1mran
30th April 2007, 12:33 PM
The Hereafter (Part 3)
Lectures notes from the series by Imam Anwar Al-Awlaki
2.6. The Journey of The Soul
It was narrated that al-Bara’ (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: We went out with the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) for the funeral of a man from among the Ansaar. We came to the grave and when (the deceased) was placed in the lahd, the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) sat down and we sat around him, as if there were birds on our heads (i.e., quiet and still). In his hand he had a stick with which he was scratching the ground. Then he raised his head and said, “Seek refuge with Allaah from the torment of the grave”, two or three times. Then he said, “When the believing slave is about to depart this world and enter the Hereafter, there come down to him from heaven angels with white faces like the sun, and they sit around him as far as the eye can see. They bring with them shrouds from Paradise and perfumes from Paradise. Then the Angel of Death comes and sits by his head, and he says,‘O good soul, come forth to forgiveness from Allaah and His pleasure.’
Then it comes out easily like a drop of water from the mouth of a water skin. When he seizes it, they do not leave it in his hand for an instant before they take it and put it in that shroud with that perfume, and there comes from it a fragrance like the finest musk on the face of the earth. Then they ascend and they do not pass by any group of angels but they say, ‘Who is this good soul?’ and they say, ‘It is So and so the son of So and so, calling him by the best names by which he was known in this world, until they reach the lowest heaven. They ask for it to be opened to them and it is opened, and (the soul) is welcomed and accompanied to the next heaven by those who are closest to Allaah (i.e. by the angels), until they reach the seventh heaven. Then Allaah says: ‘Record the book of My slave in ‘Illiyoon in the seventh heaven, and return him to the earth, for from it I created them, to it I will return them and from it I will bring them forth once again.’ …”
“…But when the disbelieving slave is about to depart this world and enter the Hereafter, there come down to him from heaven angels with black faces, bringing sackcloth, and they sit around him as far as the eye can see. Then the Angel of Death comes and sits by his head, and he says, ‘O evil soul, come forth to the wrath of Allaah and His anger.’ Then his soul disperses inside his body, and then comes out cutting the veins and nerves, like a skewer passing through wet wool. When he seizes it, they do not leave it in his hand for an instant before they take it and put it in that sackcloth, and there comes from it a stench like the foulest stench of a dead body on the face of the earth. Then they ascend and they do not pass by any group of angels but they say, ‘Who is this evil soul?’ and they say, ‘It is So and so the son of So and so, calling him by the worst names by which he was known in this world, until they reach the lowest heaven. They ask for it to be opened to them and it is not opened.” Then the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) recited (interpretation of the meaning): “Verily, those who belie Our Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) and treat them with arrogance, for them the gates of heaven will not be opened, and they will not enter Paradise until the camel goes through the eye of the needle (which is impossible). Thus do We recompense the Mujrimûn (criminals, polytheists, sinners, etc.).” (Al-A'raf 7:40)
He said: “Then Allaah says, ‘Record the book of My slave in Sijjeen in the lowest earth, and return him to the earth, for from it I created them, to it I will return them and from it I will bring them forth once again.’ So his soul is cast down.” Then the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) recited the verse (interpretation of the meaning): “Hunafâ' Lillâh (i.e. to worship none but Allâh), not associating partners (in worship, etc.) unto Him and whoever assigns partners to Allâh, it is as if he had fallen from the sky, and the birds had snatched him, or the wind had thrown him to a far off place.” (Al-Hajj 22:31) …” [Narrated by Abu Dawood, 4753; Ahmad, 18063 – this version was narrated by him. Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 1676]
2.8 The Grave
It was narrated that Haani’ the freed slave of ‘Uthmaan ibn ‘Affaan said: when ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affaan stood by a grave he would weep until his beard became wet. It was said to him, “You remember Paradise and Hell and you do not weep, but you weep because of this?” He said, “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘The grave is the first of the stages of the Hereafter; whoever is saved from it, whatever comes afterwards will be easier for him, but if he is not saved from it, what comes afterwards will be worse for him.’” And the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “I have never seen any scene but the grave is more frightening than it.” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 2308; Ibn Maajah, 4567; classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 1684).
The Grave is Dark. It is narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that a dark-complexioned woman (or a youth) used to sweep the mosque. The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) missed her (or him) and inquired about her (or him). The people told him that she (or he) had died. He asked why they did not inform him, and it appears as if they had treated her (or him) or her (or his) affairs as of little account. He (the Holy Prophet) said: Lead me to her (or his) gtave. They led him to that place and he said prayer over her (or him) and then remarked: “Verily, these graves are full of darkness for their dwellers. Verily, the Mighty and Glorious Allah illuminates them for their occupants by reason of my prayer over them. “[Sahih Muslim, Book 004, Number 2088]
And also, since we belong to the earth, as soon as you are put in the grave, it will squeeze you and hug you. It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: “…it is said to the earth, ‘Squeeze him,’ so it squeezes him until his ribs interlock. …” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 1071. Classed as saheeh by Shaykh al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah, 1391. The Prophet (peace be upon him), said everyone will be squeezed, and if anyone would have been saved from this, it would have been Sa’d bin Mu’adh. He was the sahabah who when he died, Allah’s throne shook, he was the sahabah that that 70,000 angels attend his janazah. He was the sahabah who had the doors of jannah opened for him. Yet he was squeezed in the grave, and then released. This is because the earth is welcoming us back. Sa’d bin Mu’adh was one of the leaders of the ansar who opend the doors of medinah to the prophet peace be upon him. And also hosted him and defended him, until he died. And hence the hounr Allah gave him.
2.9 The Trials and Tribulations of the Grave
It was narrated that al-Bara’ (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “….So his (the believer’s) soul is returned to his body and there come to him two angels who make him sit up and they say to him, ‘Who is your Lord?’ He says, ‘Allaah.’ They say, ‘What is your religion?’ He says, ‘My religion is Islam.’ They say, ‘Who is this man who was sent among you?’ He says, ‘He is the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).’ They say, ‘What did you do?’ He says, ‘I read the Book of Allaah and I believed in it.’ Then a voice calls out from heaven, ‘My slave has spoken the truth, so prepare for him a bed from Paradise and clothe him from Paradise, and open for him a gate to Paradise…”
….Then his (the disbeliever’s) soul is returned to his body, and there come to him two angels who make him sit up and they say to him, ‘Who is your Lord?’ He says, ‘Oh, oh, I don’t know.’ They say, ‘What is your religion?’ He says, ‘Oh, oh, I don’t know.’ Then a voice calls out from heaven, ‘Prepare for him a bed from Hell and clothe him from Hell, and open for him a gate to Hell.’ …” Narrated by Abu Dawood, 4753; Ahmad, 18063 – this version was narrated by him. Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 1676.
