Every person in this world treads on one of these paths...

Every person in this world treads on one of these paths, even though he might be unaware of it. The same path continues after death in the world of Barzakh and Qiyamat and it end either at Paradise or Hell; in other words it can be said: Siraat in Qiyamat is the unseen version of this same worldly Siraat, which would become clear there. The same meaning is indicated in traditions.

Mufaddal bin Umar says: I asked Imam Ja’far Sadiq (as): “What is Siraat?” He replied: “It is the path of divine recognition and knowing Allah, the Mighty and Sublime. Siraat is of two types: Siraat in the world and Siraat in hereafter. As for Siraat in the world it denotes obedience of the Imam whose obedience is necessary; whoever recognizes him in the world and follows his commands, would be able to cross the Siraat in hereafter which is like a bridge over Hell.

And one who does not recognize him in the world (and does not benefit from his guidance) he would stumble in the hereafter and fall into Hell.”[^1] It is narrated from Imam Hasan Askari (as) that he said: “True paths are two: One is in this world and another in the Hereafter. The Siraat Mustaqeem in this world is one, which does not contain excessiveness, defects and shortcomings. It is the straight road, which never drifts to untruth.

Siraat of Hereafter is one, which leads the faithful believer straight to Paradise. Those following this path, will never turn from Paradise towards Hell, but will reach it straight away.”[^2] Abu Huraira has narrated from the Holy Prophet (S) that he said: Jibraeel (Archangel Gabriel) came down to me and said: “Shall I not give you glad tidings of Paradise, through which you may cross the path (Siraat)?” I asked: “Why not!” He said: “You will cross it by effulgence (Noor) of Allah; and Ali by your effulgence (Noor), which is effulgence (Noor) of Allah.

And your community will cross it through effulgence (Noor) of Ali, which is your effulgence (Noor); and one who is not given a light by the Almighty Allah would have no light.”[^3] Shaykh Mufeed says: Siraat literary means a pathway and that is why religion is called Siraat, since it is the way of gaining divine rewards and for the same reason guardianship (Wilayat) and following Imam Ali (as) and the Holy Imams (as) is called Siraat.