Aqidah and Creed

What happens after death? When will the end of the world be? Are we really living in the ‘last days’? These are questions which concern everyone, no matter what his or her background. Many have tried to answer these questions, producing theories that range from the fanciful to the nihilistic, but manmade notions cannot answer questions about matters which the human has no way of finding out by himself or herself. In these as in so many other issues, Islam brings us answers. Surely the One who gives life and takes it away is the One who is the best to inform us of what happens after death. The One who has created this universe and humankind is the best to tell us about when this world will come to an end and humankind will be called to judgement. He has informed us about these matters, in His Book and through His Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him).

In this book, Dr. ‘Umar al-Ashqar examines all these issues from the point of view of the Qur’an and the Sunnah. He looks at issues of death and what happens to a person’s soul after death, including the questioning of the angels and the torment of the grave. He also examines the signs of the Last Hour, which indicate that the Day of Judgement is approaching – many of which are already happening. As always, he quotes extensively from the texts, placing these issues squarely within an Islamic framework and dispelling the myths and misunderstandings that have arisen and become prevalent. This Islamic Creed Series of books has been translated into English by Nasiruddin al-Khattab.

The will and decree of Allah: Is this a matter which is directly relevant to the day-to-day life of the Muslim, or is it an obscure topic best left to the debates of philosophers and theologians? Does it imply that Muslims are ‘fatalists’ who see themselves as helpless in the hands of an indifferent fate? Attitudes towards divine will and predestination have always influenced Muslims’ daily activities. In this final volume of his eight-volume Islamic Creed Series, Dr. ‘Umar al-Ashqar explores this topic in depth, explaining it in clear terms for the ordinary Muslim. Drawing always on the Qur’an and the Sunnah, and on the words of the greatest scholars of Islam such as Ibn Taymiyah, he covers some of the historical debates that took place within the Ummah on this matter. The true Islamic concept of divine will and predestination is an empowering notion. While all that happens takes place within the framework of the divine will, people have freedom of choice within those parameters. This is a matter which is of interest and concern for all Muslims, one which will bring many benefits, both in this world and in the hereafter. This Islamic Creed Series of books has been translated into English by Nasiruddin al-Khattab.