Humaira Ahmad2018-10-162018-10-162015Ahmad, H.,& Lakhvi, M. H. (2015). Philosophy of death in the western philosophical and islamic traditions: a case study of Heidegger. Peshawar Islamicus, 6(1), 11-24. (Humaira Ahmad) (HEC Recognized Y Category)https://escholar.umt.edu.pk/handle/123456789/3352“Death” has been an important theme of exploration in religions, philosophies and among common men as well. All agreed on its inevitability but anticipation and attitude towards acceptance of death has been discussed differently in philosophy and religion. The discourse on death has been an important aspect of Western philosophical tradition since ancient times which is clearly lacking in modern philosophy except in Schopenhauer’s pessimism and then again noticeable in the existentialist enterprise. However, among existentialists, Heidegger is distinguished by treating death as his personal commitment. By avoiding any transcendental explanation, Heidegger presented an ontological inquiry into the nature of death. Interwoven with complicated terminology, Heidegger personalized death with freedom to choose one’s way of dying which he characterized as authentic-being-towards-death. His emphasis on freedom gave the human valiant godly status, fearless, making new discoveries, inventions and defining his way of dying. His fellow existentialists, such as Sartre, criticized his philosophy of death. On the other hand, the nature of death being discussed in Islam is different. Islam personalizes death but gives the authority of ceasing life in the hand of God. By emphasizing the importance of the belief on Judgment Day, Islamic teachings hold a person accountable for his/her deeds before God and provokes him/her to be moderate and pious in this world which will end one day. The paper is an attempt to comprehend the key differences between Western philosophical tradition and Islamic tradition in the discourse and understanding of death.enIslamic Thought and CivilizationDeath, Existentialism, Extension of life, ResurrectionArticle