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      Judgement and the afterlife

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain and compare different Muslim beliefs about judgement and the afterlife, and how they also impact a Muslim’s life.

      Key learning points

      1. Belief in judgement and the afterlife is a key belief for all Muslims.
      2. Beliefs about the afterlife include a Day of Judgement.
      3. After judgement some people will be sent to Jannah and others Jahannam.
      4. There are divergent views within Islam around angels, intercession and the afterlife.
      5. There are similarities and differences between Muslim and Christian views about life after death.

      Keywords

      • Afterlife - the belief that there is life after death

      • Akhirah - beliefs about life after death in Islam

      • Jahannam - an Arabic term used for ‘hell’

      • Jannah - an Arabic term used for ‘heaven’

      • Judgement - the belief that all humans will be accountable for their deeds both good and bad

      Common misconception

      Most Muslims believe in the immortality of the soul but not the body.

      The majority of Muslims believe in a physical resurrection.

      Teacher tip

      Pupils can prepare an evaluation-style question on the statement, 'Beliefs about the Last Day, resurrection and judgement are the most important beliefs for a Muslim today. Evaluate this claim.'.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Many Muslims say “insha’Allah,” meaning “God ,” when making plans.

      Correct Answer: willing, Willing

      Q2.
      What does it mean to say Allah is omniscient?

      Correct answer: Allah knows everything that happens
      Allah decides human actions
      Allah controls nature but not humans

      Q3.
      How do many Muslims balance free will and predestination?

      They reject predestination
      They believe Allah decides all actions directly
      Correct answer: They believe Allah knows choices but does not force them

      Q4.
      Why is belief in predestination important to many Muslims?

      It allows them to avoid responsibility
      It guarantees a good life
      Correct answer: It gives reassurance that Allah has a plan

      Q5.
      Which Islamic concept refers to Allah’s decree over all events?

      Jannah
      Correct answer: Al-Qadr
      Tawhid

      Q6.
      How does the Qur’an describe Allah’s role in human decisions?

      Allah forces all human actions
      Allah has no influence on human choices
      Correct answer: Allah’s will is final, but humans make choices

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Beliefs about the afterlife in Islam are known as .

      Correct Answer: akhirah, Akhirah

      Q2.
      Jannah is the Arabic term for , described as a paradise.

      Correct Answer: heaven, Heaven

      Q3.
      What happens on the Day of Judgement in Islam?

      Correct answer: People are judged based on their deeds
      People choose whether to go to Jannah or Jahannam
      People are immediately sent to heaven

      Q4.
      What do Muslims believe about Jannah?

      It is a place of pain and suffering
      Correct answer: It is a paradise of rivers and gardens
      It is a temporary place before judgement

      Q5.
      How do beliefs about the afterlife influence Muslims?

      Correct answer: They seek to do good deeds
      They stop worrying about judgement
      They avoid religious practices

      Q6.
      How do Christian and Muslim beliefs about Jesus differ?

      Both believe he is the Son of God
      Correct answer: Christians believe he is divine, Muslims do not
      Muslims believe he died on the cross

      To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Judgement and the afterlife, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...