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In Islam, the Akhira refers to the afterlife, a fundamental aspect of Islamic belief. Muslims hold that life on Earth is a temporary test, and the Akhira is the eternal realm where the ultimate consequences of one’s deeds will unfold.

“And We sent to every nation a messenger, [saying], ‘Worship Allah and avoid false gods.’” (Quran 16:36)

Muslims believe that all human beings will be resurrected on the Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Qiyamah). Each person’s deeds are recorded by angels: the Kiraman Katibin. On the Day of Judgment, these records will be presented, and individuals will be held accountable for their actions. Allah will judge each person based on their deeds, intentions, and faith during their earthly life. They will also be questioned about their time spend on earth. Good deeds are rewarded, while bad deeds are punished unless forgiven by Allah.

Those who are righteous and obedient to Allah will enter Jannah, a place of eternal peace, happiness, and unimaginable blessings.

Those who reject faith or commit major sins without repentance will enter Jahannam, a place of torment and punishment.

Whoever chooses to follow the right path, follows it for his own good; and whoever goes astray, goes astray at his own peril; no bearer of burdens shall bear the burdens of another. Nor do We punish until We have sent forth a messenger to forewarn them. – Surah Al-Isra’ [17:15]

Broadly those who have Imaan, which is accepting the testimony of faith and those who do righteous A’maal, which are good deeds, will enter Jannah. And those who reject Allah, make partners with him, or commit sinful deeds, will enter Jahannam.

There are many people who sit in between these broad categories, like those who have never heard of Islam or those who live a life of piety yet do not worship Allah, and this article, will delve into the potential outcome of such people.

About Allah

Know about Allah, he is the one who created everything and is the Lord of all creation (Rabb). And he has no partners. His nature encompasses perfect mercy, absolute justice, infinite knowledge, and ultimate sovereignty. So in the Akhira, there will be a display of his mercy, how he is Ar-Rahman (the Most Merciful), whose compassion extends to all beings. As well as how he is Al-‘Adl (the Most Just), Allah ensures that every soul is treated with fairness, holding all accountable for their deeds, with a just measure. He is also Al-‘Aleem (the All-Knowing), his  knowledge is boundless, encompassing everything in the heavens and the earth, he is aware of every thought, action, and intention. Finally, Allah is the Al-Hakam (the Supreme Judge), the one who will render final judgment on the Day of Resurrection upon every individual. His wisdom, Al-Hakeem and magnitude cannot be fully comprehended.

So, it is Allah who decides who will go to Paradise or Hell. Allah does not enter anyone into Hell unless the proof is established against them and they become deserving of the punishment of the Fire. And Allah can give Paradise to whom he wishes. He is not compelled to punish those whom he promises to punish.

The Categories Of People

The Prophets, Martyrs, and Pioneers

These are the individuals chosen by Allah to guide humanity (Prophets and Messengers), those who sacrifice their lives in the path of Allah (martyrs), and those who excel in faith and deeds, such as the companions of the Prophet, righteous scholars, and pious servants.

Like,Prophets – Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, Isa, and Muhammad (peace be upon them all), martyrs of battles defending Islam, companions like Abu Bakr As-Siddiq, scholars and saints who Allah truly knows are deserving.

“These will be with those upon whom Allah has bestowed favour of the Prophets, the steadfast affirmers of truth, the martyrs, and the righteous. And excellent are those as companions.” (Quran 4:69). In Surah Al-Waaqiah, Allah also speaks about the Saabiqoon, the forerunners.  

Verdict: They will enter Jannatul Firdous without any account.

Muslim Practicing Believers

These are believers who affirm the testimony of faith (Shahada) and live in accordance with the Quran and Sunnah. Their lives are marked by righteous deeds and sincere intentions. For example, observant Muslims who fulfil their obligations such as prayer, fasting, charity, and avoiding major sins.

“And those who have believed and done righteous deeds – they will be in the Gardens of Delight.” (Quran 31:8)

“Do men think that they will be left alone on saying, ‘We believe,’ and not be tried?” (Quran 29:2)

Verdict: Their final abode is Jannah, and their level in Paradise is determined by the quality and quantity of their good deeds.

Muslim Sinful Believers

These areMuslims who believe in Allah and His Messenger but fail in fulfilling their religious duties or engage in sinful acts. For example, a believer who neglects prayer, drinks alcohol, or commits other sins but does not abandon faith. Lr perhaps he commits minor sins and does not repent.

“Indeed, Allah does not forgive associating partners with Him, but He forgives anything less than that for whom He wills.” (Quran 4:48)

“Whoever has faith equal to a mustard seed in his heart will be taken out of Hell.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

Verdict: Either Allah will forgive them, they may have someone interceded for them, or they may enter Jahannam temporarily for purification and eventually, they will enter Jannah due to their belief in Allah. It could be they were non practising themselves, but they raised children or specifically daughters with due care and who are righteous and as a result get Jannah. 

