What is the seventh belief in Iman-e-Mufassal?

The correct answer to this question is The day of resurrection.

In the structured creed of Iman-e-Mufassal, the seventh and final belief is Al-Ba’thu ba’dal mawt, which translates to "Resurrection after Death." While the fifth belief focuses on the Day of Judgment (the process of accountability), the seventh belief specifically affirms the physical and spiritual restoration of life after the biological end of a human being. It is the ultimate conclusion to the seven articles of faith, providing a finality to the human experience on earth and the beginning of the eternal life in the hereafter.

The Historical Challenge of Resurrection

Historically, the concept of physical resurrection was the most heavily debated aspect of early Islamic preaching. In 7th-century Arabia, the pagan Makkans largely believed in a "linear" life—that death was the absolute end of existence. Historical texts record that they would often bring old, crumbled bones to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and ask how these could possibly be brought back to life.

The introduction of the seventh belief was a major historical paradigm shift. It challenged the prevailing materialistic worldview of the time, replacing it with a "cyclical" view of existence: life, death, and then a restoration of life. This belief wasn't just a theological point; it was a revolutionary idea that suggested every individual is a permanent entity whose story does not end in the grave.

Theological Nuance: Resurrection vs. Judgment

It is important to distinguish why the scholars of the early Islamic period separated "The Day of Judgment" (the 5th belief) from "Resurrection after Death" (the 7th belief) in the Iman-e-Mufassal. The fifth belief covers the "Court of Allah"—the gathering, the weighing of deeds, and the passing of the verdict.

In contrast, the seventh belief focuses on the act of being raised. It addresses the restoration of the body and soul. Historically, this distinction was made to counter specific philosophical arguments that suggested only the soul is immortal while the body is discarded. By including the seventh belief as a separate pillar, Islamic creed emphasizes a "Bodily Resurrection," asserting that the Creator who brought life from nothingness once can easily restore it a second time.

The Event of "Al-Ba'th"

According to historical Islamic tradition, the resurrection will occur after the second blowing of the Trumpet (Sur) by the Angel Israfil. At this moment, every soul will be reunited with its physical form. This event is often described in Islamic history using the metaphor of rain: just as parched earth is brought to life by a downpour, the "earth" of the graves will bring forth the resurrected bodies of humanity. This historical imagery served to make a complex metaphysical concept relatable to the people of the time, anchoring their faith in the observable patterns of nature.

The Impact on Islamic Civilization

The historical impact of the seventh belief cannot be overstated. It shaped the ethical foundation of Islamic society. If death was the end, there would be little incentive for long-term moral investment. However, with the firm affirmation of Al-Ba’thu ba’dal mawt, the early Muslims lived with a "trans-historical" perspective. They looked beyond their immediate circumstances, believing that their physical presence in the world was merely a temporary phase before their ultimate restoration.