On one level, it is patently obvious that eschatology is a crucial element of the religion of Islam. The Qur'an virtually thunders with warnings of impending cataclysm; it issues shrill warning of certain judgment; and it promises rewards as exhortation to the pious. 'The Hour' (of the resurrection to judgment) relentlessly impresses itself on the listener. The 'Fire' and 'Paradise' are famous motifs of the book (particularly the Meccan suras). On the other hand, some elements of Islamic teaching on the interim state of the individual between death and final judgment, or aspects of Islamic...