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.
Pronunciation: BAR-zakh
Etymology & Root
Barzakh (برزخ) — a barrier or partition between two things. It is the partition separating this life from the resurrection.
Usage in the Qur'an
'And behind them is a barzakh until the Day they are resurrected.' (al-Mu'minūn 23:100)
Usage in the Sunnah
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.
Scholarly Notes
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.
Practical Application
Recite the morning and evening adhkār — they include du‘ās seeking refuge from the punishment of the grave, the most authoritative protection.
Search across the corpus
Related Terms
More from Aqeedah Terms
Allah alone is the Creator and Sustainer.
The natural disposition every soul is created upon.
Associating partners with Allah.
Submission to Allah with Tawheed.
Methodology — the path of understanding and applying Islam.
Directing all worship to Allah alone.