Al-Tirmidhi (1071) narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When the deceased – or one of you – is buried, there come to him two black and blue angels, one of whom is called al-Munkar and the other al-Nakeer. They say: ‘What did you say about this man?’ and he says what he used to say: ‘He is the slave of Allaah and His Messenger. I bear witness that there is no god but Allaah and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.’ They say: ‘We knew that you would say that…” “…But if he is a hypocrite he says: ‘I heard the people saying something so I said something like what they said. I do not know.’ They say: ‘We knew that you would say that.’ ….” This hadeeth was classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi
Munkar and Nakeer will be tough. The will speak loudly and straight forwardly. And they will only ask three Questions: 1) Who is you Lord? 2) What is you religion and 3) Who is your prophet? We study years and years for exams but this is the real test we should study for. It is the most important test of your life. And we have to have imaan. We can just say we believe because we herd other people talking about it.!! No, it has to be firm belief, otherwise Munkar and Nakeer will smash you with a hammer and turn you into dust! And the Prophet (peace be upon him0, said this is the final test the believer will go through.
Narrated Asma' bint Abi Bakr : Allah's Apostle once stood up delivering a sermon and mentioned the trial which people will face in the grave. When he mentioned that, the Muslims started shouting (Crying) loudly. [Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 23, Number 455] and because of that she didn’t hear everything and when she aquired about what the Messenger of Allah had said last, he said, “… No doubt it has been inspired to me that you will be put to trials in your graves and these trials will be like the trials of Masiah-ad-Dajjal or nearly like it …" [Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 3, Number 86]
So why did the Sahabah cry so loud? Its because our hearts are hard and there were soft. We have become a people of hard hearts. This can be proved by looking at Muslims burying their dead! You will see how they can go to a funeral, throw someone into the whole, throw dirt on him, and yet some how make jokes and laugh at the grave! Subhan’Allah, are we so misguided and hard inside? Do we not fear what will happen to us in the grave? When will we lift the veil of ignorance and open our eyes to reality?! Our hearts have become into solid rocks. The sahabah would cry just after hearing about death, and we laugh even after seeing someone in the grave. The worst thing is this that this hardness of the heart is a disease. Yet we will spend endless amounts of money trying to cure small illness, but when it comes to curing this one, we leave it alone?! Why?!
Narrated Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri The Prophet said, "When a funeral is ready and the men carry the deceased on their necks (shoulders), if it was pious then it will say, 'Present me quickly', and if it was not pious, then it will say, 'Woe to it (me), where are they taking it (me)?' And its voice is heard by everything except mankind and if he heard it he would fall unconscious." [Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 23, Number 402]. The good soul wants its reward, while we do not wish to keep the bad soul amongst us, hence we hurry the burial. And if we could hear the cries of the soul, the shock would kill everyone who heard it! Narrated Zaid b. Thibit: Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) said “…If it were not the reason that you would stop burying (your dead) in the graves on listening to the torment in the grave which I am listening to, I would have certainly made you hear that…” [Sahih Muslim, Book 040, Number 6859]
Sheikh Ibn Taymiyah said, “Not only could the messenger of Allah hear them being punished, but we have accounts of people who can hear the people punished in the grave. We have accounts of dead people coming of the grave and they are being punished and are screaming! And their scares are on their body.” The sheikh continuous, “When you are asleep, the soul is separate from the body, never the less, when you dream, the dream could be so intense that your body could movie and acting as in the dream. You could start moving and walking and even running, even though your eyes are closed! And even thought your soul is out of your body when your sleep. This is also why the punishment in the grave could be so severe, that the body starts coming of the grave and running while the angels are following them and torturing them”
2.10 The Description of the Rewards and punishment of in the Grave
It was narrated that al-Bara’ (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “….(After the believer is question) Then a voice calls out from heaven, ‘My slave has spoken the truth, so prepare for him a bed from Paradise and clothe him from Paradise, and open for him a gate to Paradise.’ Then there comes to him some of its fragrance, and his grave is made wide, as far as he can see. Then there comes to him a man with a handsome face and handsome clothes, and a good fragrance, who says, ‘Receive the glad tidings that will bring you joy this day.’ He says, ‘Who are you? Your face is a face which brings glad tidings.’ He says, ‘I am your righteous deeds.’ He says, ‘O Lord, hasten the Hour so that I may return to my family and my wealth.’
….(After the disbeliever is question) Then a voice calls out from heaven, ‘Prepare for him a bed from Hell and clothe him from Hell, and open for him a gate to Hell.’ Then there comes to him some of its heat and hot winds, and his grave is constricted and compresses him until his ribs interlock. Then there comes to him a man with an ugly face and ugly clothes, and a foul stench, who says, ‘Receive the bad news, this is the day that you were promised.’ He says, ‘Who are you? Your face is a face which forebodes evil.’ He says, ‘I am your evil deeds.’ He says, ‘O Lord, do not let the Hour come, do not let the Hour come.’” Narrated by Abu Dawood, 4753; Ahmad, 18063 – this version was narrated by him. Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 1676.
Al-Tirmidhi (1071) narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When the deceased – or one of you – is buried, there come to him two black and blue angels, one of whom is called al-Munkar and the other al-Nakeer. They say: ‘What did you say about this man?’ and he says what he used to say: ‘He is the slave of Allaah and His Messenger. I bear witness that there is no god but Allaah and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.’ They say: ‘We knew that you would say that.’ Then his grave is made spacious for him, seventy cubits by seventy, and it is illuminated for him. Then it is said to him: ‘Sleep,’ and he says: ‘May I go back to my family and tell them?’ They say: ‘Sleep like the bridegroom who will be woken by none but the dearest of his family to him,’ until Allaah raises him from that resting-place of his.” But if he is a hypocrite he says: ‘I heard the people saying something so I said something like what they said. I do not know.’ They say: ‘We knew that you would say that.’ Then it is said to the earth: ‘Squeeze him.’ So it squeezes him until his ribs interlock, and he will continue to be tormented therein until Allaah raises him from that resting-place of his.” This hadeeth was classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi
So you will be in you grave with you good deeds, if you are a believer. There is a story of a Tab’ieen [Someone who met (and maybe studied under) a companion of the prophet peace be upon him, but not the prophet himself] asked his student, “You have been with me for over 30 years, what have you learnt”, the student replied, “ I have learnt 8 things, and among that is I understand that everyone has a loved ones and thing in this Dunya. Some one us will leave it home, some of us will leave it in this Dunya, and some will take it to the grave, but in the grave you are alone. The only thing you will have with you is your good deeds; that’s why I am making my good deeds the most beloved thing to me.”
Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Umar : Allah's Apostle said, "When anyone of you dies, he is shown his place both in the morning and in the evening. If he is one of the people of Paradise; he is shown his place in it, and if he is from the people of the Hell-Fire; he is shown his place there-in. Then it is said to him, 'This is your place till Allah resurrect you on the Day of Resurrection." [Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 23, Number 461] We should realise that the graves we think are connected to this Dunya are infact connected to the akhira. The people of Jannah can see jannah from their graves, and the people of Hell fire can see Hell from their graves! This means you will have a physical and emotional punishment!
So do Muslims get punished in their graves? Yes! Imam Al-Qurtubi says, “Realise that the punishment in the grave is not only for the non believers and special for the hypocrites, but it can also be for the believers because of their short comings in their belief and actions.
2.11 So what are the reasons for punishment in the grave?
There are general reasons, like short comings in general and there are a few specific reasons:-
Theft, stealing, taking something that doesn’t belong to you and cheating. - Narrated Abu Huraira: When we conquered Khaibar, we gained neither gold nor silver as booty, but we gained cows, camels, goods and gardens. Then we departed with Allah's Apostle to the valley of Al-Qira, and at that time Allah's Apostle had a slave called Mid'am who had been presented to him by one of Banu Ad-Dibbab. While the slave was dismounting the saddle of Allah's Apostle an arrow the thrower of which was unknown, came and hit him. The people said, "Congratulations to him for the martyrdom." Allah's Apostle said, "No, by Him in Whose Hand my soul is, the sheet (of cloth) which he had taken (illegally) on the day of Khaibar from the booty before the distribution of the booty, has become a flame of Fire burning him." On hearing that, a man brought one or two leather straps of shoes to the Prophet and said, "These are things I took (illegally)." On that Allah's Apostle said, "This is a strap, or these are two straps of Fire." [Sahih Bukhari, Volume 5, Book 59, Number 541] Subhan’Allah, all that for a piece of cloth!! What about those who steal millions and millions of dollars?! Be aware! Any most stolen or earned unlawfully has no blessings! And Allah will inflict you with hardship and illness until you spend it all on these calamities.
and c) Slander and not cleaning yourself correctly - Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: Once the Prophet, while passing through one of the grave-yards of Medina or Mecca heard the voices of two persons who were being tortured in their graves. The Prophet said, "These two persons are being tortured not for a major sin (to avoid)." The Prophet then added, "Yes! (they are being tortured for a major sin). Indeed, one of them never saved himself from being soiled with his urine while the other used to go about with calumnies (to make enmiy between friends). The Prophet then asked for a green leaf of a date-palm tree, broke it into two pieces and put one on each grave. On being asked why he had done so, he replied, "I hope that their torture might be lessened, till these get dried." [Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 4, Number 215]
d), e), f) and g) Lying, Having Knowledge of the Quran (and not acting upon it), Riba (Usury/ Interest), Zinha (Illegal sexual intercourse) - Narrated Samura bin Jundab: Whenever the Prophet finished the (morning) prayer, he would face us and ask, "Who amongst you had a dream last night?" So if anyone had seen a dream he would narrate it. The Prophet would say: "Ma sha'a-llah" (An Arabic maxim meaning literally, 'What Allah wished,' and it indicates a good omen.) One day, he asked us whether anyone of us had seen a dream. We replied in the negative. The Prophet said, "But I had seen (a dream) last night that two men came to me, caught hold of my hands, and took me to the Sacred Land (Jerusalem). There, I saw a person sitting and another standing with an iron hook in his hand pushing it inside the mouth of the former till it reached the jaw-bone, and then tore off one side of his cheek, and then did the same with the other side; in the mean-time the first side of his cheek became normal again and then he repeated the same operation again. I said, 'What is this?' They told me to proceed on and we went on till we came to a man Lying flat on his back, and another man standing at his head carrying a stone or a piece of rock, and crushing the head of the Lying man, with that stone. Whenever he struck him, the stone rolled away.
The man went to pick it up and by the time he returned to him, the crushed head had returned to its normal state and the man came back and struck him again (and so on). I said, 'Who is this?' They told me to proceed on; so we proceeded on and passed by a hole like an oven; with a narrow top and wide bottom, and the fire was kindling underneath that hole. Whenever the fire-flame went up, the people were lifted up to such an extent that they about to get out of it, and whenever the fire got quieter, the people went down into it, and there were naked men and women in it. I said, 'Who is this?' They told me to proceed on. So we proceeded on till we reached a river of blood and a man was in it, and another man was standing at its bank with stones in front of him, facing the man standing in the river. Whenever the man in the river wanted to come out, the other one threw a stone in his mouth and caused him to retreat to his original position; and so whenever he wanted to come out the other would throw a stone in his mouth, and he would retreat to his original position. I asked, 'What is this?' They told me to proceed on and we did so till we reached a well-flourished green garden having a huge tree and near its root was sitting an old man with some children. (I saw) Another man near the tree with fire in front of him and he was kindling it up. Then they (i.e. my two companions) made me climb up the tree and made me enter a house, better than which I have ever seen. In it were some old men and young men, women and children.