Muslims of rejected Sects

These are those who follow Islam and find basis of their beliefs in the Qur’an and Sunnah but deviate from the mainstream Ahlus Sunnah. This is like the Shia, Wahabiyyah, or other sects when it comes to theology or particular beliefs like, “A donkey has more knowledge than our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.”

The Prophet (salallāhu ʿalaihi wasallam) stated: “My ummah will divide into 73 sects, all of them will be in the Fire except for one, and that is the Jamā’ah.”

Verdict: They will be judged individually based on their specific beliefs, whether they contain shirk, disobedience, diversion from the ijma, whether one was a proponent of the sect or simply born/fell into it. One may be a Mubta’di, or a clear deviator of not only himself but the masses, and as a result is damned to hell.

Secular Muslim

This is someone who is a Muslim by name, or lineage, or culture, or accepts Allah is our lord. But leaves religion in the mosques. Those who perhaps follow part of the faith, like some who follow the mystical/romantic elements of Sufism but don’t abide by the deen itself or pay attention to it. They are more concerned with poetry and music, than law and order.

Verdict: They will be judged like sinful believers, except due to their waywardness, they will be in a much worst state, spending far long in the pits of hell.

See if there are any references.

Outcasted Sects

These are those who claim to follow Islam but deviate significantly in belief or practice, such as rejecting the finality of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Some examples are Ahmadiyya, Nation of Islam. Them themselves believe they are Muslim or on the Haq. But the wider Muslim community denounces their deviance from the core tenants of the faith.

“And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter, he will be among the losers.” (Quran 3:85)

Verdict: The dominant view is that they are treated like non-Muslims as they reject essential tenets of Islam. They will be held accountable for being people of knowledge of Islam but negligent to take heed.

People of the Book

These are those who adhere to previous scriptures (Torah, Gospel) and believe in God but do not accept the final message of Prophet Muhammad. For example, Jews and Christians who sincerely practice their faith but are unaware or unconvinced about Islam.

Who are the sabians?

And among the People of the Book is an upright community who recite God’s signs in the watches of the night while they prostrate. They believe in God and the Last Day, enjoin right and forbid wrong, and hasten unto good deeds. And they are among the righteous. Whatsoever good they do, they will not be denied it.” (Qur’an 3:113-115)

“Indeed, those who believed and those who were Jews or Christians or Sabians… they will have their reward with their Lord.” (Quran 2:62)

Verdict: Those who believed in God and performed righteous deeds may be rewarded if they are genuinely unaware of Islam. However, rejecting Islam after its message becomes clear may lead to Jahannam. They will also be called to account for erroneous beliefs such as Trinity.

Hanifs

These are people who maintained a belief in one God but did not follow Islam directly because they came before it. For example, individuals like Zayd ibn Amr, who rejected idolatry and worshipped one God.

Verdict: They will be granted Jannah, but may also be taken to account beforehand. Perhaps tested on, if the Prophet had come, whether they would have followed him or not.

Monotheistic Believers

These are people who maintain a belief in one God but do not follow Islam directly, like unitarians.

They cite the following verse as evidence as the fact that one does not technically need to be a Muslim. “Indeed, those who believe, and the Jews, and the Christians, and the Sabians, those who believe in God and the Last Day and work righteousness, they shall have their reward with their Lord; no fear need they have, neither shall they grieve.” (2:62). As well as the verse where Allah criticises, the Christians and Jews for making claims of salvific exclusivity, “Nay, but whoever submits themselves totally to God and does good, they will have their reward with their Lord, no fear need they have and neither shall they grieve.” (2:112). There is also a hadith, such as, “Whoever says ‘There is no god but God’ enters the Garden.’”

Verdict: If their interpretation is correct, they will be granted Jannah, else, will be treated as non-Muslims and perhaps judged on their lack of acceptance of the ijma or the Qur’an.

Another religion – Polytheist

Those people who follow another religion that includes polytheism – making partners with Allah or giving another entity the role of Allah, like Paganism, Hinduism or Trinitarians.

Verdict: Shirk is the one act that is unforgivable. Such people knowing about the oneness of Allah, and Islam, if they reject it, then will be damned to hell. If they were upon the religion on their parents, and knew no better, then their fate is with Allah.

Hypocrites (Munaafiqun)

Those who outwardly profess Islam but internally disbelieve or harbour malice against it. For example, Abdullah ibn Ubayy, who pretended to support the Prophet while conspiring against him.

“Indeed, the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire.” (Quran 4:145)

“When the hypocrites come to you, they say, ‘We testify that you are the Messenger of Allah.’ And Allah knows that you are His Messenger, and Allah testifies that the hypocrites are liars.” (Quran 63:1)

Verdict: Hypocrites face the severest punishment in Jahannam, as their deceit goes beyond ordinary disbelief.

