Qiyāmat (Resurrection) is the fifth and final principle of Usūl al-Dīn. It represents the culmination of human existence and the ultimate accountability before Allah. The belief in Qiyāmat emphasizes that life in this world is transient and serves as a test for the eternal life to come. This doctrine instills a sense of moral responsibility and spiritual awareness, reminding humanity of the Day of Judgment when every soul will be recompensed for its deeds. In this article, we will explore the significance, stages, and Qur’anic evidence for Qiyāmat, as well as its profound impact on the believer's life.

The Significance of Qiyāmat
Belief in Qiyāmat is crucial for understanding the purpose of life. It reinforces the concepts of divine justice, accountability, and the eternal nature of the soul. Without Qiyāmat, the existence of good and evil in the world would remain unresolved, and the ultimate justice of Allah would not manifest. Key aspects of its significance include:

Divine Justice: Qiyāmat ensures that every action, whether good or bad, will receive its due reward or punishment. It affirms that Allah is the ultimate Judge who will bring fairness to all.

Moral Accountability: The belief in resurrection motivates individuals to live a righteous life, avoiding sin and striving for good deeds.
Eternal Perspective: It shifts focus from the material and transient to the spiritual and eternal, helping believers prioritize their relationship with Allah.

The Stages of Qiyāmat
Qiyāmat is a multifaceted event that unfolds in several stages, each described vividly in the Qur’an and Ahadeeth: End of the World (Qiyāmat al-Sughra): The Day of Resurrection begins with the destruction of the heavens and the earth. This cataclysmic event is described in the Qur’an: "When the sun is folded up, and when the stars darken..." (Surah At-Takwir 81:1-2) Resurrection (Ba‘th): Allah will resurrect all human beings from their graves:
"Then We will raise you up after your death so that you may be grateful." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:56)
Gathering (Hashr): Humanity will be gathered on the Day of Judgment in the presence of Allah:
"The Day they will come forth from the graves rapidly as if they were racing to a target." (Surah Al-Ma‘arij 70:43)

Judgment (Hisab): Every soul will stand before Allah for judgment, where deeds will be weighed on the scales (Mizan):
"And We will set up the scales of justice for the Day of Resurrection, so no soul will be treated unjustly at all." (Surah Al-Anbiya 21:47)
Paradise and Hell: Based on their deeds, individuals will either enter Paradise (Jannah) or Hell (Jahannam):
"Indeed, the righteous will be in pleasure, and indeed, the wicked will be in Hellfire." (Surah Al-Infitar 82:13-14)

Qur’anic Evidence for Qiyāmat
The Qur’an repeatedly emphasizes the reality and inevitability of Qiyāmat. Some of the key verses include:

Certainty of Resurrection:
"And We have certainly created you, and We know what you conceal and what you declare. And We know what you conceal in your breasts." (Surah Al-Hijr 15:4-5)

The Day of Accountability:
"So whoever does an atom's weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom's weight of evil will see it." (Surah Az-Zalzalah 99:7-8)

Life after Death:
"Does man think that We will not assemble his bones? Yes. We are Able even to proportion his fingertips." (Surah Al-Qiyamah 75:3-4)

Impact of Qiyāmat on Believers

The belief in Qiyāmat profoundly influences the life of a believer:

Increased Taqwa (God-consciousness): Awareness of accountability leads to a life centered on piety and obedience to Allah.

Patience and Perseverance: The promise of eternal rewards helps believers endure hardships with patience and resilience.

Commitment to Justice: Knowing that Allah will judge all deeds inspires believers to act justly in their interactions with others.

Gratitude and Humility: Recognition of Allah’s power and mercy fosters gratitude for His blessings and humility before His majesty.

Conclusion
Qiyāmat is a cornerstone of Islamic theology, encapsulating the themes of divine justice, accountability, and eternal life. It serves as a reminder of the transient nature of worldly life and the ultimate goal of attaining closeness to Allah in the Hereafter. Belief in Qiyāmat not only provides solace to the oppressed but also inspires believers to lead lives of righteousness and purpose. As the Qur’an beautifully states:
"And whoever desires the Hereafter and exerts the effort due to it while he is a believer – it is those whose effort is ever appreciated [by Allah]." (Surah Al-Isra 17:19)

May Allah guide us to live with the awareness of Qiyāmat and prepare for the eternal life to come. Ameen.