Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "When (Allah's) slave is put in his grave and his companions return and he even hears their footsteps, two angels come to him and make him sit and ask, 'What did you use to say about this man (i.e. Muhammad)?' The faithful Believer will say, 'I testify that he is Allah's slave and His Apostle.' Then they will say to him, 'Look at your place in the Hell Fire; Allah has given you a place in Paradise instead of it.' So he will see both his places." (Qatada said, "We were informed that his grave would be made spacious." Then Qatada went back to the narration of Anas who said;) Whereas a hypocrite or a non-believer will be asked, "What did you use to say about this man." He will reply, "I do not know; but I used to say what the people used to say." So they will say to him, "Neither did you know nor did you take the guidance (by reciting the Qur'an)." Then he will be hit with iron hammers once, that he will send such a cry as everything near to him will hear, except Jinns and human beings. (See Hadith No. 422).
Hadith Commentary: The Grave Interrogation
This profound narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 1374 details the initial trial every soul faces after burial. The questioning begins immediately after the funeral attendees depart, demonstrating the swiftness of divine justice.
The two angels mentioned are Munkar and Nakīr, appointed specifically for this purpose. Their questioning focuses exclusively on the deceased's belief regarding Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), for proper recognition of his prophethood is the foundation of Islamic faith.
The Believer's Response
The true believer answers with the shahādah - affirming Allah's oneness and Muhammad's messengership. This testimony, uttered sincerely in worldly life, becomes their salvation in the grave.
The expansion of the grave mentioned by Qatada represents divine mercy - the believer's grave becomes a garden from Paradise, filled with light and comfort until Resurrection.
The Disbeliever's Fate
The hypocrite or disbeliever responds with evasion, claiming mere conformity to others' opinions. This reflects their spiritual bankruptcy and lack of conviction.
The iron hammer strike represents the commencement of divine punishment. Their cry of agony is heard by all creation except humans and jinn, preserving the trial of faith for the living.
Scholarly Insights
This hadith establishes the reality of the grave's punishment and reward. Scholars emphasize that the believer's vision of both abodes serves as immediate confirmation of divine promise and warning.
The narration underscores the critical importance of correct belief and the profound consequences of one's testimony about Allah's Messenger (ﷺ).