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
Qibla (Prayer Direction)
The direction toward the Kaaba in Mecca, which Muslims face during prayer.
Tartib (Order in Prayer)
The correct sequence of the prayer's actions and the daily prayers.
Adab al-Salah (Prayer Etiquette)
The recommended norms and inner attitudes that enrich the prayer.
Mab'ath (The Prophet's Calling)
The day when Prophet Muhammad received the first revelation and was called to prophethood.
Barakah (Blessing)
Divine blessing and abundance, obtained through worship and good deeds.
Imamat (Divine Leadership)
The doctrine of the twelve divinely appointed Imams who lead the community after the Prophet.