Unfortunately, we won’t be around to see it; other models predict the end of life as we know it at a mere 1 billion years in the future as the earth’s crust cools and creates a world that is not inhabitable by today’s species.

The Qur’an talks sparingly about events at the end of earth. Generally, we see an overthrow of the natural order:

Surah 54:1:
The Hour has drawn near and the moon has split.

Surah 99:
1. When the Earth is shaken with great convulsions
2. And the earth shakes off her burdens.
3. And humankind cries out, “What ails her!”

Surah 75:
6. They question: "When is the Day of Resurrection?"
7. At length – when the Sight is dazed,
8. And the moon is buried.
9. And the sun and moon are joined together.

All that sounds pretty consistent with the scientific view.

However, other, more significant aspects of the end of times cannot be predicted by science.

The Day of Resurrection is not just a calamitous time for our planet, but for humanity as well. Like the Bible, the Qur’an states that God will reassemble humankind, read out our deeds, and show each of us our fate – heaven or hell.

The Qur’an readily acknowledges that this claim is hard to believe. Countless verses talk about how people are incredulous about the Hour. They deny it. They ridicule the notion. Even though they may say they believe with their tongues, their hearts are not really convinced. Even Prophet Abraham asked for a demonstration of resurrection to calm his heart.

2:260: Behold! Abraham said: "My Lord! Show me how You give life to the dead." He said: "Do you not believe?" He said: "Yes, but set my heart at ease." He said: "Take four birds. Tame them to you. Put a piece of each on all the hills around and call to them. They will come to you, (flying) with speed. Then know that Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise."

It has always given me comfort that the Qur’an acknowledges that Judgment Day is hard for humanity to accept. It is, by definition, an article of faith, a matter about which the believer must demonstrate their trust in the honesty of the Messenger, and the truth of the Message.

Even more comforting is God promises to forgive every sin but “shirk” – that is setting up partners to the Divine. Some Muslims understand that as polytheism. Others understand it as worshipping at the shrine of our own egos, directed only by our greed, lusts, and ambitions. This promise of mercy extends explicitly beyond the Muslim community:

2:62: Those who believe (in the Qur'an), and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians - any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness – shall have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

Even the “sin” of not believing in Muhammad is forgivable.

Even more, one is not required to have great faith. Prophet Muhammad told us, “Whosoever dies having so much as a mustard seed of faith in his heart shall enter Paradise.”

Under these conditions, I find it hard to believe anyone will end up in Hell.

Why then do religions have rules and regulations? To make this world a better place.

One could only wish the fear of Hell and hope for Heaven were a bit more effective in encouraging people to refrain from murder, slander, coveting one’s neighbor’s spouse and belongings, and to participate in good works, caring for the poor, the needy, the orphan, the traveler, and the oppressed.

This failure is one of the reasons I don’t simply teach my kids that we do this or that because God says so, but show them quite clearly how what I ask them to do benefits both them and the world at large.