Passion Islam I November 2008 SPECIAL FEATURE I 19
Prepare for
the Journey
Underground
As one passes away, breathes his last, this stage, the latter stages become “O Abu Zar, the grave is not a place for
closes his eyes, his soul pays a visit either very easy upon him, while he who is dynasty nor people of high ranks, here, I
to the ‘illieen’, a place for the righteous unsuccessful, the later stages will be very will treat according to one’s deeds.”
people or the ‘sijeen’, where the sinners difficult. From this, we can clearly understand
and bad people will go and his body enters Hazrat Uthman also says that that the grave will treat us only according
through a door; a door which will lead into Rasullullah had said, “I have not come to our deeds. May Allah Taa’la give us the
a room full of darkness, surrounded by across any sight more terrifying than that ability to do good deeds. Ameen
four walls and that is the grave, the very of the grave.”
first step. No Mercy The Good News
Once Rasullullah entered the The punishment of the grave is severe As we have all heard, all the sins lead to
mosque and saw that some people were and no one can bear its pain and torture. severe punishment of the grave. In the
laughing very loud. He said that if you These punishments are due to the amount same way, there are some virtuous acts
had remembered death quite often, you of major sins we commit daily, such as which provides safeguard against it.
would not have laughed like this. Not a the neglecting of Salaah, backbiting, the It is stated in a Hadith that Hazrat
day passes by when the grave does not lack of precaution at the time of urinating Jaabir Radhiallaho Anhu says that
proclaim, ‘I am the house of wilderness, which leaves one self and his clothes Rasullullah would not go to sleep until he
the house of loneliness and the place of unclean. Precautions must be taken at would read ‘Surah Sajdah’ (Chapter 21)
worms and insects.’ the time of passing urine. and Surah Mulk (Chapter 29). (Bukhari,
When a believer is buried, it welcomes Whilst in the grave, two angels Tirmizi)
him, saying you are welcome you have approach the deceased. These Angels Rasullullah said that whosoever
done well to have come here, of all the are known as ‘Munkar’ and ‘Nakir’. They reads the above two Surah’s between
people walking upon the earth, you were come to question a person. Their eyes Maghrib and Esha, the reward will be as
the dearest to me and now see how I sparkle like the lightning of thunder and though he has stood awake during the
entertain you. The grave expands and a their voice like the roar of thunder. Their night of ‘Laylatul Qadr. (Ruhul Maa’ni).
door of paradise opens and through this teeth like the horn of a bull sticking out O people, you have ruined your life in
door comes the fragrance of Paradise. with flames of fire coming out of their carelessness and laziness,
On the other hand, when a non- mouths, their hair long, reaching down Wake up and compensate over your
believer is buried, there is no welcome for to their feet, carrying a very big hammer. sins. Forget the past, concentrate ahead,
him. The grave says, “Of all the people I According to other narrations, they will be shed tears, turn to your Creator, Repent
hated you the most and now you will see blind and deaf. and ask for forgiveness.
how I treat you.” They will ask you three questions. There’s still time, make an effort
The grave then narrows down and If you succeed, they will give you glad- and do good deeds, For success and
squeezes him until his ribs collide with tidings but if you fail, they will start beating salvation relies on you to sleep in pain or
each other, like the fingers of two hands you. You will scream and cry but they will to sleep in peace.
interlocking with each other. Ninety-nine not hear you, they will have no mercy nor Indeed the grave is a garden amongst
serpents are set on him and they keep on consider anyone. the gardens of Paradise, or a pit among
biting him until the Day of Judgement. Once Hazrat Abu Zar Gaffari in the Pits of Hell. Beloved Readers, read
Whenever Hazrat Uthmaan visited a excitement said to the grave, “O grave, these two Surah’s which are mentioned
grave, he would weep so much that his there is some news for you; that we have above each night, Allah Taa’la will reward
beard would become wet with tears. The come with the body of the Prophet ‘s you in abundance and protect you from the
grave is the very first of many stages of daughter, Hazrat Fatima , the queen of punishment of the grave and Inshallah, it
the hereafter, he who is successful during Paradise .” A voice came from the grave, will intercede for one’s forgiveness.
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