Islam †Annotated Essay Essay Example for Free

Islam Annotated Essay EssayThe article explains the way Islam views life after death. It clearly describes the various tenets that this holiness follows when it comes to life on earth and life after death. Islam believes that life on earth has no purpose except to prep are oneself for life after death. The life after death typically consists of three phases Death, the intermediate and the phase of resurrection. Death is considered to be the first gateway to reach the Garden or Fire. Importance of the custom of singing various verses at the time of death and till the body is buried and the custom of proper ablutions before burial is given due space. The second phase is the more or less contentious phase for which lot of explanations exist. This is the period when the soul is separated from the body but is not yet resurrected. What the soul does in this in-between phase has many theories, most common being, the souls embarks on a journey similar to the journey do by Prophet M uhammad where He was taken through the seven layers of heaven and made to look down at the tortures of hell. Another commonly accepted theory is the visit of angels Munkar and Nakil, who question the souls or so the Quranic verses and their faith.The third phase, that is, the day of Resurrection is believed to be quite large with the destruction of the whole world and the souls entering either the garden or the fire according to their virtues. It is also believed that after resurrection and the destruction of the whole mankind, a newfangled age will begin and justice and righteousness will return to the earth again with a new leader. The idea of punishments or rewards after death, ilk the author mentioned, do seem having lot of physical attributes. All that has been mentioned seems a bit too dramatic like the tree in hell, Zaqqam which has demons as flowersIt seems, to curb a proper picture of the horror of hell, physical attributes like fire, demons, swords, etc. have been use d. This would probably make humans understand better the tortures that they are to endure if they do not live a life of righteousness. The editors note also briefs about the various contributions Islam as a religion has made to the world like ban on liquor, gambling and other vices. It also mentions the existity that Muslim women are credited with in the religion. However, in this beat world, they seem to be the most bounded ones. The images of burqa-clad women with no freedom tell quite a different story.The religion, which has beautiful and just tenets to its credit like equal property rights to women, no race and color discrimination, seems to be misunderstood and misinterpreted by the religious heads and the followers for short term benefits. Because of such acts, Islam today is demonized and its contributions to the society are being passed unnoticed. Finally, the article was a comprehensive note of the beliefs in Islam regarding death and after and gave a very brief yet info rmative idea about the various customs and views on important aspects like fate of non-believers and reincarnation. It did make me a lot wiser about this religion