Purgatory in Islam and Christianity

Afterlife is one of the main themes of almost every religion. Although Islam and Christianity are also highly valued in the hereafter, Araf belief, a concept related to post-death life, has not been studied comparatively in terms of these two religions. The purpose of this study is to reveal the Araf belief in these religions and to make a comparison. Our study comprises an introduction, three main chapters and a conclusion. The aim of the study, method and materials of the study were addressed in the introduction. After information was presented about some concepts regarding afterlife in Islam as a background, the concept Purgatory was discussed especially in Qur'an and its interpretations in the first chapter. After some concepts regarding afterlife were addressed, the concept and framework of the belief of Purgatory was examined in the second chapter. The Bible, the decisions of the Church Councils and the viewpoints of Church Fathers were included and after the opinions of Christian denominations about Purgatory were studied; the mythological roots of the belief of Purgatory were emphasized also in the second chapter. The belief of Purgatory was compared in terms of Islam and Christianity according to some criteria in the third chapter. Finally, evaluations were made in the conclusion. Keywords: Purgatory, People of Purgatory, Afterdeath