I came to `Aisha while she was praying, and said to her, "What has happened to the people?" She pointed out towards the sky. (I looked towards the mosque), and saw the people offering the prayer. Aisha said, "Subhan Allah." I said to her, "Is there a sign?" She nodded with her head meaning, "Yes." I, too, then stood (for the prayer of eclipse) till I became (nearly) unconscious and later on I poured water on my head. After the prayer, the Prophet (ﷺ) praised and glorified Allah and then said, "Just now at this place I have seen what I have never seen before, including Paradise and Hell. 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 Masih-ad-Dajjal or nearly like it (the sub narrator is not sure which expression Asma' used). You will be asked, 'What do you know about this man (the Prophet (ﷺ) Muhammad)?' Then the faithful believer (or Asma' said a similar word) will reply, 'He is Muhammad Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) who had come to us with clear evidences and guidance and so we accepted his teachings and followed him. And he is Muhammad.' And he will repeat it thrice. Then the angels will say to him, 'Sleep in peace as we have come to know that you were a faithful believer.' On the other hand, a hypocrite or a doubtful person will reply, 'I do not know, but I heard the people saying something and so I said it.' (the same). "
Knowledge - Sahih al-Bukhari 86
This narration from Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) describes the solar eclipse prayer and contains profound teachings about the trial of the grave. The Prophet (ﷺ) witnessed extraordinary visions of Paradise and Hell during this prayer, demonstrating how celestial phenomena serve as divine signs for reflection.
The Trial of the Grave
The primary teaching concerns the fitnah (trial) that every soul will face in the grave. The believers will be tested about their knowledge and conviction regarding Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). The faithful will respond with certainty: "He is Muhammad, Allah's Messenger who came with clear evidences and guidance." This affirmation must be repeated thrice, indicating the importance of firm belief.
The hypocrite or doubtful person will respond with uncertainty: "I do not know, but I heard people saying something and so I said it." This highlights the danger of following religion without personal conviction and understanding.
Scholarly Commentary
This hadith establishes several essential Islamic beliefs: the reality of the trial in the grave, the importance of firm knowledge about the Prophet's mission, and the distinction between true faith and mere imitation. The comparison to the trial of Dajjal indicates the severity of this test.
The scholars explain that the believer's response demonstrates three crucial elements: recognition of the Prophet's identity, acknowledgment of his clear proofs and guidance, and declaration of following him. This constitutes the foundation of Islamic creed that every Muslim must internalize.