I did not hear this hadith from Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) directly but it was Zaid b. Thabit who narrated it from him. As Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) was going along with us towards the dwellings of Bani an-Najjar, riding upon his pony, it shied and he was about to fall. He found four, five or six graves there. He said: Who amongst you knows about those lying in the graves? A person said: It is I. Thereupon he (the Holy Prophet) said: In what state did they die? He said: They died as polytheists. He said: These people are passing through the ordeal in the graves. If it were not the reason that you would stop burying (your dead) in the graves on listening to the torment in the grave which I am listening to, I would have certainly made you hear that. Then turning his face towards us, he said: Seek refuge with Allah from the torment of Hell. They said: We seek refuge with Allah from the torment of Hell. He said: Seek refuge with Allah from the torment of the grave. They said: We seek refuge with Allah from the torment of the grave. He said: Seek refuge with Allah from turmoil, its visible and invisible (aspects), and they said: We seek refuge with Allah from turmoil and its visible and invisible aspects and he said: Seek refuge with Allah from the turmoil of the Dajjal, and they said We seek refuge with Allah from the turmoil of the Dajjal.
The Book of Paradise, its Description, its Bounties and its Inhabitants - Sahih Muslim 2867
This narration from Sahih Muslim, transmitted through Zaid b. Thabit, reveals profound insights about the afterlife and serves as a warning to believers. The Prophet's encounter with the graves of polytheists demonstrates the reality of grave punishment for those who die upon shirk (polytheism).
Scholarly Commentary on the Grave's Ordeal
The Prophet's statement about hearing the torment in the graves confirms the reality of the questioning by angels Munkar and Nakir. Classical scholars explain that every soul will be questioned about their Lord, religion, and prophet. Believers who answer correctly will find peace, while disbelievers and hypocrites will face punishment.
The severity of what the Prophet heard was such that he nearly prohibited burial altogether, indicating the intensity of the punishment that awaits the unbelievers in their graves. This serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of dying upon disbelief.
The Four Essential Seekings of Refuge
The Prophet taught his companions to seek refuge in Allah from four specific dangers: the torment of Hell, the torment of the grave, all forms of turmoil (both apparent and hidden), and the tribulation of Dajjal. Scholars emphasize that these comprehensive seekings of protection cover the major trials of this life and the next.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani comments that seeking refuge from "visible and invisible turmoil" encompasses all forms of fitnah - both open conflicts and subtle deviations in creed and practice. The inclusion of Dajjal's fitnah highlights its severity as the greatest single trial before Judgment Day.
Practical Implications for Believers
This hadith teaches Muslims to regularly recite these supplications for protection. Scholars recommend incorporating them into daily prayers and remembrances. The narration also reinforces the importance of dying upon pure tawheed (monotheism) to avoid the grave's punishment.
Al-Nawawi explains that the Prophet's willingness to share this experience, despite its frightening nature, demonstrates his compassion in warning his ummah. The companions' immediate response shows the proper attitude of believers - hearing divine guidance and acting upon it without hesitation.