Then they took me out of this house and made me climb up the tree and made me enter another house that was better and superior (to the first) containing old and young people. I said to them (i.e. my two companions), 'You have made me ramble all the night. Tell me all about that I have seen.' They said, 'Yes. As for the one whose cheek you saw being torn away, he was a liar and he used to tell lies, and the people would report those lies on his authority till they spread all over the world. So, he will be punished like that till the Day of Resurrection. {{'Abdullah reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Truth leads one to Paradise and virtue leads one to Paradise and the person tells the truth until he is recorded as truthful, and lie leads to obscenity and obscenity leads to Hell, and the person tells a lie until he is recorded as a liar. [Sahih Muslim, Book 032, Number 6307] blue parts are not part of the original hadith, but will help you understand the great sin of lying.}}
The one whose head you saw being crushed is the one whom Allah had given the knowledge of Quran (i.e. knowing it by heart) but he used to sleep at night (i.e. he did not recite it then) and did not use to act upon it (i.e. upon its orders etc.) by day; and so this punishment will go on till the Day of Resurrection. {{The Qur’an is not ment for being decorated in fancy colours and kept in the shelf. It’s a blessing and a guide. It should be in your heart governing the way you live!}} And those you saw in the hole (like oven) were adulterers (those men and women who commit illegal sexual intercourse). And those you saw in the river of blood were those dealing in Riba (usury). {{ So there is punishment of it in this Life, in the grave and in the hereafter. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said “the eventual end of Riba is decrease”. So even if you think you are making more money, at the end of the day you will be infact making less (duty to possible extra financial burdens arising as a punishment). Allah says in the Qur’an, “Allâh will destroy Ribâ (usury) and will give increase for Sadaqât (deeds of charity, alms, etc.) And Allâh likes not the disbelievers, sinners. (Al-Baqarah 2:276) so the punishment in the grave is swimming in blood, and on the day of Judgement, Ibn `Abbas said that "Be sure of a war from Allah and His Messenger.'' He also said, "On the Day of Resurrection, those who eat Riba will be told, `take up arms for war.''' O you who believe! Be afraid of Allâh and give up what remains (due to you) from Ribâ (usury) (from now onward), if you are (really) believers. And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allâh and His Messenger …” (Al-Baqarah 2:278 – 279) Allah has only announced war with two people! One is those who fight his Awliyah [Friends of Allah – Righteous believers], and the second his the one who takes Riba. Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "Allah said, 'I will declare war against him who shows hostility to a pious worshipper of Mine. …" [Sahih Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 76, Number 509]}}
And the old man who was sitting at the base of the tree was Abraham and the little children around him were the offspring of the people. And the one who was kindling the fire was Malik, the gate-keeper of the Hell-fire. And the first house in which you have gone was the house of the common believers, and the second house was of the martyrs. I am Gabriel and this is Michael. Raise your head.' I raised my head and saw a thing like a cloud over me. They said, 'That is your place.' I said, 'Let me enter my place.' They said, 'You still have some life which you have not yet completed, and when you complete (that remaining portion of your life) you will then enter your place.' " [Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 23, Number 468]
There are afew other things that could lead to punishment in the grave, like Debt. Anyone may cover the debts of a dead person, whether they are relatives or not. Furthermore, the payment of outstanding debts can benefit the dead by relieving them from some of the punishment due to them for their negligence in repaying them. Jaabir said: A man died and we washed him, perfumed him and shrouded him. Then we brought him to Allaah's Messenger (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) to lead the funeral prayer for him. We asked, "Could you pray for him?" He took a step forward then asked, "Does he have any outstanding debts?" We answered: "Two deenaars."[He said, "Make the funeral prayer for your companion," and] [This addition can be found in another narration of the hadeeth] began to leave. Aboo Qataadah took responsibility for [paying] them, saying, "The two deenaars are my responsibility." Allaah's Messenger (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) asked, "Will the creditor be taken care of and will the dead person be absolved from them?" He replied, "Yes," so the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) led the funeral prayer for him. One day later he asked [Aboo Qataadah], "What was done about the two deenaars?" He replied, "He only died yesterday!" The following day he returned to the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) and said, "I have paid them off." The Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) said, "Now his skin has become cool." [Musnad Ahmad, vol.3, p.330; authenticated in Ahkaamul-Janaa’iz, p. 16] So this person will not be able to go to Jannah, until his debt releases him.
Another thing that may cause punishment in the grave is excessive crying from the deceased, Narrated Ibn 'Umar from his father: The Prophet said, "The deceased is tortured in his grave for the wailing done over him." [Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 23, Number 379] Tears falling down and cry and feeling upset is fine, because this is natural; but it should not be excessive and we end up losing patience. Even the Prophet (peace be upon him) cried when a loved one died, but we would never allow himself and the sahabah to excessive weep over the deceased.
2.12 What saves from the punishment of the Grave?
Good Deeds - When the dead person dies, he can hear the footsteps of people who buried him. And then the good deeds would surround him. So his Salah would come next to his head, his fasting would coming to his right and zakat would come to his left, and the rest of the good deeds would be next to feet. So whenever this person would be attacked from either side, each good deed would protect him. So they would be making a shield that is protecting him.
Seeking Refuge in the torment in the grave - “Narrated Abu Huraira : Allah's Apostle used to invoke (Allah): "Allahumma ini a'udhu bika min 'adhabi-l-Qabr, wa min 'adhabi-nnar, wa min fitnati-l-mahya wa-lmamat, wa min fitnati-l-masih ad-dajjal. (O Allah! I seek refuge with you from the punishment in the grave and from the punishment in the Hell fire and from the afflictions of life and death, and the afflictions of Al-Masih Ad-Dajjal.)" [Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 23, Number 459]
2.13 Who are the Ones who are spared from the trials of the graves?
Martyrs - “The Shaheed is granted seven special favours from Allah. He is forgiven (his sins) at the first drop of his blood. He sees his place in Paradise. He is dressed in the clothes of Iman. He is married to the Hoor al-‘Ain (beautiful women of Paradise). He is saved from the punishment of the grave. He will be protected from the great fear of the Day of Judgement. A crown of honour will be placed on his head, one jewel of which is better than the whole world and what it contains. He is married to seventy-two of the Hoor al-‘Ain (beautiful women of Paradise), and he will be able to intercede for seventy members of his family.” [Saheeh – Related by Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi and Ibn Hibbaan] So That means the Fitnah (Trial) of someone raising his sword of over you heard is enough to save you from the torment of the grave. This also is similar for those fighting now and having bullets and missiles flying over their heads.
Al Murabat – The guard - A person guards the city. This are soldiers who are normally posted away from home who are guarding the Muslims, by keeping watch. This is a very difficult job. The Prophet peace be upon him said, his deed would continue growing even after he dies (or is killed) and will be spared the Fitnah of the grave.
