How do Muslims view Death?

Like Jews and Christians, Muslims believe that the present life is only a trial preparation for the next realm of existence. Basic articles of faith include: the Day of Judgment, resurrection, Heaven and Hell. When a Muslim dies, he or she is washed, usually by a family member, wrapped in a clean white cloth, and buried with a simple prayer preferably the same day. Muslims consider this one of the final services they can do for their relatives, and an opportunity to remember their own brief existence here on earth. The Prophet taught that three things can continue to help a person even after death; charity which he had given, knowledge which he had taught and prayers on their behalf by a righteous child.

The Qur'an states:

Every soul shall have a taste of death: and only on the Day
of Judgment shall you be paid your full recompense. Only
he who is saved from the fire and admitted to the
garden will have attained the object (of life): for the life of
this world is but goods and chattels of deception. (3:185)

Wherever ye are death will find you out even if ye are in
towers built up strong and high!" If some good befalls
them they say 'This is from Allah'; but if evil they say 'this
is from thee (O Prophet)'. Say: "All things are from Allah.
But what hath come to these people that they fail to
understand a single fact? (4:78)

Death is not pure annihilation, but rather both the living and dead are aware in different ways. Death is merely movement from one world to another. It can be described as a journey through a to a separate dimension of existence. In this life, the soul and the body are together, except during sleep when the soul may leave the body and come back in the morning with Allah's permission. The Qur'an states:

"It is Allah that takes the souls at death; and those that die
not (He takes) during their sleep: those on whom He has
passed the decree of death, He keeps back (from returning
to life), but the rest He sends (to their bodies) for a term
appointed. Verily in this are Signs for those who
reflect." (39:42)

It is indeed something to be pondered; that we die each night and Allah gives us another chance at life when we wake up the next day.

Muslims believe that the life of this world does not hold any value compared to the life of the next world. The goal is to attain a place in the garden of Paradise, which is eternal. Allah says in the Qur'an:

Allah hath purchased of the believers their persons and
their goods; for theirs (in return) is the garden (of
Paradise). (9:111)

This encourages Muslims to be righteous in their actions and to uphold justice for all since doing so will please Allah and gain them success in the next life.

How does Islam guarantee Human Rights?

Freedom of conscience is laid down by the Qur'an itself:

'There is no compulsion in religion'. (2:256)

The life and property of all citizens in an Islamic state are considered sacred whether a person is Muslim or not. Racism is incomprehensible to Muslims, for the Qur'an speaks of human equality in the following terms:

O mankind! We created you from a single soul, male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, so that you may come to know one Another. Truly, the most honored of you In God's sight Is the greatest of you in piety. God is All-Knowing, All-Aware. (49:13)

Islam has been from its inception very concerned with issues of human rights, privacy, freedom, dignity and equality are guaranteed in Islam. The holy Qur'an states clearly:

"Let them be not compulsion in religion; Truth stands
out clear from Error... " (2:256)

And there are no reliable reports to confirm the old accusations that when the Muslim armies were expanding into Asia, Africa and Europe the people were put to the sword if they failed to convert to Islam. The best proof is that not only did the Christians, Jews, Zoroastrians and Hindus in those areas not perish or otherwise disappear, they actually flourished as protected minority communities and many individuals rose to prominent positions in the arts, sciences, even in government.

De Lacy O' Leary commented:

"History makes it clear, however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims, sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of a sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myths that historians have ever repeated." (Islam at Crossroads. London (1923) page 8)

The lives, property and privacy of all citizens in an Islamic state are considered sacred, whether or not the person is Muslim. Non-Muslims have freedom of worship and the practice of their religions, including their own family law and religious courts. They are obliged to pay a different tax (Jizyah) instead of the Zakah, and the state is obligated to provide both protection and government services. Before the modern era it was extremely rare to find a state or government anywhere in the world that was as solicitous of its minorities and their civil rights as the Islamic states.

In no other religion did women receive such a degree of legal and moral equality and personal respect. Moreover, racism and tribalism are incompatible with Islam, for the Qur'an speaks of human equality in the following terms:

"Mankind! We created you from a single soul, male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may come to know one another. Truly, the most honored of you in God's sight is the greatest of you in piety." (49:13)

Justice is a fundamental tenet of Islam as the Qur'an states:

"O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah and be just
witnesses and let not the enmity and hatred of others make
you avoid justice. Be just: that is nearer to piety, and fear
Allah. Verily, Allah is Well Acquainted with what you do."
(5:8)

It is not permissible to oppress women's honor, and chastity are to be respected under all circumstances, the hungry must be fed, the naked clothed, and the wounded or diseased given medical treatment regardless of their pro- or anti-Muslim sentiments and activities.