Explaining the Consequences of Death-Consciousness from the Perspective of Quranic-Hadithic Teachings in Comparison with Psychoanalytic and Existential Approaches

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Maryam Ahmadi ¹

nahid mashaee ²

Hamidreza Aghamohammadian Sharbaf ³

¹ Ph.D. Student in Teaching Islamic Studies, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

² Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

³ Professor, Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

10.22067/jquran.2025.92423.1810

Abstract

From the perspective of secular psychology, death-consciousness and the resulting fear of death lead to negative outcomes such as nihilism, anxiety, depression, and despair. In contrast, afterlife-oriented perspectives argue that reflection on death fosters meaningfulness in life, liberation from nihilism, moral awakening, and rational deliberation, thereby reforming individual beliefs and actions. Using a descriptive–analytical approach and documentary analysis, this study examines the concept of death, the effects of death-consciousness, its direct relationship with death anxiety, and its impact on individual and social lifestyles from the perspectives of the Qurʾan and hadith. The findings demonstrate that Qurʾanic and prophetic teachings, through various depictions of the afterlife, correct human attitudes toward death and clarify the purposeful nature of creation in life and death. This not only reduces fear of death but also prepares individuals to welcome it, producing positive behavioral transformations and constructive changes in their lifestyles in this world.

Keywords

Qurʾan

hadith

death-consciousness

death anxiety

psychoanalysis

existentialism

Subjects

• Qurʾanic and Hadith Learnings (Maʾārif)

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