Jummah -There is also a Hasan (Good in authenticity) hadith that’s says the prophet (peace be upon him) said anyone who dies on Friday will be saved from the punishment in the grave
Lectures notes from the series by Imam Anwar Al-Awlaki
2.6. The Journey of The Soul
It was narrated that al-Bara’ (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: We went out with the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) for the funeral of a man from among the Ansaar. We came to the grave and when (the deceased) was placed in the lahd, the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) sat down and we sat around him, as if there were birds on our heads (i.e., quiet and still). In his hand he had a stick with which he was scratching the ground. Then he raised his head and said, “Seek refuge with Allaah from the torment of the grave”, two or three times. Then he said, “When the believing slave is about to depart this world and enter the Hereafter, there come down to him from heaven angels with white faces like the sun, and they sit around him as far as the eye can see. They bring with them shrouds from Paradise and perfumes from Paradise. Then the Angel of Death comes and sits by his head, and he says,‘O good soul, come forth to forgiveness from Allaah and His pleasure.’
Then it comes out easily like a drop of water from the mouth of a water skin. When he seizes it, they do not leave it in his hand for an instant before they take it and put it in that shroud with that perfume, and there comes from it a fragrance like the finest musk on the face of the earth. Then they ascend and they do not pass by any group of angels but they say, ‘Who is this good soul?’ and they say, ‘It is So and so the son of So and so, calling him by the best names by which he was known in this world, until they reach the lowest heaven. They ask for it to be opened to them and it is opened, and (the soul) is welcomed and accompanied to the next heaven by those who are closest to Allaah (i.e. by the angels), until they reach the seventh heaven. Then Allaah says: ‘Record the book of My slave in ‘Illiyoon in the seventh heaven, and return him to the earth, for from it I created them, to it I will return them and from it I will bring them forth once again.’ …”
“…But when the disbelieving slave is about to depart this world and enter the Hereafter, there come down to him from heaven angels with black faces, bringing sackcloth, and they sit around him as far as the eye can see. Then the Angel of Death comes and sits by his head, and he says, ‘O evil soul, come forth to the wrath of Allaah and His anger.’ Then his soul disperses inside his body, and then comes out cutting the veins and nerves, like a skewer passing through wet wool. When he seizes it, they do not leave it in his hand for an instant before they take it and put it in that sackcloth, and there comes from it a stench like the foulest stench of a dead body on the face of the earth. Then they ascend and they do not pass by any group of angels but they say, ‘Who is this evil soul?’ and they say, ‘It is So and so the son of So and so, calling him by the worst names by which he was known in this world, until they reach the lowest heaven. They ask for it to be opened to them and it is not opened.” Then the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) recited (interpretation of the meaning): “Verily, those who belie Our Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) and treat them with arrogance, for them the gates of heaven will not be opened, and they will not enter Paradise until the camel goes through the eye of the needle (which is impossible). Thus do We recompense the Mujrimûn (criminals, polytheists, sinners, etc.).” (Al-A'raf 7:40)
He said: “Then Allaah says, ‘Record the book of My slave in Sijjeen in the lowest earth, and return him to the earth, for from it I created them, to it I will return them and from it I will bring them forth once again.’ So his soul is cast down.” Then the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) recited the verse (interpretation of the meaning): “Hunafâ' Lillâh (i.e. to worship none but Allâh), not associating partners (in worship, etc.) unto Him and whoever assigns partners to Allâh, it is as if he had fallen from the sky, and the birds had snatched him, or the wind had thrown him to a far off place.” (Al-Hajj 22:31) …” [Narrated by Abu Dawood, 4753; Ahmad, 18063 – this version was narrated by him. Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 1676]
2.8 The Grave
It was narrated that Haani’ the freed slave of ‘Uthmaan ibn ‘Affaan said: when ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affaan stood by a grave he would weep until his beard became wet. It was said to him, “You remember Paradise and Hell and you do not weep, but you weep because of this?” He said, “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘The grave is the first of the stages of the Hereafter; whoever is saved from it, whatever comes afterwards will be easier for him, but if he is not saved from it, what comes afterwards will be worse for him.’” And the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “I have never seen any scene but the grave is more frightening than it.” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 2308; Ibn Maajah, 4567; classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 1684).
The Grave is Dark. It is narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that a dark-complexioned woman (or a youth) used to sweep the mosque. The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) missed her (or him) and inquired about her (or him). The people told him that she (or he) had died. He asked why they did not inform him, and it appears as if they had treated her (or him) or her (or his) affairs as of little account. He (the Holy Prophet) said: Lead me to her (or his) gtave. They led him to that place and he said prayer over her (or him) and then remarked: “Verily, these graves are full of darkness for their dwellers. Verily, the Mighty and Glorious Allah illuminates them for their occupants by reason of my prayer over them. “[Sahih Muslim, Book 004, Number 2088]
And also, since we belong to the earth, as soon as you are put in the grave, it will squeeze you and hug you. It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: “…it is said to the earth, ‘Squeeze him,’ so it squeezes him until his ribs interlock. …” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 1071. Classed as saheeh by Shaykh al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah, 1391. The Prophet (peace be upon him), said everyone will be squeezed, and if anyone would have been saved from this, it would have been Sa’d bin Mu’adh. He was the sahabah who when he died, Allah’s throne shook, he was the sahabah that that 70,000 angels attend his janazah. He was the sahabah who had the doors of jannah opened for him. Yet he was squeezed in the grave, and then released. This is because the earth is welcoming us back. Sa’d bin Mu’adh was one of the leaders of the ansar who opend the doors of medinah to the prophet peace be upon him. And also hosted him and defended him, until he died. And hence the hounr Allah gave him.
2.9 The Trials and Tribulations of the Grave
It was narrated that al-Bara’ (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “….So his (the believer’s) soul is returned to his body and there come to him two angels who make him sit up and they say to him, ‘Who is your Lord?’ He says, ‘Allaah.’ They say, ‘What is your religion?’ He says, ‘My religion is Islam.’ They say, ‘Who is this man who was sent among you?’ He says, ‘He is the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).’ They say, ‘What did you do?’ He says, ‘I read the Book of Allaah and I believed in it.’ Then a voice calls out from heaven, ‘My slave has spoken the truth, so prepare for him a bed from Paradise and clothe him from Paradise, and open for him a gate to Paradise…”
….Then his (the disbeliever’s) soul is returned to his body, and there come to him two angels who make him sit up and they say to him, ‘Who is your Lord?’ He says, ‘Oh, oh, I don’t know.’ They say, ‘What is your religion?’ He says, ‘Oh, oh, I don’t know.’ Then a voice calls out from heaven, ‘Prepare for him a bed from Hell and clothe him from Hell, and open for him a gate to Hell.’ …” Narrated by Abu Dawood, 4753; Ahmad, 18063 – this version was narrated by him. Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 1676.
