Al-Bara’ b. ‘Azib reported God’s messenger as saying, “Two angels will come to him, make him sit up, and ask him who his Lord is, to which he will reply that his Lord is God. They will ask him what his religion is, and he will reply that his religion is Islam. They will ask him about this man who was sent on a mission among his people, and he will reply that he is God’s messenger. They will ask him what made him aware of this, and he will reply that he read God’s Book, believed in it, and considered it true, which is verified by God’s words, ‘God establishes those who believe with the word that stands firm1...’ Then a crier will call from heaven, ‘My servant has spoken the truth, so spread a bed for him from paradise, clothe him from paradise, and open a door for him into paradise.’ A door will then be opened for him towards paradise, some of its air and perfume will come to him, and a space will be made for him in it as far as the eye can see.” He also mentioned the death of the infidel, saying, “His spirit will be restored to his body, two angels will come, make him sit up and ask him who his Lord is, to which he will reply, ‘Alas, alas, I do not know.’ They will ask him what his religion is, and he will reply, ‘Alas, alas, I do not know.’ They will ask him about this man who was sent on a mission among his people, and he will reply, ‘Alas, alas, I do not know.' Then a crier will call from heaven, ‘He has lied, so spread a bed for him from hell, clothe him from hell, and open a door for him into hell.' Then some of its heat and pestilential wind will come to him, and his grave will become restricted so that his ribs will be pressed together. One who is blind and dumb will then be placed in charge of him, having a sledgehammer such that if a mountain were struck with it it would become dust. He will give him a blow with it and he will utter a shout which will be heard by everything between the east and the west except by men and jinn, and he will become dust. Then his spirit will be restored to him." Ahmad and Abu Dawud transmitted it.1 Quran, xiv, 27.
The Trial of the Grave: A Divine Examination
This profound hadith from Mishkat al-Masabih 131 details the questioning in the grave (fitnat al-qabr), which constitutes the first stage of the afterlife. The believer, having lived according to divine guidance, is granted firmness (thabat) by Allah, enabling them to answer correctly. Their declaration of Tawhid (God's Oneness), acceptance of Islam, and affirmation of Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ messengership are the foundational pillars of faith being tested.
The Believer's Reward: Divine Confirmation
The believer's correct answers are immediately validated by a heavenly voice. The command to "spread a bed from paradise" signifies the commencement of their eternal reward. The opening of a gate to Paradise allows them to perceive its blessings, filling their grave with divine fragrance and expanding their spiritual space, transforming the grave into a garden from the gardens of Paradise.
This aligns with the Quranic verse cited (14:27), where Allah "establishes those who believe with the firm word." This divine establishment is the source of the believer's unwavering testimony during this profound trial.
The Disbeliever's Punishment: Consequences of Denial
In stark contrast, the disbeliever, who rejected truth in worldly life, is abandoned by divine help in the grave. Their repeated "I do not know" reflects the spiritual blindness they cultivated. The declaration "He has lied" from heaven confirms their state. The bed from Hell, garments of fire, and opening to Hell initiate their punishment.
The constriction of the grave and the crushing blow from a mighty angel symbolize the ultimate consequence of rejecting Allah's signs. This severe punishment serves as a powerful warning about the gravity of one's spiritual choices in this life.
Scholarly Insights: Lessons for the Living
Classical scholars emphasize that this narration serves as a potent reminder of the afterlife's reality. It underscores that faith is not merely a statement but must be internalized and manifested through righteous deeds. The believer's ease stems from a life spent in remembrance of Allah and preparation for this meeting.
The hadith also highlights Allah's ultimate justice—each soul receives precisely what it prepared for itself. Therefore, the wise Muslim constantly seeks refuge in Allah from the punishment of the grave and strives to live by the "firm word" of sincere faith.