There passed a bier (being carried by people) and it was lauded in good terms. Upon this the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: It has become certain, it has become certain, it has become certain. And there passed a bier and it was condemned in bad words. Upon this the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: It has become certain, it has become certain, it has become certain. 'Umar said: May my father and mother be ransom for you! There passed a bier and it was praised in good terms, and you said: It has become certain, it has become certain, it has become certain. And there passed a bier and it was condemned in bad words, and you said: It has become certain, it has become certain, it has become certain. Upon this the Messenger of Allah (way peace be upon him) said: He whom you praised in good terms, Paradise has become certain for him, and he whom you condemned in bad words, Hell has become certain for him. You are Allah's witnesses in the earth, you are Allah's witnesses in the earth, you are Allah's witnesses in the earth.
Hadith Commentary - The Book of Prayer - Funerals
Sahih Muslim 949 a - This profound narration from the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) establishes the weighty responsibility of the Muslim community as witnesses before Allah concerning the character of the deceased.
The Divine Testimony of the Community
The repetition of "It has become certain" three times emphasizes the finality and irrevocability of the divine decree based upon the collective testimony of believers. This indicates that the Muslim ummah's assessment carries immense weight in Allah's court.
When the Prophet (ﷺ) declares "You are Allah's witnesses in the earth" thrice, he establishes that the community's collective testimony about a person's character serves as evidence before the Almighty, similar to how witnesses testify in earthly courts.
Scholarly Interpretation
Classical scholars explain that this testimony refers to the apparent condition (dhahir) of the deceased as known to people, not their hidden realities known only to Allah. The praise or condemnation must reflect the person's consistent public character.
Imam An-Nawawi comments that this hadith demonstrates the virtue of speaking well of the deceased when deserved, and warns against false praise or unjust criticism, as both constitute bearing false witness.
Practical Implications
This teaching obligates Muslims to be truthful in their assessment of others' character during life and after death, recognizing that their words carry eternal consequences.
The narration also serves as a powerful reminder to live in such a manner that one's public life reflects true faith, earning the genuine praise of the righteous believers.