Al-Tirmidhi (1071) narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When the deceased – or one of you – is buried, there come to him two black and blue angels, one of whom is called al-Munkar and the other al-Nakeer. They say: ‘What did you say about this man?’ and he says what he used to say: ‘He is the slave of Allaah and His Messenger. I bear witness that there is no god but Allaah and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.’ They say: ‘We knew that you would say that…” “…But if he is a hypocrite he says: ‘I heard the people saying something so I said something like what they said. I do not know.’ They say: ‘We knew that you would say that.’ ….” This hadeeth was classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi
Munkar and Nakeer will be tough. The will speak loudly and straight forwardly. And they will only ask three Questions: 1) Who is you Lord? 2) What is you religion and 3) Who is your prophet? We study years and years for exams but this is the real test we should study for. It is the most important test of your life. And we have to have imaan. We can just say we believe because we herd other people talking about it.!! No, it has to be firm belief, otherwise Munkar and Nakeer will smash you with a hammer and turn you into dust! And the Prophet (peace be upon him0, said this is the final test the believer will go through.
Narrated Asma' bint Abi Bakr : Allah's Apostle once stood up delivering a sermon and mentioned the trial which people will face in the grave. When he mentioned that, the Muslims started shouting (Crying) loudly. [Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 23, Number 455] and because of that she didn’t hear everything and when she aquired about what the Messenger of Allah had said last, he said, “… No doubt it has been inspired to me that you will be put to trials in your graves and these trials will be like the trials of Masiah-ad-Dajjal or nearly like it …" [Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 3, Number 86]
So why did the Sahabah cry so loud? Its because our hearts are hard and there were soft. We have become a people of hard hearts. This can be proved by looking at Muslims burying their dead! You will see how they can go to a funeral, throw someone into the whole, throw dirt on him, and yet some how make jokes and laugh at the grave! Subhan’Allah, are we so misguided and hard inside? Do we not fear what will happen to us in the grave? When will we lift the veil of ignorance and open our eyes to reality?! Our hearts have become into solid rocks. The sahabah would cry just after hearing about death, and we laugh even after seeing someone in the grave. The worst thing is this that this hardness of the heart is a disease. Yet we will spend endless amounts of money trying to cure small illness, but when it comes to curing this one, we leave it alone?! Why?!
Narrated Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri The Prophet said, "When a funeral is ready and the men carry the deceased on their necks (shoulders), if it was pious then it will say, 'Present me quickly', and if it was not pious, then it will say, 'Woe to it (me), where are they taking it (me)?' And its voice is heard by everything except mankind and if he heard it he would fall unconscious." [Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 23, Number 402]. The good soul wants its reward, while we do not wish to keep the bad soul amongst us, hence we hurry the burial. And if we could hear the cries of the soul, the shock would kill everyone who heard it! Narrated Zaid b. Thibit: Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) said “…If it were not the reason that you would stop burying (your dead) in the graves on listening to the torment in the grave which I am listening to, I would have certainly made you hear that…” [Sahih Muslim, Book 040, Number 6859]
Sheikh Ibn Taymiyah said, “Not only could the messenger of Allah hear them being punished, but we have accounts of people who can hear the people punished in the grave. We have accounts of dead people coming of the grave and they are being punished and are screaming! And their scares are on their body.” The sheikh continuous, “When you are asleep, the soul is separate from the body, never the less, when you dream, the dream could be so intense that your body could movie and acting as in the dream. You could start moving and walking and even running, even though your eyes are closed! And even thought your soul is out of your body when your sleep. This is also why the punishment in the grave could be so severe, that the body starts coming of the grave and running while the angels are following them and torturing them”
2.10 The Description of the Rewards and punishment of in the Grave
It was narrated that al-Bara’ (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “….(After the believer is question) Then a voice calls out from heaven, ‘My slave has spoken the truth, so prepare for him a bed from Paradise and clothe him from Paradise, and open for him a gate to Paradise.’ Then there comes to him some of its fragrance, and his grave is made wide, as far as he can see. Then there comes to him a man with a handsome face and handsome clothes, and a good fragrance, who says, ‘Receive the glad tidings that will bring you joy this day.’ He says, ‘Who are you? Your face is a face which brings glad tidings.’ He says, ‘I am your righteous deeds.’ He says, ‘O Lord, hasten the Hour so that I may return to my family and my wealth.’
….(After the disbeliever is question) Then a voice calls out from heaven, ‘Prepare for him a bed from Hell and clothe him from Hell, and open for him a gate to Hell.’ Then there comes to him some of its heat and hot winds, and his grave is constricted and compresses him until his ribs interlock. Then there comes to him a man with an ugly face and ugly clothes, and a foul stench, who says, ‘Receive the bad news, this is the day that you were promised.’ He says, ‘Who are you? Your face is a face which forebodes evil.’ He says, ‘I am your evil deeds.’ He says, ‘O Lord, do not let the Hour come, do not let the Hour come.’” Narrated by Abu Dawood, 4753; Ahmad, 18063 – this version was narrated by him. Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 1676.
Al-Tirmidhi (1071) narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When the deceased – or one of you – is buried, there come to him two black and blue angels, one of whom is called al-Munkar and the other al-Nakeer. They say: ‘What did you say about this man?’ and he says what he used to say: ‘He is the slave of Allaah and His Messenger. I bear witness that there is no god but Allaah and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.’ They say: ‘We knew that you would say that.’ Then his grave is made spacious for him, seventy cubits by seventy, and it is illuminated for him. Then it is said to him: ‘Sleep,’ and he says: ‘May I go back to my family and tell them?’ They say: ‘Sleep like the bridegroom who will be woken by none but the dearest of his family to him,’ until Allaah raises him from that resting-place of his.” But if he is a hypocrite he says: ‘I heard the people saying something so I said something like what they said. I do not know.’ They say: ‘We knew that you would say that.’ Then it is said to the earth: ‘Squeeze him.’ So it squeezes him until his ribs interlock, and he will continue to be tormented therein until Allaah raises him from that resting-place of his.” This hadeeth was classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi
So you will be in you grave with you good deeds, if you are a believer. There is a story of a Tab’ieen [Someone who met (and maybe studied under) a companion of the prophet peace be upon him, but not the prophet himself] asked his student, “You have been with me for over 30 years, what have you learnt”, the student replied, “ I have learnt 8 things, and among that is I understand that everyone has a loved ones and thing in this Dunya. Some one us will leave it home, some of us will leave it in this Dunya, and some will take it to the grave, but in the grave you are alone. The only thing you will have with you is your good deeds; that’s why I am making my good deeds the most beloved thing to me.”
Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Umar : Allah's Apostle said, "When anyone of you dies, he is shown his place both in the morning and in the evening. If he is one of the people of Paradise; he is shown his place in it, and if he is from the people of the Hell-Fire; he is shown his place there-in. Then it is said to him, 'This is your place till Allah resurrect you on the Day of Resurrection." [Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 23, Number 461] We should realise that the graves we think are connected to this Dunya are infact connected to the akhira. The people of Jannah can see jannah from their graves, and the people of Hell fire can see Hell from their graves! This means you will have a physical and emotional punishment!
So do Muslims get punished in their graves? Yes! Imam Al-Qurtubi says, “Realise that the punishment in the grave is not only for the non believers and special for the hypocrites, but it can also be for the believers because of their short comings in their belief and actions.
2.11 So what are the reasons for punishment in the grave?
There are general reasons, like short comings in general and there are a few specific reasons:-
Theft, stealing, taking something that doesn’t belong to you and cheating. - Narrated Abu Huraira: When we conquered Khaibar, we gained neither gold nor silver as booty, but we gained cows, camels, goods and gardens. Then we departed with Allah's Apostle to the valley of Al-Qira, and at that time Allah's Apostle had a slave called Mid'am who had been presented to him by one of Banu Ad-Dibbab. While the slave was dismounting the saddle of Allah's Apostle an arrow the thrower of which was unknown, came and hit him. The people said, "Congratulations to him for the martyrdom." Allah's Apostle said, "No, by Him in Whose Hand my soul is, the sheet (of cloth) which he had taken (illegally) on the day of Khaibar from the booty before the distribution of the booty, has become a flame of Fire burning him." On hearing that, a man brought one or two leather straps of shoes to the Prophet and said, "These are things I took (illegally)." On that Allah's Apostle said, "This is a strap, or these are two straps of Fire." [Sahih Bukhari, Volume 5, Book 59, Number 541] Subhan’Allah, all that for a piece of cloth!! What about those who steal millions and millions of dollars?! Be aware! Any most stolen or earned unlawfully has no blessings! And Allah will inflict you with hardship and illness until you spend it all on these calamities.
and c) Slander and not cleaning yourself correctly - Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: Once the Prophet, while passing through one of the grave-yards of Medina or Mecca heard the voices of two persons who were being tortured in their graves. The Prophet said, "These two persons are being tortured not for a major sin (to avoid)." The Prophet then added, "Yes! (they are being tortured for a major sin). Indeed, one of them never saved himself from being soiled with his urine while the other used to go about with calumnies (to make enmiy between friends). The Prophet then asked for a green leaf of a date-palm tree, broke it into two pieces and put one on each grave. On being asked why he had done so, he replied, "I hope that their torture might be lessened, till these get dried." [Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 4, Number 215]
d), e), f) and g) Lying, Having Knowledge of the Quran (and not acting upon it), Riba (Usury/ Interest), Zinha (Illegal sexual intercourse) - Narrated Samura bin Jundab: Whenever the Prophet finished the (morning) prayer, he would face us and ask, "Who amongst you had a dream last night?" So if anyone had seen a dream he would narrate it. The Prophet would say: "Ma sha'a-llah" (An Arabic maxim meaning literally, 'What Allah wished,' and it indicates a good omen.) One day, he asked us whether anyone of us had seen a dream. We replied in the negative. The Prophet said, "But I had seen (a dream) last night that two men came to me, caught hold of my hands, and took me to the Sacred Land (Jerusalem). There, I saw a person sitting and another standing with an iron hook in his hand pushing it inside the mouth of the former till it reached the jaw-bone, and then tore off one side of his cheek, and then did the same with the other side; in the mean-time the first side of his cheek became normal again and then he repeated the same operation again. I said, 'What is this?' They told me to proceed on and we went on till we came to a man Lying flat on his back, and another man standing at his head carrying a stone or a piece of rock, and crushing the head of the Lying man, with that stone. Whenever he struck him, the stone rolled away.
The man went to pick it up and by the time he returned to him, the crushed head had returned to its normal state and the man came back and struck him again (and so on). I said, 'Who is this?' They told me to proceed on; so we proceeded on and passed by a hole like an oven; with a narrow top and wide bottom, and the fire was kindling underneath that hole. Whenever the fire-flame went up, the people were lifted up to such an extent that they about to get out of it, and whenever the fire got quieter, the people went down into it, and there were naked men and women in it. I said, 'Who is this?' They told me to proceed on. So we proceeded on till we reached a river of blood and a man was in it, and another man was standing at its bank with stones in front of him, facing the man standing in the river. Whenever the man in the river wanted to come out, the other one threw a stone in his mouth and caused him to retreat to his original position; and so whenever he wanted to come out the other would throw a stone in his mouth, and he would retreat to his original position. I asked, 'What is this?' They told me to proceed on and we did so till we reached a well-flourished green garden having a huge tree and near its root was sitting an old man with some children. (I saw) Another man near the tree with fire in front of him and he was kindling it up. Then they (i.e. my two companions) made me climb up the tree and made me enter a house, better than which I have ever seen. In it were some old men and young men, women and children.
