrection: Will occur after the coming of the messiah a nd the righteous dead will be brought back to life to experience the new perfect world. the wicked will not be resurrected. Reincarnation: Souls reborn to mend the world or some may have unfinished business. Where will you go when you die? Gan Eden: Garden of Eden or paradise. Only the righteous will go directly here. Gehinnom: Place of punishment OR place to experience remorse for wrong actions and missed opportunities in life. You will only spend 12 months here before ascending into Gan Eden. Utterly wicked: Will not go to Gan Eden and spend eternity in Gehinnom or soul will cease to exist.

Lesson exploring the Hindu beliefs in reincarnation Reincarnation (Life after Death) Hindus do not necessarily believe in life after death - rather it is the atman that ls eternal and not the physical body. Most Hindus believe that humans are in a cycle of death and rebirth called samsara. When a person dies, their atman (soul) is reborn in a different body. Hindus believe that an atman may enter swarg (Hindu heavenly realm) or narak (Hindu hellish realm) for a period before rebirth. Some Hindus believe that humans may be reborn in animal form - punishment for how lives previous life Some Hindu scriptures describe moksha as the atman becoming absorbed with Brahman some think he atman will just be in the presence of Brahman. moksha is achieved through: Karma yoga - being selfless Bhakti yoga - love/devotion to God Jhana yoga - meditation leading to knowledge Raja yoga - silent/spiritual meditation Case Study: Shanti Devi

The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Judgement) Matthew’s Gospel(Matthew 25:31-46) In this parable, Jesus uses the example of a shepherd who separates his sheep from his goats in order to help his followers understand what judgement will be like. Jesus explains that people will be separated into two groups: those who have lived good lives and believed in God will be put on one side and have a place in Heaven (Sheep placed to the right) those who have rejected the belief in God and sinned in their lives will be placed on the other side and will go to Hell (Goats placed to the left) The Parable of the Sheep and Goats strongly encourages Christians to take action to help those in need. In this parable, Jesus makes it clear that a life worthy of the reward of Heaven must involve actively helping people in need. Jesus explains that helping a person, whoever they are, is just the same as helping Jesus himself and is therefore a duty for all Christians. What is the Christian belief about life after death? God will decide the fate of those who die. God will judge a person’s life This is known as the ‘Day of Judgement’ Heaven - It is described as a place of beauty, perfection, and joy, where God’s presence is fully experienced, and those that are saved worship Him for all eternity. Characteristics of Heaven Kingdom Eternal Home Beauty and Perfection God is present Reward New Joy and Celebration Hell - Hell is as a place of torment, darkness, separation, destruction, and eternal punishment. It is described as a destination reserved for the devil and his angels, but also warns of the possibility of human souls being condemned there. Characteristics of Hell Torment Darkness Separation Destruction Fallen Angels and the Devil To be avoided