The Grave
The grave is where final respects are given before burying the one passed away. It is at this resting place where the final trial will begin to unfold.
Loved ones may sit beside the burial grounds for a while, mourning their loss, praying, and remembering the good times, but they will eventually leave the deceased and resume their lives. As they walk away sounds from their footsteps will be heard by the soul in new home, slowly fading away until he is left all alone.
Described below are events part of the afterlife that only people who have crossed the one-way door will participate in, until our time comes. It is a different life, part of the Ghayb (Unseen), which is made up of things we could not ‘see’ in this world, like angels, hell, paradise, and the following experiences…
the Final Trial
Two angels of severe reprimand will come to new resident of the grave and shake him. They will make him sit up and ask three very important questions determining the fate of things to come. The questions are simple but they will not be easy to answer. Only those who Allah (one of God’s name) keeps firm will be able to respond correctly.
Allah keeps the believers firm with firm words in the first life, and in the last one. [Quran 14:27]
Three concise questions will be asked by two angels; adequately questioning the life of the deceased soul:
Who is your Lord?
Who was that man sent to you?
What is your religion?
Angels in the grave
Response of a Believing Soul
My Lord is Allah
The man is Muhammad, Allah’s Messenger (pbuh)
My religion is Islam
Believing soulThe angels will ask, “What did you do?” and the righteous soul will reply, “I read Allah’s book, believed in it, and obeyed it.” The angels will shake the soul and ask the three questions again, to which the soul gives the same unwavering response. The firmness exhibited is a fulfillment of Allah’s word for those who sought His pleasure in the first life. The trial will end by a call from the heavens saying:
He then receives provisions and perfume from his future home, and his grave is spread to the extent of his eyesight. There also appears before him a man with a pleasant face, nice garments and smell, giving him solace, “I am your good deeds. By Allah, I only knew you quick in obeying Allah, and slow in disobeying Him. May Allah reward you with good.”
Two doors also open up for him, one to Paradise and another to the Fire, and he is told, “This door to the Fire would have been your dwelling had you disobeyed Allah. But Allah has substituted it for you with this one of Paradise.” Upon seeing the pleasures that are awaiting him in Paradise, he requests:
He is then told, “Calm down.”
Response of a Disbelieving Soul
A disbelieving or wicked soul will be in a similar situation with two rebuking angels making him sit, shaking him and asking him the questions, but his repeated response will be:
I do not know
I do not know
I do not know
Disbelieving soulWhen asked about the man who was sent he will add, “I heard the people say Muhammad.” The angels will then add, “You did not know, and you did not recite the Quran.” A caller calls from the heaven:
Thus its heat and a fierce hot wind reach him, and his grave is tightened around him causing his ribs to break.
Also before him appears a man with an ugly face with repulsive clothes and a foul smell saying, “Evil tidings from Allah be to you. I am your malicious deeds. By Allah, I only knew you slow in obeying Allah, and quick in disobeying Him. May Allah repay you with evil.” Punishment will ensue for the disbelieving soul while a door is opened to the Fire and he is given furnishings from it. Fearful of what’s to come, he pleads:
Firmness is from Allah
✓QUESTION 1:
Who is your Lord?
✓QUESTION 2:
Who was that man sent to you?
✓QUESTION 3:
What is your religion?
These questions can only be answered correctly by the help of Allah. One may think it is enough to simply recite words one may have heard or have pre-prepared responses ready, but by understanding the fate of a disbelieving soul we learn it will not help. Allah will sift through the truth and the lies cleary announcing our fate.
The grave is a lonely place where two harsh angels will interrogate a soul who finds himself in a new, strange environment for the first time. Each one of us will reach this point facing the final trial alone. No one will be with us nor able to help us. Our wealth, power, or influence will not be asked except whether we were firm in this life upon seeking the pleasure of Allah.
The Grave is Only a Beginning
The grave is a transitory stage that begins with death and proceeds to the beginning of the hereafter. It is a stage where one will know where they stand in the eyes of the Creator since it is a harbinger of things to come. It is also a reminder to help us recognize what is important, remember our eventual passing away, and what we have to face. There is great reward reserved for the servants of Allah and punishment for the disbelievers.
We need to assess ourselves and understand our connection with Allah. By reconnecting with our purpose of life and realities of the afterlife, we can pursue tranquility in this life and the next.