the Barzakh

Barzakh is an Islamic concept referring to the barrier or interval between this life and the afterlife. It is the state or realm where souls reside after death, awaiting the Day of Judgment. During this time, the soul experiences a form of existence that reflects its deeds in life—receiving some reward or punishment—until the final resurrection. Think of Barzakh as an interim phase where the soul is in a holding state, not part of this world or the next, allowing for a continued process of accountability and preparation for the ultimate judgment.