About this lecture
This classroom style lecture was given as part of the annual Dar al Islam Teachers’ Institute in New Mexico. The audience consisted of non-Muslim school teachers from around North America. The primary objective of this program was to educate the teachers about the fundamental Islamic beliefs and practices within the context of an interactive and intensive spiritual retreat. In this session, Hamza Yusuf outlines the five life stages of the human being according to the Holy Qur’an: the pre-worldly existence, the dunya (life on earth), the barzakh (grave), the Day of Judgment, and the final abode (Heaven and Hell). Although each stage is covered in detail, emphasis is placed on the dunya realm and death. Many interesting topics are explored relating to the unseen world, which according to the Islamic belief, makes up the vast majority of creation. A comprehensive talk that provides insight into the Muslim worldview and is ideal for people of all faiths. Other topics discussed: our disenchantment with the world, fitrah (human nature), and the age of discrimination.