The questions asked to the deceased in the grave


A: Hadiths ranked as Sahih (authentic) and Mutawatir (reported by a significant number of narrators throughout the chain of narration, whose agreement upon a lie is impossible) confirm that a dead person is questioned by two angels after burial about some of their beliefs. It is reported in the Sahih Books of Al-Bukhari, (Part No. 2; Page No. 478)  Muslim and others, on the authority of Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: When a human is laid in the grave and their companions leave, while they can still hear their footsteps, two angels come to them, make them sit and ask them, 'What did you use to say about this man, Muhammad (peace be upon him)?' A Mu'min (believer) will say, 'I testify that he is the Servant of Allah and His Messenger.' It will be said to them, 'Look at your place in Hellfire; Allah has given you a place in Paradise instead.' The dead person will see both their places. Qatadah said: "It was mentioned to us that a Mu'min's grave is made spacious." He then continues the Hadith of Anas who said: Whereas a hypocrite or a Kafir (disbeliever) will be asked, 'What did you use to say about this man?' They will reply, 'I do not know; I used to repeat what the people used to say.' It will be said to them, 'Neither did you know nor did you follow those who know.' They will be hit with iron hammers once; they will send such a cry that everything near them will hear it, except Jinn and mankind. It is also reported in the Two Sahih Books of Hadith (i.e. Al-Bukhari and Muslim), on the authority of Al-Bara' ibn `Azib (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: A Muslim when questioned in the grave, testifies that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. This is (in accordance with) the Saying of Allah: Allâh will keep firm those who believe, with the word that stands firm in this world (i.e. they will keep on worshipping Allâh Alone and none else), and in the Hereafter. It is also reported in the Sahih Book of Muslim on the authority of Al-Bara' ibn `Azib that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The Ayah (Qur'anic verse): (Part No. 2; Page No. 479)  Allâh will keep firm those who believe, with the word that stands firm in this world (i.e. they will keep on worshipping Allâh Alone and none else), and in the Hereafter. Was revealed about the punishment in the grave. A person is asked, 'Who is your Lord?' They reply, 'My Lord is Allah, and my Prophet is Muhammad (peace be upon him).' This is the Saying of Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He): Allâh will keep firm those who believe, with the word that stands firm in this world (i.e. they will keep on worshipping Allâh Alone and none else), and in the Hereafter. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions.


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