Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "When (Allah's) slave is put in his grave and his companions return and he even
hears their footsteps, two angels come to him and make him sit and ask, 'What did you use to say
about this man (i.e. Muhammad)?' The faithful Believer will say, 'I testify that he is Allah's slave and
His Apostle.' Then they will say to him, 'Look at your place in the Hell Fire; Allah has given you a
place in Paradise instead of it.' So he will see both his places." (Qatada said, "We were informed that
his grave would be made spacious." Then Qatada went back to the narration of Anas who said;)
Whereas a hypocrite or a non-believer will be asked, "What did you use to say about this man." He
will reply, "I do not know; but I used to say what the people used to say." So they will say to him,
"Neither did you know nor did you take the guidance (by reciting the Qur'an)." Then he will be hit
with iron hammers once, that he will send such a cry as everything near to him will hear, except Jinns
and human beings. (See Hadith No. 422).
Narrated by Narrated Anas bin Malik:
Context
In this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) explains the questioning that occurs in the grave after a person dies. The faithful believer is asked about their beliefs regarding the Prophet (ﷺ) and responds affirmatively, leading to a vision of their place in Paradise. In contrast, the hypocrite or non-believer fails to answer correctly and faces punishment. This illustrates the consequences of one's beliefs and actions in life.
Modern Application
This hadith serves as a reminder for individuals to reflect on their beliefs and the importance of being steadfast in faith. In daily life, it encourages Muslims to actively engage with their faith and seek knowledge to prepare for the hereafter.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Funeral Rites because it discusses the events that occur after death, particularly the questioning in the grave.
When the hypocrites come to you, [O Muhammad], they say, "We testify that you are the Messenger of Allah." And Allah knows that you are His Messenger, and Allah testifies that the hypocrites are liars.
And if you are astonished, [O Muhammad] - then astonishing is their saying, "When we are dust, will we indeed be [brought] into a new creation?" Those are the ones who have disbelieved in their Lord, and those will have shackles upon their necks, and those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally.
Indeed, those whom the angels take [in death] while wronging themselves - [the angels] will say, "In what [condition] were you?" They will say, "We were oppressed in the land." The angels will say, "Was not the earth of Allah spacious [enough] for you to emigrate therein?" For those, their refuge is Hell - and evil it is as a destination.
And who is more unjust than one who invents about Allah a lie or denies His verses? Those will attain their portion of the decree until when Our messengers come to them to take them in death, they will say, "Where are those you used to invoke besides Allah?" They will say, "They have departed from us," and will bear witness against themselves that they were disbelievers.
And among them are those who abuse the Prophet and say, "He is an ear." Say, "[It is] an ear of goodness for you that believes in Allah and believes the believers and [is] a mercy to those who believe among you." And those who abuse the Messenger of Allah - for them is a painful punishment.