The end of the world in different religions

The concept of the end of the world has fascinated and frightened mankind for centuries. Many religions have developed their own interpretations of how the world will end, often associated with divine judgment, cosmic battles, or cycles of destruction and renewal. This article examines eschatological beliefs in some of the world's major religions.

Christianity

In Christian theology, the end of the world is associated with the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. According to the Book of Revelation, the final judgment is preceded by a series of apocalyptic events such as wars, famines, earthquakes, and the coming of the Antichrist. The righteous will be saved and receive eternal life, while damnation awaits the wicked. The concept of the Rapture, when believers go to heaven before the troubles begin, is also common among some Christian denominations.

Islam

Islamic eschatology describes the Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Qiyamah) as a time when the world will be destroyed and all souls will be resurrected for divine judgment. Major signs of the end times include the appearance of the Mahdi, the return of Jesus (Isa), the appearance of Dajjal (false messiah), and natural and supernatural disasters. The righteous will go to paradise (Jannah) and the wicked will be condemned to hell (Jahannam).

Judaism

Judaism's views on the end times are varied, but many beliefs center around the coming of the Messiah. According to some interpretations, the world will experience a period of great suffering known as the Shevlei Mashiach (birth pains of the Messiah), followed by an era of peace and divine rule. The resurrection of the dead and the final judgment of God are also central to Jewish eschatology.

Hinduism

Hinduism sees time as cyclical, with the world passing through four great epochs (yugas). The current epoch, Kali Yuga, is considered a time of moral and social decay. According to Hindu texts, the world will end when Vishnu incarnates as Kalki, the final avatar who will destroy evil and restore cosmic order. After this destruction, a new cycle, the Satya Yuga (Golden Age), will begin, restoring righteousness.

Buddhism

Buddhism does not generally emphasize an apocalyptic end, but describes the gradual decline of the Dharma (Buddhist teachings). Some Buddhist traditions believe in a future Buddha, Maitreya, who will return wisdom after the world has experienced moral decay. Some Mahayana and Theravada texts describe the universe as cyclical, with periods of destruction and rebirth.

Norse mythology

In Norse mythology, the end of the world is known as Ragnarök, a cataclysmic event involving great battles, natural disasters, and the death of many gods, including Odin and Thor. This event is followed by the rebirth of the world as the surviving gods and humans repopulate the Earth, ushering in a new era.

Mayan and Aztec beliefs

Ancient Mesoamerican cultures also had their own apocalyptic visions. The Mayans believed in cycles of destruction and renewal of the world, with the current era set to end. The Aztecs believed that the world had already undergone destruction, and their gods demanded human sacrifice to delay the next catastrophe.

Conclusion

The end of the world as envisioned by various religions reflects deeper spiritual and philosophical themes of judgment, renewal, morality, and the cyclical nature of existence. Whether viewed as a final reckoning or a new beginning, these beliefs continue to shape people's views on life, death, and the fate of the universe.