Reflecting on Death and the Purpose of Life
As we all know, death is inevitable when our specified time arrives. Our focus on the various aspects of death and the grave is a blessing, although ironically, it may be perceived by some (if not the majority) to be a morbid topic to contemplate. The blessing lies in the thought of death as a reminder of our purpose in life and pertains to the preparation for the Hereafter. This preparation begins with where we came from and ends with where our souls will pass on to. Through the remembrance of Allah Almighty and His beloved holy Prophet ﷺ (peace be upon him) in our daily lives, we can make the most of our time on Earth and ultimately attempt to build a relationship with our Creator, to Whom we will return.
The Questions Asked in the Grave
Often, we procrastinate about thinking of the questions that the Angels of the Grave, Al Munkar and Al Nakeer, will ask the deceased in their graves shortly after the burial has concluded. These questions are as follows:
- Who is your Lord?
- What is your religion
- What did you say about this person (and the Holy Prophet ﷺ will be shown to them)?
Hadith on the Questioning in the Grave
The Holy Prophet ﷺ (peace be upon him) states the following about the questioning and answers of a believer in the grave:
“When the deceased is buried, two angels, black and blue-eyed, come to him. One of them is called Al Munkar, and the other An Nakeer. They say: ‘What did you used to say about this man?’ So he says what he was saying (before death), ‘He is Allah Almighty’s slave and His Messenger. I testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah Almighty and that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger.’
(Tirmidhi, Hadith 107)
Important Details About the Questioning
It is important to note the following:
- The deceased will be sat up straight at the time of questioning as opposed to lying down in their grave.
- When the deceased is asked about the Holy Prophet ﷺ (peace be upon him), they will be shown an image of the Holy Prophet ﷺ (peace be upon him). The Holy Prophet ﷺ (peace be upon him) will not enter the grave, as he ﷺ (peace be upon him) is perfectly pure.
- Although there are three questions, this process must not be mistaken for a short one. The time in which these questions are answered depends on the piety of the deceased and the number of good deeds they have performed in their lifetime.
- Both the angels Al Munkar and Al Nakeer are black, with blue eyes and long, tusk-like teeth.
Faith, Belief, and the Test of the Grave
The questions of the grave are a crucial point of learning, as not only is it a testimony of our Aqeedah, belief in Allah Almighty, but it is also a test of our deep respect and love for the holy Prophet ﷺ (peace be upon him). This is not something that we can falsely claim, either in this material life or in the Hereafter. This is exemplified by the words of the holy Prophet ﷺ (peace be upon him):
“When a Muslim is questioned in his grave, he will testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah Almighty and that Muhammad is Allah Almighty’s Messenger (peace be upon him), and that is what is meant by Allah Almighty’s Statement: “Allah Almighty will keep firm those who believe with a Word that stands firm in this world and in the Hereafter.” (14.27)
(Sahih Al Bukhari, Hadith 221)
Lessons from the Companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him)
This is further exemplified in the lives of the Blessed Companions of the holy Prophet ﷺ (peace be upon him), in which there were various discussions on the Day of Judgement. For example, it is narrated by Hazrat Anas (RA):
‘A man asked the holy Prophet ﷺ (peace be upon him) about the Day of Judgement, saying, “When will the Hour be?” The Holy Prophet ﷺ (peace be upon him) said, “What have you prepared for it?” The man said, “Nothing, except that I love Allah Almighty and His Apostle.” The Holy Prophet ﷺ (peace be upon him) said, “You will be with those whom you love.” We had never been so glad as we were on hearing that saying of holy Prophet (i.e., “You will be with those whom you love”). Therefore, I love holy Prophet, Abu Bakr and `Umar, and I hope that I will be with them because of my love for them, though my deeds are not similar to theirs.’
(Sahih Al Bukhari, Hadith 3688)
Death as a Gift for the Believer
The Prophetic Companions yearned for death, as they would finally reunite with beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (peace be upon him). The Holy Prophet ﷺ (peace be upon him) states:
“The gift to a believer is death.”
(Mishkat Al Masabih, Hadith 1609)
Preparing for the Hereafter
In respect to the above narrations, we should fully dedicate, with love, our lives to prepare for the Hereafter, in the hope of the same reunion with our Beloved Creator, Allah Almighty, and holy Prophet ﷺ (peace be upon him). As Allah Almighty states:
“O soul that is at rest! Return to your Lord, well-pleased (with Him), well-pleasing (to Him). So enter among My servants, and enter into My garden.”
(Noble Quran Surah Al Fajr (89), Verses 27-30)