Peace be upon you, abode of a people who are believers. What you were promised would come to you tomorrow, you receiving it after some delay; and God willing we shall join you. O Allah, grant forgiveness to the inhabitants of Baqi' al-Gharqad. Qutaiba did not mention his words:" would come to you".
The Book of Prayer - Funerals
Sahih Muslim 974 a
Textual Analysis
This narration contains the supplication taught by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) when visiting graveyards. The phrase "Peace be upon you, abode of a people who are believers" establishes the proper etiquette of addressing the deceased with salam.
The words "What you were promised would come to you tomorrow" refer to the divine promise of resurrection and judgment that the believers will inevitably face after death.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam al-Nawawi explains that this hadith demonstrates the recommended manner of visiting graves - with gentle speech and prayer for the inhabitants. The address acknowledges their state as believers awaiting the fulfillment of Allah's promise.
The phrase "after some delay" indicates the period between death and resurrection, reminding visitors of the temporary nature of this worldly life and certainty of the Hereafter.
The final supplication "O Allah, grant forgiveness to the inhabitants of Baqi' al-Gharqad" teaches us to specifically pray for mercy upon those buried in the cemetery we are visiting.
Legal Rulings
Scholars derive from this hadith that visiting graves is permissible and recommended for remembering death and praying for the deceased.
The variation in transmission noted by Qutaiba demonstrates the meticulous preservation of prophetic traditions and the scholars' care in recording exact wordings.