What happens to the souls in barzakh?

Question: Asfa Umer We are aware that the martyrs are not in the grave, but rather, they are still present among us and still at risk. However, I am curious as to what will happen to people like us who are not martyrs and who pass away naturally.What happens to our soul and where does it go? Does it go to an area known as barzakh, and if so, could you please elaborate on this? Or does it go to an eternal state of dormancy? Answer: In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh. The existence after this one is far superior to the life here on earth. The joys, sorrows, and experiences of this existence pale in comparison to the afterlife. The moment the spirit leaves the body is when the phenomenon starts. There are two categories at this point in time: the fortunate and the destitute. I The fortunate are treated as monarchs. They are welcomed by hundreds of angels, who surround them in fragrance and radiance. In a procession of light led by angels, they are brought before the Almighty Allah Ta'l. [ii] The miserable people are terrified as soon as they see the afterlife coming to pass. Fire catches them, along with repulsive black angels and a foul stench. Their bodies are torn apart, and their spirits are carried off to the All-Powerful Allah. [iii] Once the soul exits the body, it enters Inter-space (barzakh). This is another world and realm altogether. This is the intermediary state between the two worlds.[iv] After leaving the body, the spirit travels to interspace (barzah). The universe and realm in question are entirely different. Between the two worlds, this serves as an intermediate condition. [iv] One's behaviour in interstellar space (barzakh) is a reflection of their actions and deeds in this universe. Almighty Allah will treat a person like nobility if they were an obedient slave. Words are inadequate to convey his suffering, if he was anything but the opposite. Comparing Inter-space (barzakh) to the line at the airport's transit area will help you understand this idea. In the first-class, luxury lounges, people with privilege passes and bonus point accounts are relaxing. Others receive free meals, while some are only eligible for a free drink. Some are entertained in the business lounge. Some are entertained in the business lounge, others are offered free meals, and some are only entitled to a free drink. There will be those passengers who are not entitled to anything. Worse than that, some passengers are left stranded in transit, others face ordeals and troubles with flight cancellations and suffer prolonged anxiety. This is a depiction of the souls in Inter-space (barzakh). Different souls receive different privileges based on their ‘points’ they score in this world. Ibn Qayyim al-Jawzīyyah rahimahullah explains the condition of the souls in this intermediary realm in his renowned work, Kitāb al-rūh. He mentions that everyone’s soul is in the following different stations within Inter-space[v]: 1) ‘A῾lā ῾illīyīn (The highest station): This station is exclusive for the Prophets (alaihim al-salām). Even in this station, there are different echelons and spheres. 2) In green birds: These are the souls of the martyrs who did not have any debt outstanding. Some martyrs will not receive this station, there are different echelons and spheres. 2) In green birds: These are the souls of the martyrs who did not have any debt outstanding. Some martyrs will not receive this station due the debts they owe. 3) Courtyards at the gates of Paradise: The souls of the pious believers will dwell here. 4) Graves: souls of a percentage of the righteous believers will be in their respective graves. 5) Earth: a number of wretched souls will be constrained to the Earth. They will not be privileged to go to the Heavens. 6) Cauldrons: The souls of the fornicators will be gathered in these huge cauldrons. 7) Rivers of blood: The souls of the evil ones will be drowning in rivers of blood whilst being pelted with boulders. 8) Sijjīn: The souls of the disbelievers will be shackled in this realm which is situated beneath the seventh Earth. The higher the station, the more the soul will be entertained with the blessings of Allah. Likewise, the lower the station, the more wrath and torment will be let loose on the soul. May Allah Ta῾ālā make us from amongst the ones who dwell in the highest of stations. Ameen. Every person should be striving to attain the highest of ranks in the Hereafter. The real winner is he who attains a lofty rank and a real loser is he who loses the opportunity to attain a rank. Once we leave this world, nothing materialistic will be of any benefit. If we contemplate on these ranks and the events we have to still attend, it will most certainly motivate us to please Allah the Almighty. There are some deeds every Muslim should do daily without fail to safeguard his/her faith. Below is a checklist which everybody should try and adhere to. Every night, take account of yourself and see if you practiced the ‘5 points’. Men must perform their 5 times salāh in the masjid with the congregation. Likewise, women should perform 5 times salāh at home in the recommended time. Recite a portion of the Qur’ān daily according to one’s capacity. 1) Study the English translation of the Qur’ān for 10-15 minutes daily. We recommend Ma’āriful Qur’ān by Mufti Muhammad Shafi sahib or Tafseer Uthmani by Maulana Shabeer Ahmed Uthmani sahib (Allah have mercy on them). 2) Perform zikr (remembrance of Allah) daily. The recitation of 100 times Salawāt on the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), a 100 times Istighfār and a 100 times third kalimah some time in the morning and evening. 3) Do your utmost to fulfil the rights of people. Do not oppress or hurt anyone. If there is a downpour of rain and we see shelter, we immediately run to that shelter. Likewise, when there is a downpour of trials, the shelter is the company of the pious and god-fearing. Frequent the gatherings of the pious in your locality. It is a praiseworthy work with the sole aim of refreshing and reviving the faith of the people. And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best