WHAT KIND OF REALM IS THE GRAVE REALM?

The grave is the first station of the Hereafter. It is also called the Barzakh realm. This is the place where people who have passed away remain until the Day of Judgment begins. Since it separates this world from the Day of Resurrection, it is called the Barzakh realm.

Allah the Almighty says in the Qur'an: "When death comes to one of them, he says, 'My Lord, send me back so that I may do good in that which I have left behind.' No! It is only a word he is saying; and behind them is a barrier (barzakh) until the Day they are resurrected." ('Al-Mu'minun', 99-100)

According to the belief of Ahl al-Sunnah, after a person dies—whether they are buried in a grave or not, even if they drown, are burned, or eaten by animals—they will be questioned and held accountable according to their deeds. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said at the grave:

"Ask Allah to forgive your brother and to grant him steadfastness, for he is now being questioned."

As also mentioned in the hadiths, after a person is buried, two angels named Munkar and Nakir come and ask questions. If the deceased was a believer, when the angels ask, "Who is your Lord?" he replies, "My Lord is Allah." When they ask, "What is your religion?" he says, "My religion is Islam." When they ask, "Who is the man sent among you?" he answers, "He is the Messenger of Allah." Then a caller from the heavens will say, "Since My servant has spoken the truth, spread a bed for him from Paradise, clothe him from Paradise, and open a door for him to Paradise." He will then receive its fragrance and breeze, and his grave will be expanded as far as his eyes can see.

But if the person was a hypocrite, when the angels ask, he will say, "I do not know. I used to say what the people said, but I do not know who he is." The two angels will say, "We knew you would say that." Then it will be commanded to the earth, "Draw near to him," and the earth will press him until his ribs interlock. He will remain in torment in that place until Allah resurrects him on the Day of Judgment. That is, if a person dies without faith or as a hypocrite, he will be unable to answer the angels' questions, the gates of Hell will be opened for him, and he will be shown the signs of its punishment.

In summary, as stated in the hadith, the grave is either one of the gardens of Paradise or one of the pits of Hell. Therefore, if a person is without faith, he will suffer torment in the grave; if he is a believer, he will enjoy blessings. This period begins from the time a person dies and continues until the Day of Resurrection. May Allah the Almighty protect us all from the torment of the grave and the fire of Hell, and grant us a place among the people of Paradise!

Medet QURMASHULY

"Iman" magazine, No.8, 2024