Abu Huraira reported God’s messenger as saying, “When the dead is buried two black and blue angels, one called al-Munkar and the other an-Nakir, come to him and ask him what opinion he held about this man. If he is a believer he replies, ‘He is the servant and messenger of God. I testify that there is no god but God and that Muhammad is His servant and apostle.’ They say that they knew he would say so. A space of 4900 square cubits is then made for him in his grave, it is illuminated for him, and he is told to sleep. He will then express a desire to return to his family to tell them, but will be told to sleep like one newly married who is wakened only by the member of his family who is dearest to him, until God resurrects him from that resting-place of his. But if he is a hypocrite he will say, ‘I heard men expressing a belief and I held the same, but I really do not know.’ They will tell him they knew he would say so; then the earth will be told to press in upon him and it will do so. His ribs will be pressed together and he will remain there suffering punishment till God resurrects him from that resting-place of his.” Tirmidhi transmitted it.
Exposition of the Hadith Concerning the Grave's Trial
This profound narration from Abu Huraira, recorded in Mishkat al-Masabih 130 and authenticated by Tirmidhi, elucidates the reality of the barzakh (intermediate state) and the questioning that occurs after burial. The two angels, Munkar and Nakir, are appointed by Allah to test the deceased's faith, appearing in a formidable form to inspire awe and sincerity in response.
The Believer's Experience
For the true mu'min, this moment becomes a confirmation of their lifelong conviction. Their declaration of tawhid and risalah emerges not as rote repetition but as the natural conclusion of a life lived in submission. The spacious, illuminated grave reflects the expansiveness of their faith, while the comparison to a newlywed's sleep indicates the profound peace and contentment bestowed upon the righteous soul.
The believer's desire to return and inform others demonstrates the compassionate nature of the faithful, yet they are granted a rest that surpasses worldly concerns, awaiting the ultimate reunion with the Beloved on the Day of Judgment.
The Hypocrite's Torment
The munafiq's response reveals the emptiness of their outward profession. Their admission of mere imitation without genuine understanding exposes the fatal flaw in their spiritual state. The earth's compression upon them manifests the constriction of their own souls in worldly life—unable to expand through sincere faith and righteous deeds.
This punishment in the grave serves as both consequence and purification, continuing until the Final Hour. Scholars note this establishes the reality of 'adhab al-qabr (punishment of the grave) as an essential article of faith.
Spiritual Implications
This hadith serves as a powerful memento mori, reminding the living to cultivate genuine faith that will withstand this ultimate test. The differentiation in outcomes based on internal conviction versus external conformity underscores Islam's emphasis on sincerity (ikhlas) as the foundation of all worship.
The detailed description of both states provides believers with both warning and encouragement, motivating them to perfect their faith and prepare for the inevitable meeting with their Lord.