Accounts of near-death experiences (NDEs) from seventeen Iranian Shia Muslims show both similarities and differences compared to Western NDE narratives. The thematic analysis reveals that while core elements such as out-of-body sensations, meeting deceased relatives, and a life review appear across cultures, the Iranian accounts uniquely incorporate Islamic religious imagery, including encounters with figures like Imam Ali and descriptions of heaven and hell aligned with Shia eschatology. These findings suggest that cultural and religious background shapes the content and interpretation of NDEs, indicating that the experience is not universal in its details but is filtered through the experiencer's worldview.
Near-death experiences (NDEs) may be glimpses into the afterlife, and their elements broadly conform to the spirit of Islamic eschatology as derived from Shia hadiths, though some conflicts and inconsistencies remain. To reduce these discrepancies, scholars should recognize the authenticity of opposing epistemological propositions, focus on disciplined interpretation, and analyze compatibility with credible related propositions, alongside a comprehensive understanding of NDEs and the interpretive nature of reports. Other inconsistencies and controversial issues await further scrutiny by scholars and theologians.
Near-death experiences produce extensive and long-lasting aftereffects on individuals' personal and social lives. A qualitative study of 18 people in Iran who had NDEs identified four main categories of change: social aftereffects, religious-spiritual aftereffects, emotional and psychic aftereffects, and the acquisition of transcendental abilities. These changes often create problems in personal life or social relationships. Understanding these effects can benefit both NDErs and those who interact with them.