termPage.definition
The state of the soul from death until the Day of Judgement, including the questioning of the grave, and either its punishment or bliss. The body decays in the earth while the soul experiences this barzakh.
termPage.pronunciation BAR-zakh
termPage.etymologyHeading
Barzakh (برزخ) — a barrier or partition between two things. It is the partition separating this life from the resurrection.
termPage.usageInQuran
'And behind them is a barzakh until the Day they are resurrected.' (al-Mu'minūn 23:100)
termPage.usageInSunnah
Numerous authentic ḥadīths describe the questioning by Munkar and Nakīr — three questions: Who is your Lord? What is your religion? Who is your Prophet? — and the punishment or bliss that follows.
termPage.scholarlyNotes
Belief in the punishment and bliss of the grave is part of the ‘aqīdah of Ahl us-Sunnah, established by mass-transmitted texts and denied only by deviant sects.
termPage.practicalApplication
Recite the morning and evening adhkār — they include du‘ās seeking refuge from the punishment of the grave, the most authoritative protection.
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termPage.relatedTerms
termPage.moreFrom
Faith — statement, action, and belief.
Allah's divine decree — good and evil.
Intercession on the Day of Judgement.
Methodology — the path of understanding and applying Islam.
Stripping Allah of His attributes.
Affirming Allah's names and attributes as He affirmed them.