Islam - The Summit of Religious Evolution — Page 18
18 BELIEF IN THE DAY OF JUDGMENT Belief in the Day of Judgment is the second most emphasized doctrine in the Quran. According to the Quran, the entire universe will come to an end on that day; the dead will be resurrected and judged; people with good deeds will be rewarded and sent to heaven while those with bad deeds will be punished in hell. The concept of hell in Quran is more of a reformatory, where people will spend a limited time before eventually entering heaven, which will last forever. The Quran gives many signs of this day but only God knows its exact time. OTHER IMPORTANT MUSLIM BELIEFS In addition to the five fundamental beliefs, there are many other beliefs, which are also important in Islam. Some of these are mentioned here: • Taqdir or Divine Decree, controls the eventual outcome of all actions in this universe. However, Muslims are required to strive and pray for the desired outcome. God can, out of His infinite mercy and compassion, change the decreed outcome. • Every person is born innocent and free from sin. Sin is a conscious breach of God's commandments. • God always sends His guidance and warning through his prophets before inflicting His punishment on people. • Faith is not meaningful if it is followed blindly, without reasoning or understanding. A person should use his powers of reasoning and reflect upon God's teachings. • Every person is responsible for his own deeds and that no one carries the burden of another. On the Day of Judgment, no intercession will be accepted on behalf of another and each soul will be rewarded according to what it had earned. • God sent all prophets and that no distinction should be made among them in this respect. ISLAMIC ACTS OF WORSHIP The purpose of worshiping God in Islam is to evoke His help and guidance in leading a purposeful life and to acquire His attributes. The five fundamental acts of worship in Islam are: 1. Declaration of Faith 2. Prayer 3. Fasting 4. Zakat 5. Pilgrimage A brief description of the above fundamental acts of Islamic worship follows: