Interpretive Theological Researches
Qurterly

Analyzing Near-Death Experiences in Light of Theological and Interpretive Teachings

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Hamidreza Goudarzi 1
hamid Emami Far 2
Ahmad Saeedi 3

1 Doctorate from Imam Khomeini Institute

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Studies, Arak University, Arak, Iran

3 Associate professor and faculty member of Imam Khomeini Educational and Research Institute

https://doi.org/10.22034/rtmr.2025.2075499.1117
Abstract
Near-death experiences are a term for states that occur to some people at certain times that are similar to a state of death. This issue has been seriously considered with the publication of Raymond Moody's book "Life After Life". Despite extensive scientific, philosophical and psychological research, the nature of these phenomena remains unclear, which highlights the need for research due to their profound effects on the individual and society. Leaving the body, perceptions outside it, and returning to the body are among the components that occur in all these experiences. The present article, with the aim of analyzing the nature of near-death experiences, adopts a theological-interpretive approach and focuses on Islamic teachings regarding the truth of man and the external and internal worlds of existence. The findings show that when the experiencers distance themselves from the physical body, they are in the realm of the soul, their inner senses, and their imagination, and most of them have reviewed scenes from their lifetime or have encountered imaginary and demonic fabricated images. In some cases, they have entered the world of purgatory through the power of imagination and observed the realities of purgatory.

Keywords

Near-death experiences
soul
purgatory
theological
interpretive
fantasy
imaginary
Interpretive Theological Researches
Volume 3, Issue 1
Spring 2025
Pages 1-17

  • Receive Date 22 October 2025
  • Accept Date 26 March 2026

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