Hell on the other hand is much less desired, its description clearly builds up a picture of horrific atrocities to scare people into obeying the rules and morals Muslims teach and follow.
“This is the place of everlasting fire and torment. Not
only do those who end up in Hell suffer physically from
the ever-burning fires but they will also experience fire
in their hearts.”
To qualify for this fate you must be an unbeliever or have lead a sinful life. This shows how Muslims scare and convince people to not commit sins. The two alternative fates describe what Muslims believe to be the afterlife in detail on the basis of the teachings from Muhammad and the Qur’an. Other forms of torture and punishment are described in the Qur’an.
“Garments of fire have been prepared for the
unbelievers. Scolding water shall be poured upon
their heads, melting the skins and that which is
in their bellies. They shall be lashed with rods of
iron.”
(Surah 22;19)
Even though there are many different teachings and descriptions of the afterlife, all Muslim teachings are unanimous on the fact there is eternal afterlife even in paradise or Hell, happiness or pain.
Muslims also have teachings on their death rituals that must be carried out precisely to reach paradise and to respect the beliefs and wishes of all Muslims. When a Muslim dies their body (corpse) is washed in scented water. This has to be done by a member of the same sex, after being washed they are wrapped in white robes. The number of robes depends on the sex, a man will only be wrapped in 3, where as a woman will be wrapped in 5. If the person has taken the holy pilgrimage to Makka they would of brought back sheets which they would of worn during the pilgrimage and been washed in the waters of the holy well Zam-Zam during the pilgrimage. If they have done this during the course of their life their body will be wrapped in them in addition to their other robes. The poor and the wealthy are treated the same, as all are equal in Allah’s eyes. They first will be taken to a mosque or an open space for a prayer said at all Islamic funerals. Proceeding that they are taken to a cemetery and buried. In most Muslim countries it is common practice to not use coffins and simply burry the dead in a grave dug to fit as it is important for the body to be in direct contact with the earth. Their right side is turned towards Makka and the head is turned that way as well.
The reason Muslims are always buried is because they believe in judgement day (a Muslim version of the Apocalypse). This is the final day, all the graves will open up and everyone shall be brought back to life to be judged. The dead shall be questioned about their life and Allah shall balance their deeds and actions out. Each person is presented with a book, if the book is placed in the right hand they are among the blessed if it is placed in the left hand they are damned.
“Shall all men be sorted out. Then those who have
believed and worked righteous deeds shall be made
happy in a mead of delight. Those who have rejected
faith and fasely denied our signs and the meeting of
the hereafter- such be brought forth to punishment.”
(Surah 30:14-16)
After this last day Muslims believe you reach your fate either in hell or in paradise. Judgement day is another example of the fear factor used to convince others not to sin.