Then they took me out of this house and made me climb up the tree and made me enter another house that was better and superior (to the first) containing old and young people. I said to them (i.e. my two companions), 'You have made me ramble all the night. Tell me all about that I have seen.' They said, 'Yes. As for the one whose cheek you saw being torn away, he was a liar and he used to tell lies, and the people would report those lies on his authority till they spread all over the world. So, he will be punished like that till the Day of Resurrection. {{'Abdullah reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Truth leads one to Paradise and virtue leads one to Paradise and the person tells the truth until he is recorded as truthful, and lie leads to obscenity and obscenity leads to Hell, and the person tells a lie until he is recorded as a liar. [Sahih Muslim, Book 032, Number 6307] blue parts are not part of the original hadith, but will help you understand the great sin of lying.}}
The one whose head you saw being crushed is the one whom Allah had given the knowledge of Quran (i.e. knowing it by heart) but he used to sleep at night (i.e. he did not recite it then) and did not use to act upon it (i.e. upon its orders etc.) by day; and so this punishment will go on till the Day of Resurrection. {{The Qur’an is not ment for being decorated in fancy colours and kept in the shelf. It’s a blessing and a guide. It should be in your heart governing the way you live!}} And those you saw in the hole (like oven) were adulterers (those men and women who commit illegal sexual intercourse). And those you saw in the river of blood were those dealing in Riba (usury). {{ So there is punishment of it in this Life, in the grave and in the hereafter. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said “the eventual end of Riba is decrease”. So even if you think you are making more money, at the end of the day you will be infact making less (duty to possible extra financial burdens arising as a punishment). Allah says in the Qur’an, “Allâh will destroy Ribâ (usury) and will give increase for Sadaqât (deeds of charity, alms, etc.) And Allâh likes not the disbelievers, sinners. (Al-Baqarah 2:276) so the punishment in the grave is swimming in blood, and on the day of Judgement, Ibn `Abbas said that "Be sure of a war from Allah and His Messenger.'' He also said, "On the Day of Resurrection, those who eat Riba will be told, `take up arms for war.''' O you who believe! Be afraid of Allâh and give up what remains (due to you) from Ribâ (usury) (from now onward), if you are (really) believers. And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allâh and His Messenger …” (Al-Baqarah 2:278 – 279) Allah has only announced war with two people! One is those who fight his Awliyah [Friends of Allah – Righteous believers], and the second his the one who takes Riba. Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "Allah said, 'I will declare war against him who shows hostility to a pious worshipper of Mine. …" [Sahih Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 76, Number 509]}}
And the old man who was sitting at the base of the tree was Abraham and the little children around him were the offspring of the people. And the one who was kindling the fire was Malik, the gate-keeper of the Hell-fire. And the first house in which you have gone was the house of the common believers, and the second house was of the martyrs. I am Gabriel and this is Michael. Raise your head.' I raised my head and saw a thing like a cloud over me. They said, 'That is your place.' I said, 'Let me enter my place.' They said, 'You still have some life which you have not yet completed, and when you complete (that remaining portion of your life) you will then enter your place.' " [Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 23, Number 468]
There are afew other things that could lead to punishment in the grave, like Debt. Anyone may cover the debts of a dead person, whether they are relatives or not. Furthermore, the payment of outstanding debts can benefit the dead by relieving them from some of the punishment due to them for their negligence in repaying them. Jaabir said: A man died and we washed him, perfumed him and shrouded him. Then we brought him to Allaah's Messenger (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) to lead the funeral prayer for him. We asked, "Could you pray for him?" He took a step forward then asked, "Does he have any outstanding debts?" We answered: "Two deenaars."[He said, "Make the funeral prayer for your companion," and] [This addition can be found in another narration of the hadeeth] began to leave. Aboo Qataadah took responsibility for [paying] them, saying, "The two deenaars are my responsibility." Allaah's Messenger (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) asked, "Will the creditor be taken care of and will the dead person be absolved from them?" He replied, "Yes," so the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) led the funeral prayer for him. One day later he asked [Aboo Qataadah], "What was done about the two deenaars?" He replied, "He only died yesterday!" The following day he returned to the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) and said, "I have paid them off." The Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) said, "Now his skin has become cool." [Musnad Ahmad, vol.3, p.330; authenticated in Ahkaamul-Janaa’iz, p. 16] So this person will not be able to go to Jannah, until his debt releases him.
Another thing that may cause punishment in the grave is excessive crying from the deceased, Narrated Ibn 'Umar from his father: The Prophet said, "The deceased is tortured in his grave for the wailing done over him." [Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 23, Number 379] Tears falling down and cry and feeling upset is fine, because this is natural; but it should not be excessive and we end up losing patience. Even the Prophet (peace be upon him) cried when a loved one died, but we would never allow himself and the sahabah to excessive weep over the deceased.
2.12 What saves from the punishment of the Grave?
Good Deeds - When the dead person dies, he can hear the footsteps of people who buried him. And then the good deeds would surround him. So his Salah would come next to his head, his fasting would coming to his right and zakat would come to his left, and the rest of the good deeds would be next to feet. So whenever this person would be attacked from either side, each good deed would protect him. So they would be making a shield that is protecting him.
Seeking Refuge in the torment in the grave - “Narrated Abu Huraira : Allah's Apostle used to invoke (Allah): "Allahumma ini a'udhu bika min 'adhabi-l-Qabr, wa min 'adhabi-nnar, wa min fitnati-l-mahya wa-lmamat, wa min fitnati-l-masih ad-dajjal. (O Allah! I seek refuge with you from the punishment in the grave and from the punishment in the Hell fire and from the afflictions of life and death, and the afflictions of Al-Masih Ad-Dajjal.)" [Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 23, Number 459]
2.13 Who are the Ones who are spared from the trials of the graves?
Martyrs - “The Shaheed is granted seven special favours from Allah. He is forgiven (his sins) at the first drop of his blood. He sees his place in Paradise. He is dressed in the clothes of Iman. He is married to the Hoor al-‘Ain (beautiful women of Paradise). He is saved from the punishment of the grave. He will be protected from the great fear of the Day of Judgement. A crown of honour will be placed on his head, one jewel of which is better than the whole world and what it contains. He is married to seventy-two of the Hoor al-‘Ain (beautiful women of Paradise), and he will be able to intercede for seventy members of his family.” [Saheeh – Related by Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi and Ibn Hibbaan] So That means the Fitnah (Trial) of someone raising his sword of over you heard is enough to save you from the torment of the grave. This also is similar for those fighting now and having bullets and missiles flying over their heads.
Al Murabat – The guard - A person guards the city. This are soldiers who are normally posted away from home who are guarding the Muslims, by keeping watch. This is a very difficult job. The Prophet peace be upon him said, his deed would continue growing even after he dies (or is killed) and will be spared the Fitnah of the grave.
Jummah -There is also a Hasan (Good in authenticity) hadith that’s says the prophet (peace be upon him) said anyone who dies on Friday will be saved from the punishment in the grave