What do Muslims believe happens after death?

Yes, there's a clear belief: Muslims believe death is a doorway, not an ending. The soul is taken by the angel of death, the person is questioned in the grave, and the soul waits in an in-between stage called barzakh. Then comes the Day of Resurrection, when everyone is raised and judged by God, leading to Paradise or Hell.

كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذَآئِقَةُ ٱلْمَوْتِ ۗ وَإِنَّمَا تُوَفَّوْنَ أُجُورَكُمْ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ "Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection." Quran 3:185

1. The moment of death

Muslims believe each person's lifespan is set by God. At the appointed time, "the angel of death who has been entrusted with you will take you. Then to your Lord you will be returned" (Quran 32:11). For a believer, this moment is described with gentleness and good news.

2. The grave and barzakh

After burial, two angels come and ask the person about their Lord, their religion and the Prophet ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ said the dead person even "hears their foot steps" as the mourners leave (Sahih al-Bukhari 1338). See What happens in the grave in Islam?

Then the soul enters barzakh, a "barrier until the Day they are resurrected" (Quran 23:100). It's a waiting stage between this life and the next. The Prophet ﷺ said each person is shown their future place, in Paradise or Hell, morning and evening until the Resurrection (Sahih al-Bukhari 1379). For believers, the grave is a place of peace and rest.

3. The Day of Resurrection

At a time only God knows, the world will end and all people will be raised back to life, body and soul. Then comes the Judgement:

Records: each person receives the book of their deeds.
The scale: good and bad deeds are weighed with perfect fairness.
Mercy: God forgives whom He wills, and the Prophet ﷺ is given permission to intercede for believers.
The final home: Paradise (Jannah) or Hell (Jahannam).

Can the living still help?

Yes. The Prophet ﷺ said: "When a man dies, his acts come to an end, but three, recurring charity, or knowledge (by which people) benefit, or a pious child, who prays for him" (Sahih Muslim 1631). Families often give charity, build wells or make dua (personal prayer) for those who have passed. See Can I give charity on behalf of someone who died?

Why burial matters

Because Muslims believe the body will be resurrected and should be treated with dignity, the body is washed, wrapped in simple white cloth and buried quickly, usually within a day or so. Cremation isn't practiced. See Can I be cremated as a Muslim?

When Muslims hear of a death, they say "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un" (we belong to God, and to Him we return). See What do I say when I hear bad news as a Muslim?

Key points

The angel of death takes the soul at its set time.
The dead are questioned in the grave, then wait in barzakh.
Everyone is raised and judged on the Day of Resurrection.
Charity and prayer from the living still benefit the dead.

Tip: Grieving someone? A simple ongoing charity in their name, like sponsoring a water well or donating Qurans, is a beautiful way to keep doing good for them.