People Like Abu Talib

These are individuals who recognise Islam as the truth but do not outwardly profess belief or submit to Allah. For example, Abu Talib, the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ uncle, who supported the Prophet and acknowledged the truth of Islam but did not openly accept it. Notable about him is his support, protection and love for the Prophet of Allah. So what would be the case of such people?

Verdict: Such individuals are considered disbelievers due to their lack of verbal testimony and external submission. However, their actions may lessen their punishment. And Allah knows best, if they privately professed faith.

Deathbed Believer

This is a person who rejects belief in Allah throughout their life but professes faith in their final moments. For example, Fir’aun (Pharaoh) recognized Allah’s sovereignty as he was drowning but delayed belief until death was imminent.

“But their faith was of no use to them when they saw Our punishment.” (Quran 40:85)

“Indeed, Allah accepts the repentance of a servant so long as the death rattle has not reached his throat.” (Tirmidhi)

Verdict: If the testimony of faith is sincere and uttered before the soul reaches the throat, Allah may accept it. However, belief upon witnessing death or the afterlife means it is too late.

Disbeliever / Rejects Islam Altogether

This is the one hears the message, comprehends and knows it’s true but doesn’t want to accept it.

Verdict: Outright Kaafir and will have hell forever

Disbeliever / Rejects God

This is someone who rejects the notion of a god based on an opinion, gut feelings, or perhaps their logical reason. For example, unable to answer the problem of evil.

Hadith: “By Him in Whose hand is my soul, no one hears of me, then dies without believing in that with which I have been sent, but he will be one of the people of Hellfire.” (Muslim)

Verdict: Outright Kaafir and will have hell forever due to disbelief, negligence, etc.

The Interval People (Ahl al-Fatrah)

Those who lived between the time of two prophets, such as between Prophet Isa (Jesus) and Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, or in a period with no clear messenger. Or even Arabs, who had a distorted version of the religion, not know what was true and what wasn’t. The parents of the Prophet ﷺ fall into this category.

“We do not punish a people until We send them a messenger.” (Quran 17:15)

“On the Day of Judgment, Allah will test those who were not sent a messenger by giving them a specific trial.” (Musnad Ahmad)

Verdict: They are subject to Allah’s mercy and justice, as they lacked direct guidance. Those who followed monotheism (Hanif) may be saved.

Non-Muslim – Unaware of Islam

These are individuals who live in regions or circumstances where they have limited or no exposure to Islam or its message. For examples, a remote tribe in Australia or a village in Eastern Russia or people in historical periods with no messenger.

“And We never punish until We have sent a Messenger.” (Quran 17:15) but also “And We did send Messengers before you; of them are some whom We have mentioned to you, and of them are some We have not mentioned to you.” Holy Quran 40:79

“A group of people will be tested on the Day of Resurrection, and Allah knows best what they would have done.” (Musnad Ahmad)

Verdict: They are in a category of divine discretion. If they sought the truth with their innate reasoning (fitrah), they may be forgiven and granted Jannah. If they ignored their innate sense of God’s existence, they might face consequences.

Non-Muslim – Aware Curious Individual

This might be someone who may have come across the term “Islam” but lacks any detailed knowledge or exposure.

Verdict: They will be tasked with what they did with that curiosity or limited knowledge.

Non-Muslim – Received a Distorted View of Islam

Those who encountered Islam through false representations, such as misguidance from extremist groups, leading them to reject it or biased media portrayals where Islam is often misrepresented so he rejects it on this basis or he holds stereotypes or misconceptions about Islam and Muslims, believing these misrepresentations to be true. For example, a person rejecting Islam based on the actions of a terrorist group that claims to represent it.

“Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear.” (Quran 2:286)

“Actions are judged by intentions.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

Verdict: Scholars hold that such individuals will be judged based on their exposure and sincerity in seeking truth. If they rejected Islam due to distortions, they may not be held accountable.

Non-Muslim – Influenced by Distorted Islamic Sects

An individual who may have sought what Islam was about, but from a deviant sect. They recognise the deviance or illogicalness and reject it as a religion. Or observes the actions of such groups and concludes that Islam itself is flawed, without understanding the differences in beliefs between these groups and mainstream Islam. For example, Nation of Islam or extremist factions, causing them to reject the true message of Islam.

Verdict: Their judgment is based on whether they sincerely sought the truth and the extent to which they were misled.

Non-Muslim – Encountered Islam but Views It as Impractical or Imposing

Open to the possibility of a higher power but finds aspects of Islam too rigid or counter to their personal freedom. Or Someone who respects the faith but feels its practices conflict with their own personal values or lifestyle.

