QUESTIONING IN THE GRAVE

 FAJR REMINDER: QUESTIONING IN THE GRAVE

By: Umm ‘Affān

Jumādā al-Ākhirah 26, 1447 (18-December-2025)

The trial in the grave is indeed a challenging one. However, for those who are believers—those with a strong faith in Allāh and a commendable record of good deeds—the process will be less daunting.

When the questioning Angels (Munkar and Nakīr) arrive, a true believer will exhibit their steadfast faith and adherence to the Deen by attempting to perform Ṣalāh. Jābir (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “When a dead person is entered into his grave, he is made to imagine that the sun is setting. So he sits up rubbing his eyes, and says (to the two angels), ‘Let me pray.’” [Sunan Ibn Mājah 4272]

Furthermore, regarding the ease with which believers will answer questions in the grave, Al-Barā’ Ibn ‘Āzib (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu) relayed that Allāh's Messenger (ﷺ) stated, “When a Muslim is questioned in his grave, he will testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allāh and that Muḥammad is Allāh's Messenger (ﷺ), and that is what is meant by Allāh's Statement: ‘Allāh will keep firm those who believe with a Word that stands firm in this world and in the Hereafter.’” (14:27) [Ṣaḥiḥ al-Bukhārī 4699]

Now, let’s consider the questions that will be posed in the grave. Al-Barā’ Ibn ‘Āzib (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu) noted that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Two Angels of severe reprimand then come to the believer and address him abruptly. They make him sit up, and ask him, ‘Who is your Lord?’ He replies, ‘My Lord is Allāh.’ They inquire, ‘What is your Deen?’ He answers, ‘My Deen is Islām.’ They then ask, ‘Who is that man who was sent to you?’ He responds, ‘He is Allāh’s Messenger (ﷺ).’ They question him further, ‘What did you do?’ He replies, ‘I read Allāh’s Book, believed in it, and obeyed it.’ They abruptly repeat their questions, ‘Who is your Lord? What is your Deen? Who is your Prophet?’ He states, ‘My Lord is Allāh, my Deen is Islām, and my Prophet is Muḥammad.’”

He (ﷺ) also described the fate of the nonbeliever upon death: “His spirit will be restored to his body, two angels will come to him, make him sit up and ask him: ‘Who is your Lord?’ He will reply: ‘Alas, alas! I do not know.’ They will continue with the questions: ‘What is your religion?’ He will again state: ‘Alas, alas! I do not know.’ When they ask, ‘Who was the man who was sent on a mission among you?’ he will answer: ‘Alas, alas! I do not know.’ Then a crier will proclaim from Heaven: ‘He has lied, so spread a bed for him from Hell, clothe him from Hell, and open for him a door into Hell. Then some of its heat and pestilential wind will come to him, and his grave will be compressed, so that his ribs will be crushed together.’” [Sunan Abī Dāwūd 4753]

So, are you prepared for the questioning? I beseech Allāh to make our questioning in the grave easier for us. Aameen.