Ma'ad (Resurrection)
Belief in resurrection and judgment day — the fifth article of faith in Shia Islam.
Ma'ad (Arabic: معاد) means "return" and refers to the belief in the bodily resurrection, the Day of Judgment, and eternal life after death. Ma'ad is the fifth and last of the usul al-din (fundamental beliefs) in Shia Islam and is one of the most discussed doctrines in the Quran.
The Quran describes Ma'ad in detail: "Does man think that We cannot assemble his bones? Yes, We are able to reconstruct his fingertips" (Surah Al-Qiyamah 75:3-4). And: "Every soul shall taste death. You shall indeed receive your full reward on the Day of Resurrection" (Surah Aal-Imran 3:185).
Imam Ali (peace be upon him) said in Nahj al-Balagha: "Prepare for a journey you will soon take, and seek shelter from a day that is near." And Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said: "The one who believes in Ma'ad acts as if he sees reward and punishment before his eyes" (Al-Kafi, vol. 2).
In the context of prayer, Ma'ad is the ultimate motivation. The Prophet said: "The first thing a person will be held accountable for on the Day of Judgment is prayer. If it is in order, the rest is in order. If it is deficient, the rest is deficient" (narrated in Al-Kafi and Sunni collections). Al-Fatiha, recited in every rak'ah, explicitly mentions Ma'ad: "Maliki yawm al-din" (Master of the Day of Judgment). Awareness of Ma'ad permeates prayer and gives it seriousness, depth, and purpose.
Related terms
Tashahhud (Declaration of Faith in the Seated Position)
The specific recitation during the seated position in prayer, with greetings to the Prophet.
Qunut (Supplication with Raised Hands)
A personal supplication (du'a) with raised hands, recited during the prayer.
Sunan al-Nasa'i (Nasa'i's Hadith Collection)
One of the six canonical hadith collections, known for its strict authenticity criteria.
Al-Kafi (The Sufficient)
The most important Shia hadith collection, with extensive chapters on prayer.
Salaf (The Pious Predecessors)
The first three generations of Muslims: sahabah, tabi'in, and tabi' al-tabi'in.
Du'a Arafah (Imam Husayn's Supplication at Arafah)
Imam Husayn's famous supplication, recited on the Day of Arafah, the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah.