In this eighth installment of his illuminating lecture series, Abbas Amanat explores the evolving relationship between Donya (this world) and Akherat (the afterlife) in Iranian culture. This duality has been central to religious thought across various traditions, particularly in Islam, Christianity, and Zoroastrianism, shaping beliefs about morality, free will, and salvation. Amanat examines how these concepts have transformed, especially in the modern era, where shifting intellectual and scientific paradigms have redefined humanity’s focus on the afterlife.

The Core Concept: A Universal Duality

The notion of Donya and Akherat has historically formed a cornerstone of Iranian religious and cultural life. This duality is not unique to Islam but is also prevalent in other Abrahamic religions and Zoroastrianism, emphasizing accountability in the afterlife. In contrast, some Eastern religions like Hinduism and Buddhism place less emphasis on an individualized postmortem judgment, focusing instead on cycles of rebirth.

Amanat highlights how, in pre-modern Iran, Donya and Akherat were deeply interconnected. Actions in this world were believed to have direct consequences in the afterlife, shaping social behavior and religious devotion. The belief in an eventual reckoning reinforced moral conduct, as individuals sought to ensure a favorable judgment beyond death.

The Fear of Death and the Purpose of the Afterlife

One of the fundamental roles of Akherat has been alleviating the fear of death. The belief in a world beyond the physical realm offers a sense of purpose and meaning, reassuring believers that life does not end with bodily demise. This, in turn, ties into the theological debate between free will and determinism—while judgment in the afterlife is inevitable, individuals are still granted a degree of agency in shaping their fate through their actions.

Religious Foundations: The Link to Tawhid and Sharia

Belief in Akherat is closely tied to the doctrine of Tawhid (the Oneness of God), ensuring divine justice through accountability in the next world. Additionally, it is intertwined with the practical aspects of faith (Furoo-e-deen), as adherence to religious law is believed to guarantee rewards in the hereafter. Islam provides mechanisms for salvation, viewing the believer’s relationship with God as a continuous account where good and bad deeds are recorded. Repentance, charitable acts, and religious duties are seen as ways to secure a better fate in Akherat.

The Imagery of the Afterlife: Paradise and Hell

Islamic eschatology offers vivid depictions of Jannat (Paradise) and Dozakh (Hell). Paradise is imagined as a realm of ultimate fulfillment and freedom from worldly restrictions, while Hell is depicted with multiple levels of torment proportionate to the severity of one’s sins. In Shi’a Islam, further complexity is introduced through concepts like Qiyamat-e Sughra (Minor Resurrection), which refers to an initial judgment in the grave, and Qiyamat-e Kubra (Major Resurrection), the final day of reckoning. The Pul-e-Sarat, a bridge leading to Paradise, is believed to be as narrow as a blade for sinners but wide and safe for the righteous—a concept with possible Zoroastrian roots.

Mahdaviat and Eschatological Hope

The Shi’a doctrine of Mahdaviat (belief in the return of the Mahdi) links Akherat to historical and messianic expectations. The Mahdi’s arrival is often a precursor to the Day of Judgment, where divine justice will be fully realized. This belief has historically inspired movements of resistance and reform, as the promise of a savior provides hope for ultimate redemption.

Skepticism and Philosophical Challenges

Despite the strong emphasis on Akherat, Iranian intellectual traditions have always included elements of doubt and reinterpretation. Poets and philosophers, from Omar Khayyam to contemporary thinkers, have questioned conventional depictions of the afterlife, offering alternative visions of existence and morality. These critiques have often reflected broader socio-political transformations, particularly in the face of modernity.

Modernity and the Shift Away from the Afterlife

From the 18th century onward, the traditional concept of Akherat faced challenges from Enlightenment rationalism, scientific discoveries (such as Darwinism), and an increasing focus on improving the material world. While many continued to believe in an afterlife, its centrality in daily life diminished. This shift was particularly evident in movements prioritizing social and political reform over spiritual concerns.

The Influence of Modernity: Prioritizing This World Over the Next

As Iran modernized, religious narratives evolved to accommodate new realities. The Baha’i faith, for instance, marked a significant departure from traditional eschatology by emphasizing the reconstruction of humanity in this world rather than focusing on rewards in the next. Unlike Islam’s emphasis on the afterlife, Baha’ism prioritizes ethical action, social justice, and global unity as the means to build a better world. This shift reflects a broader modernist trend that places responsibility for progress and salvation in the hands of individuals and societies rather than divine intervention. The Baha’i perspective aligns with other reformist movements focusing on Donya as the space for achieving true spiritual and social fulfillment.

The Iranian Revolution: A Religious Yet This-Worldly Movement

The Iranian Revolution of 1979, despite its overt religious character, also reflected a shift toward a this-worldly focus. Establishing an Islamic state took precedence over theological discussions of the afterlife, illustrating how even religious movements adapted to the material concerns of governance and power.

Contemporary Views: Declining Emphasis on the Afterlife

In present-day Iran, the significance of Akherat continues to decline. Many Iranians seek alternative spiritual frameworks, whether through scientific interpretations of Islam, Sufism, or a renewed connection with nature. In some ways, the fear of environmental collapse or nuclear disaster has replaced traditional eschatological anxieties. As the modern world becomes increasingly focused on tangible crises, belief in a metaphysical reckoning becomes less immediate and influential.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Donya and Akherat

Amanat’s analysis of Donya and Akherat highlights the dynamic evolution of these concepts within Iranian thought. While historically central to religious and social life, the weight of the afterlife has diminished in the face of modernity’s pragmatic concerns. Yet, these ideas continue to shape cultural narratives in political movements, philosophical debates, or personal spiritual quests. The shifting balance between Donya and Akherat remains a crucial lens for understanding Iran’s past, present, and future.

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In line with the vision of the Iran 1400 Project, which aims to explore the evolution of ideas and institutions in Iran over the past century to foster informed discussions about its future, we are pleased to share a summary of Abbas Amanat’s lecture series titled “Intertwined Dualities and the Challenge of Modernity in Iran.” This series was produced by Aasoo, a non-profit organization affiliated with the Tasselmi Foundation. Aasoo promotes dialogue and tolerance through research, publications, and multimedia initiatives, fostering understanding and inclusion within Iranian society. We extend our gratitude to our friends at Aasoo for facilitating this enlightening lecture series, which addresses the complex challenges of modernity in Iran.

The lectures are conducted in Farsi, and the Iran 1400 Project provides a summary and key takeaways of each lecture in English to engage a broader audience.

• Overview of Abbas Amanat’s Lecture Series on “Intertwined Dualities and the Challenge of Modernity in Iran”
• Part 1: The Evolution of Bum and Bar in Iran
• Part 2: The Evolution of “Iran” and “Aniran” in Iranian Identity
• Part 3: The Evolution of Dargah and Divan
• Part 4: The Evolution of Din and Dolat
• Part 5: The Evolution of Bazaar and Meydon
• Part 6: The Evolution of Birun and Andarun in Iranian Society: Gender Roles and Spatial Evolution
• Part 7: The Evolution of Razm and Bazm in Iranian History and Identity