The Short Life and the Eternal Afterlife: A Muslim Reflection

Introduction

From the Islamic viewpoint, the life of this world is but a fleeting moment compared to the eternal existence that follows death. Human beings may live for sixty, seventy, or even a hundred years, but after death begins a phase of life that has no end. This concept forms a central pillar in Islamic belief and deeply shapes the worldview, behavior, and priorities of Muslims.

Allah reminds us in the Qur’an again and again that this life is temporary, a test, and that the real life is that which comes after death:

“And this worldly life is nothing but diversion and play. But indeed, the home of the Hereafter—that is the true life, if only they knew.”
(Surah Al-‘Ankabut, 29:64)

This verse alone summarizes the essence of the Islamic perspective: life is short, death is certain, and eternity is the real destination.

1. Life Before Death: A Fleeting Test

A Life of Limits

The average lifespan of a human is a few decades. Even if someone lives for a hundred years, those years pass quickly. From childhood to old age, life feels like a blink. The Qur’an captures this fleeting nature with striking imagery:

“On the Day He will call you forth, and you will respond with praise to Him, thinking you had remained [in the world] only for a little while.”
(Surah Al-Isra, 17:52)

People will stand before Allah on the Day of Judgment and feel as though their entire worldly life was only a day or even part of a day.

“He will say, ‘How many years did you remain on earth?’ They will say, ‘We remained a day or part of a day; ask those who enumerate.’ He will say, ‘You only stayed for a little while, if you had only known.’”
(Surah Al-Mu’minun, 23:112–114)

From this, it’s clear that in the grand scheme of existence, our worldly life is minuscule. It is not the final destination, but rather a testing ground—a phase designed to determine our eternal abode.

The Purpose of This Life

The Qur’an tells us why we were created:

“He created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed.”
(Surah Al-Mulk, 67:2)

We are not here by accident, nor are we here forever. The limited time we have is meant for us to worship Allah, recognize His signs, and earn His pleasure. As the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveler.”
(Bukhari)

This hadith echoes the theme of life’s transience. A traveler doesn’t set up permanent roots on the road. He moves forward, always focused on his destination. For the believer, the destination is the Akhirah (Hereafter).

2. Death: The Great Transition

Death, in Islam, is not the end—it is the beginning of the eternal journey. It marks the end of our free will, our ability to choose, and our opportunity to do good or repent. It is the start of Barzakh, the life of the grave, which continues until the Day of Judgment.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“When a human being dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him.”
(Muslim)

This means that once we die, our chance to increase in good deeds is sealed—except for what we left behind that continues to benefit others. This amplifies the importance of using our short life wisely, since post-death consequences are permanent.

3. Life After Death: Eternal Reality

Barzakh: The Intermediary Stage

Immediately after death, the soul enters the realm of Barzakh. In this phase, a person is shown their future abode—either a window to Paradise or a window to Hell—based on their deeds. The grave becomes either a garden from the gardens of Paradise or a pit from the pits of Hell, as described by the Prophet ﷺ.

This is a prelude to the Day of Judgment. Though Barzakh may last for thousands of years in earthly time, the soul is in a suspended reality outside our understanding of time.

The Day of Judgment

Eventually, all souls will be resurrected and gathered for Yawm al-Qiyamah—the Day of Reckoning. Everyone will stand before Allah and account for every word, thought, and deed.

“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)

This accountability will determine whether one enters Jannah (Paradise) or Jahannam (Hellfire). Each of these is eternal. Allah emphasizes the eternity of the afterlife in many places:

“They will dwell therein forever.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:82)

Paradise: Eternal Joy

Jannah is a place of unimaginable peace, reward, and nearness to Allah. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Allah says: I have prepared for My righteous servants what no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and the mind of no human has conceived.”
(Bukhari and Muslim)

In Paradise, there is no death, no pain, no aging, no sorrow—only joy, companionship, and satisfaction. The believer’s short struggle in the dunya leads to infinite joy.

Hell: Eternal Regret

For those who rejected truth and lived in rebellion against Allah, Hell awaits—an abode of torment. The Qur’an describes it as a place of fire, punishment, and eternal regret.

“They will cry out therein, ‘Our Lord, remove us; we will do righteousness—other than what we were doing!’ But did We not grant you life enough for whoever would remember therein to remember, and the warner had come to you?”
(Surah Fatir, 35:37)

This verse reminds us that people will beg for a second chance—but it will be too late. They will be reminded that they had enough time in the world—they just wasted it.

4. Implications for the Muslim’s Daily Life

The realization that life is short and the afterlife is eternal leads a believing Muslim to prioritize their actions, goals, and mindset accordingly.

A Life of Purpose

When someone understands that life is just a test, they naturally shift focus from materialism to meaning, from worldly achievements to spiritual success.

“Whoever desires the Hereafter and strives for it with the required effort while being a believer—it is they whose effort will be appreciated.”
(Surah Al-Isra, 17:19)

This doesn’t mean abandoning the world. Islam encourages productivity, seeking knowledge, earning wealth, and enjoying life—but within limits and with the Hereafter in mind.

Accountability and Mindfulness

Knowing that every second matters encourages the believer to live with taqwa (God-consciousness). They watch their words, guard their eyes, use their time wisely, and aim to be sincere in every action.

“Race toward forgiveness from your Lord and a Paradise as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous.”
(Surah Al-Hadid, 57:21)

Patience in Hardship

Life’s tests—loss, pain, injustice—can feel overwhelming. But when one views this life as brief and temporary, it becomes easier to bear hardships patiently.

The Prophet ﷺ taught:

“This world is a prison for the believer and a paradise for the disbeliever.”
(Muslim)

A believer endures knowing that ultimate justice and reward lie ahead.

5. Final Thought: The Wise Trade

Imagine this: a person is offered 100 years of difficulty in exchange for eternal luxury. Any rational mind would accept. Islam teaches that this life is even less than 100 years, and the next life is not only eternal, but far superior in quality and joy.

The Prophet ﷺ once passed by a dead lamb with deformed ears and said:

“By Allah, this world is more insignificant in the sight of Allah than this [dead lamb] is to you.”
(Muslim)

If the world is so insignificant compared to the eternal life to come, is it not wise to invest this short life in securing an eternal home?

Conclusion

The pre-death period is indeed very short—maybe 100 years at best—but the post-death period is eternal. Islam teaches that we are on a journey, and this life is only the first station. What we do here will echo in eternity.

With this understanding, Muslims strive to live with faith, sincerity, and purpose, preparing not just for retirement, but for forever. Every prayer, every act of kindness, every moment of patience—it all adds up to a reward that never ends.

As Allah says:

“Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds—their reward is with their Lord. No fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:277)

And that is the ultimate success.