✦ Is There Life After Death? – An Inquiry Beyond Science ✦
✍ Written by: Maulana Abul A‘la Maududi (رحمه الله)
Science neither confirms nor denies the existence of life after death. Hence, claiming that science rejects the concept of life after death is itself an unscientific statement. From a scientific standpoint, we must remain neutral—neither affirming nor denying the existence of an afterlife.
For instance, in daily interactions, we cannot remain indifferent. We either choose to trust or to doubt a person—we cannot stay suspended in absolute neutrality. Similarly, the question of life after death is not merely philosophical; it deeply affects our practical life and morality.
If someone believes that this worldly life is all there is and that nothing follows it, their behavior and outlook will reflect that belief.
On the other hand, one who believes in an afterlife and accountability will adopt a completely different moral and practical attitude. Such a person lives with an awareness of long-term consequences.
② In contrast, a person who believes that they will be held accountable in another world will act with an eye toward eternal consequences.
✿ Matthew Hale remarked:
"To declare that religion is a deception, is to cancel all those moral obligations which sustain the fabric of social order."
(Religion Without Revelation, p. 115)
✿ Voltaire also stated:
"The belief in God and life after death serves as the basis for ethics."
(History of Philosophy by Windelband, p. 496)
Neutrality is not an option in such a matter. In practical terms, skepticism amounts to denial. If science does not answer this question, we must turn to other sources, such as religion and rational argument, for guidance.
✍ Written by: Maulana Abul A‘la Maududi (رحمه الله)
❖ The Question:
Is there any life after death, or does everything end at the grave?❖ Scientific Limitations:
This question lies beyond the current limits of human knowledge. We have no means of peering beyond the boundary of death to observe what lies beyond. Nor do we possess any scientific instrument that could help us investigate the matter.Science neither confirms nor denies the existence of life after death. Hence, claiming that science rejects the concept of life after death is itself an unscientific statement. From a scientific standpoint, we must remain neutral—neither affirming nor denying the existence of an afterlife.
❖ Neutrality is Impractical in Real Life:
While it may be theoretically possible to remain neutral regarding the question of life after death, practically, we are forced to take a position.For instance, in daily interactions, we cannot remain indifferent. We either choose to trust or to doubt a person—we cannot stay suspended in absolute neutrality. Similarly, the question of life after death is not merely philosophical; it deeply affects our practical life and morality.
If someone believes that this worldly life is all there is and that nothing follows it, their behavior and outlook will reflect that belief.
On the other hand, one who believes in an afterlife and accountability will adopt a completely different moral and practical attitude. Such a person lives with an awareness of long-term consequences.
❖ Two Views and Their Effects:
① A person who believes that life is a finite journey with no reckoning at the end will judge their actions by the temporary outcomes of this world.② In contrast, a person who believes that they will be held accountable in another world will act with an eye toward eternal consequences.
❖ Philosophical and Ethical Impact:
Many philosophers have supported the idea that belief in God and life after death forms the foundation of morality.✿ Matthew Hale remarked:
"To declare that religion is a deception, is to cancel all those moral obligations which sustain the fabric of social order."
(Religion Without Revelation, p. 115)
✿ Voltaire also stated:
"The belief in God and life after death serves as the basis for ethics."
(History of Philosophy by Windelband, p. 496)
❖ Conclusion:
The question of life after death is not merely theoretical—it is a vital issue of practical life.Neutrality is not an option in such a matter. In practical terms, skepticism amounts to denial. If science does not answer this question, we must turn to other sources, such as religion and rational argument, for guidance.
