Exploring the Nature of Near-Death Experiences in Iranian Experiencers: A Case Study of the Participants in the Life after Life TV Series.

This article focuses on the nature of near-death experiences (NDEs) among Iranian individuals who have undergone near-death incidents, using a qualitative phenomenological approach with 34 participants from the "Life After Life" TV series. The study found that while the core components of Iranian NDEs—such as out-of-body experiences, timelessness, life review, encounters with deceased relatives, and communication without words—are largely consistent with global NDE reports, cultural and religious factors rooted in Shia Islam influence the quality and interpretation of these experiences. Notably, Iranian NDErs described unique elements such as intercession by Islamic holy figures during the return to life and culturally specific depictions of the light tunnel and moral judgment. The research highlights the universality of NDE phenomena alongside culturally shaped variations, emphasizing the importance of socio-religious context in understanding these experiences.