Verdict: Similar to Kaafir

Non-Muslim – Not There Just Yet

Someone who is genuinely exploring Islam or faith in general but has not reached a conclusion about their beliefs. They might be attending lectures or reading the Quran, but still undecided or is looking into Islam, but then dies.

“And those who strive for Us – We will surely guide them to Our ways.” (Quran 29:69)

“Whoever travels a path in search of knowledge, Allah will ease for him the path to Paradise.” (Tirmidhi)

Verdict: They are judged based on their sincerity in seeking truth. If they die in this state, Allah’s mercy prevails.

Respectful Non-Believer

People who respect Islam, its values, and followers but do not accept it as their personal faith. A philosopher who praises Islam’s moral framework but refrains from accepting the faith. Or Seerah scholars who praise the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, yet do not formally follow him as a Prophet.

“Whoever submits his face to Allah while being a doer of good will have his reward with his Lord.” (Quran 2:112)

Verdict: Similar to a Kaafir but maybe less punishment.

Good-Natured Non-Muslim

Individuals who dedicate their lives to good deeds, helping others, or upholding justice but do not connect these acts to Allah or faith. For example, a philanthropist who aids the poor but does not worship Allah.

“And We will regard what they have done of deeds and make them as dust dispersed.” (Quran 25:23)

 “The deeds of a disbeliever are like a mirage in a desert.” (Muslim)

Verdict: Good deeds without belief in Allah may benefit a person in this world, but ultimate salvation depends on acknowledging Allah. Abu Bakr’s uncle Abu Jundaan was very charitable, but never sought forgiveness from Allah or built a connection.

Non-Muslim – Ignoramus

This is someone who neither questions nor seeks knowledge about Islam or God, living a life focused on worldly distractions or apathy, or one who never explores religion.

“And those who disbelieve will have a severe punishment, and those who turn away from guidance will be recompensed for what they turned away from.” (Quran 3:91)

“He who seeks a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make a path to Paradise easy for him.” (Muslim)

Verdict: Judgment depends on their circumstances. If their ignorance is due to laziness or deliberate negligence, they are held accountable. If their ignorance stems from genuine inability or lack of access, they may be forgiven.

Atheist

This is a person who rejects the concept of God altogether, often due to philosophical or materialistic views. Like someone, who claims there is no evidence for a Creator or dismisses the possibility of divine existence. There are many types of Atheist, but essentially someone who doesn’t believe there is a God.

“And those who disbelieve and deny Our signs – those are the companions of the Fire.” (Quran 5:10)

“When Allah asks the disbelievers, ‘Did you not receive My signs?’ They will say, ‘Yes, but we denied them.’” (Musnad Ahmad)

Verdict: If an atheist denies Allah after clear evidence and signs, they are accountable and will face Jahannam.

Atheist Scientist

A skeptic who demands empirical proof of God’s existence and denies faith due to lack of scientific evidence. Like a physicist who attributes creation solely to natural processes, dismissing divine causation. Some signs, thoughts, evidences, might be enough for them, but they continue to reject due to absence of crystal-clear empirical proof.

“We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth.” (Quran 41:53)

Verdict: Such individuals are accountable if they reject Allah despite the signs in nature and human reasoning. It is not necessary that everything is proved empirically.

Agnostic

This could be someone unsure, or someone who genuinely does not believe it’s possible to know for sure if a god exists or someone who believes that one or more deities exist, but unsure which one is the Lord. There are many types of Agnostic, but essentially someone who is on the fence.

Hadith: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Allah does not wrong anyone; He only gives what is deserved.” (Bukhari)

Verdict: Agnostics are accountable if their indecision stems from neglecting clear evidence or wilful ignorance. However, those genuinely seeking truth may be judged leniently. It wouldn’t suffice, to say, Ill just sit on the fence.

Children, the Mentally Ill, and Those with Disabilities

Those who lack accountability due to age, mental capacity, or physical barriers to understanding. For example, children, individuals with severe cognitive impairments (deaf, blind, mute), or those unable to comprehend religious concepts.

“No soul is burdened beyond what it can bear.” (Quran 2:286)

“The pen has been lifted from three: the sleeper until he awakens, the child until he reaches maturity, and the insane until he regains sanity.” (Abu Dawood)

They are forgiven and will enter Jannah without reckoning. In fact children who die, will interceded for their parents to enter Jannah.

Conclusion

Ultimately even righteous believers will rely on the mercy of Allah to be admitted into paradise. Intention to the core will be called to account, and those who we think are destined for something great, may indeed by in the fire, and those who we thought are people of the fire, maybe be roaming paradise.

In Islam, it is generally not for humans to definitively state who will go to Paradise or Hell; that judgment is solely in the hands of God. Instead, one is encouraged to focus on their own faith and deeds and to approach others with compassion and a spirit of mutual understanding.