Ma'ad (Resurrection)

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.