Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) 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 loudly.
Funerals (Al-Janaa'iz) - Sahih al-Bukhari 1373
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari describes a profound moment where the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) delivered a sermon concerning the trial in the grave (fitnat al-qabr), causing great distress among the Muslim companions.
Commentary on the Hadith
The trial in the grave refers to the questioning by angels Munkar and Nakir after burial. This occurs in the intermediary realm (barzakh) between death and resurrection.
The companions' loud reaction demonstrates their deep faith and fear of Allah's punishment. Their emotional response indicates the seriousness of this spiritual test that every soul will face.
Scholars explain that this trial serves to establish the deceased's faith, with believers answering correctly through divine assistance, while disbelievers fail this crucial test.
Juridical Implications
This hadith establishes the reality of the grave's punishment and reward, which is a fundamental article of Islamic creed (aqidah).
It emphasizes the importance of preparing for this trial through sincere faith, righteous deeds, and seeking Allah's protection from the grave's tribulations.
The narration also shows the permissibility of expressing natural emotional reactions to religious matters that inspire fear of Allah.