Read the first side of the argument as a group. Discuss possible evidence for an alternative side of the argument and note them down. Then reveal the hidden points and compare with your own. Create a combined list with any of those points you did not consider.

“The most important concept to accept in Islam is the teaching about the Day of Final Judgement.”

Assess this claim.

The beliefs about Akhirah, also known as the Day of Final Judgement, has major impact on Muslims today as Muslims argue that what they do in life directly affects what happens to them in the afterlife. For example, every record of an action, and intention, has been recorded by two angels and will be handed back to them in either their left or right hand (left for hell and right for heaven).
There is more of a focus in Islam on the importance of practice to demonstrate faith and not just on faith itself. For example, following the five pillars, being a part of the Ummah, going to mosque, rather than just believing in the Day of Final Judgement and an afterlife.
If Muslims had no belief today in the Day of Final Judgement then this may not motivate them to follow the straight path. So such a belief is absolutely necessary and hence of utmost importance in Islam.
A ‘belief’ on its own is no good without practice, as it is deeds by which a Muslim is judged. In the same way a belief or action is no good without the correct intention.
When Muslim beliefs and teachings are seen as whole, a belief in the Day of Final Judgement is the foundation of their beliefs. Muslims stress the importance of preparing to meet with Allah at the end of their life, from both the perspective of fear and the perspective of longing anticipation. This meeting with Allah must be the most important concept in Islam.
Some may argue that demonstrating the will of Allah by living a good Muslim life is more important than hoping for an afterlife following the Day of Final Judgement.
There is an argument that it is not possible to be a Muslim without believing in the Day of Final Judgement, because it is a key Muslim belief to accept and an essential part of being a Muslim. A belief in the Day of Final Judgement also gives meaning to life and provides an explanation for suffering.
Although the belief in the Day of Final Judgement and an afterlife is not irrelevant, perspective and balance are required in looking at Islam to see that other things are just as or more important for Muslims today, for example, Muhammad’s example of morality, looking after the poor and treatment of women.
Overview
In a similar way, Muslims may rationalise their beliefs to concede that a more symbolic interpretation of the Day of Final Judgement may be merited in today’s world, and indeed more relevant. Such Muslims would argue that the significance of a concept lies not in the literal acceptance of it, but more in the understanding of implications of the teachings; for example, yes Muslims are judged by God but maybe not in the complicated and dramatic ways described in depictions of the Day of Final Judgement..