Delivered in Melbourne, this lecture has become a "Sovereign Guide" for those seeking to understand the mechanics of the Barzakh (the interval between death and resurrection). Sheikh Zoud reframes death not as an end, but as a transition of frequency, where the soul is "unplugged" from the biological host in a systematic, six-stage process.
According to the Quranic and Prophetic data analyzed by Sheikh Zoud, the soul does not leave the body in a single, chaotic flash. It follows a Sovereign Protocol that mirrors the precision of a controlled shutdown.
1. The Day of Decision (Yaum al-Mawt)
The first stage is the Allocation of the Decree. This is the moment the "Command Signal" is handed down to the angels.
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The Reality: The knowledge of your departure is released from the Preserved Tablet to the Angel of Death (Malak al-Mawt).
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The Squeeze: This is the phase of Spiritual Preparation, where the angels begin their descent, carrying the shrouds of either Paradise or the Fire, depending on the soul’s "Deed Profile."
2. The Extraction (The Feet to the Chest)
The biological shutdown begins. The soul is extracted from the extremities first, moving upward.
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The Physical Signal: This is why the feet become cold and numb first. The "Life Force" is being pulled toward the center of the body.
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The Sensation: For the righteous, this is described as a gentle pulling, like "water flowing from a jug." For the rebellious, it is a violent "tearing" of the soul from the veins.
3. The Collarbone (Al-Taraki)
This is the "Point of No Return." The soul reaches the Taraki (the collarbone/throat area).
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The Squeeze Signal: At this stage, the "Veil" is lifted. The dying person now sees the "Unseen" world—the angels are visible, and the finality of the state is realized.
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The Regret Phase: This is the moment mentioned in the Quran: "Where is the healer? Who can save him now?" It is the last second where repentance is possible before the "Gharghara" (death rattle) begins.
4. The Final Sight (The Eye follows the Soul)
As the soul finally exits through the mouth/head, the eyes of the deceased follow it.
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The Prophetic Proof: This explains the fixed upward gaze often seen in the newly deceased. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated: "When the soul is taken, the sight follows it." ### 5. The Celestial Ascent
Once freed from the "Bio-Suit," the soul is taken by the angels to the heavens.
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The Audit: The soul passes through the gates of the first heaven. For the believer, the gates open with the fragrance of musk and the greeting of "Welcome, O pure soul." For the disbeliever, the gates remain shut, and the soul is cast back down.
6. The Return to the Barzakh
The final stage is the Re-integration for the Grave. The soul is returned to its body in the grave for the Munkar and Nakir audit.
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The New Reality: The soul now enters the "Sovereign Waiting Room"—the Barzakh—where it experiences a "preview" of its final destination until the Day of Judgement.
The Strategic Takeaway: "Taste" vs. "Die"
Sheikh Zoud emphasizes that the Quran says the soul shall "Taste" death (Kullu nafsin dha’iqatul mawt). This implies that the soul itself never ceases to exist; it only experiences the "flavor" of the transition.
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If the life was lived in alignment with the Divine Signal, the taste is sweet—a relief from the "Prison of the World."
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If the life was lived in the "Noise" of heedlessness, the taste is bitter.
