Yawm al-Qiyamah (Day of Resurrection)

What is Yawm al-Qiyamah?

Yawm al-Qiyamah — the Day of Resurrection — is the Day on which Allah will raise all of creation from their graves, gather them on a vast plain, judge them by their deeds, and bring them either to Paradise or Hell forever. Belief in this Day is one of the six pillars of iman and a constant theme of the Quran; an entire surah (Surah al-Qiyamah, 75) and many others describe it in detail.

Its Reality in the Quran

Allah says: "I swear by the Day of Resurrection..." (Quran 75:1); "When the sun is wrapped up, when the stars fall down, when the mountains are set in motion..." (Quran 81:1-3); and "On the Day when the earth will be changed to other than the earth, and the heavens [as well], and all creatures will come out before Allah, the One, the Prevailing" (Quran 14:48). The Quran repeatedly affirms that Allah, who created life the first time, will surely raise it again (Quran 36:78-79).

What Happens on That Day

• The blowing of the Trumpet (Surah al-Zumar 39:68): one blast destroys all that is in the heavens and earth; a second resurrects them.
• The Hashr (gathering): all are assembled barefoot, naked, uncircumcised (Bukhari 6527, Muslim 2859).
• The Hisab (reckoning): each person is questioned about their life, knowledge, wealth, and youth (Tirmidhi 2417).
• The Mizan (Balance) weighs the deeds (Quran 21:47).
• The Sirat is crossed; the people of Paradise enter Jannah, the people of Hell enter Jahannam (Bukhari 7439, Muslim 183).

Its Signs

The Prophet ﷺ taught that the Hour has minor signs — many of which the scholars say have appeared — and major signs that precede it directly, including the appearance of the Dajjal, the descent of Isa son of Maryam, the emergence of Yajuj and Majuj, the rising of the sun from the west, and other events mentioned in the authentic hadith (Muslim 2901, 2937).

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Day of Judgement come?

Allah says: "They ask you about the Hour: when will be its appointed time? Say: knowledge of it is only with my Lord..." (Quran 7:187). The exact time is known only to Allah; the believer is not commanded to know it, but to be ready for it.

What should a Muslim do in light of the Day of Judgement?

Live for it. Allah says: "O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow..." (Quran 59:18). Belief in this Day shapes the believer's priorities, ethics, and hope.