What happens after we die?
Every tradition agrees that death is not the end of what matters, but they disagree about what continues: a soul that is judged, a self that is reborn, or a legacy you leave behind.
Best answered by Hinduism
The Bhagavad Gita answers this question most directly. It describes what happens to the self at death, while most other texts focus on judgement or on how to live.
What the scriptures say
Hinduism
“As a person puts on new garments, giving up old ones, the soul similarly accepts new material bodies, giving up the old and useless ones.”Bhagavad Gita 2.22
Christianity
“I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”John 11:25 (KJV)
Islam
“Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your full compensation on the Day of Resurrection.”Quran 3:185
Judaism
“Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.”Ecclesiastes 12:7
Buddhism
“All conditioned things are impermanent — when one sees this with wisdom, one turns away from suffering.”Dhammapada 277
More questions
- How do I forgive someone who hurt me?
- Why do bad things happen to good people?
- What is the meaning of life?
Quotations are from public translations linked above. GOD is an AI guide; for personal matters, also seek your faith leader.