The Messenger of Allah said: "When the deceased - or he said when one of you - is buried, two angels, black and blue (eyed_ come to him. One of them is called Al-Munkar, and the other An-Nakir. They say: 'What did you used to say about this man?' So he says what he was saying (before death) 'He is Allah's slave and His Messenger. I testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger.' So they say: 'We knew that you would say this.' Then his grave is expanded to seventy by seventy cubits, then it is illuminated for him. Then it is said to him: 'Sleep.' So he said: 'Can I return to my family to inform them?' They say: 'Sleep as a newlywed, whom none awakens but the dearest of his family.' Until Allah resurrects him from his resting place.""If he was a hypocrite he would say: 'I heard people saying something, so I said the same; I do not know.' So they said: 'We knew you would say that.' So the earth is told: 'Constrict him.' So it constricts around him, squeezing his ribs together. He continues being punished like that until Allah resurrects him from his resting place."
The Book on Jana'iz (Funerals)
Jami' at-Tirmidhi - Hadith 1071
Hadith Text
The Messenger of Allah said: "When the deceased - or he said when one of you - is buried, two angels, black and blue (eyed) come to him. One of them is called Al-Munkar, and the other An-Nakir. They say: 'What did you used to say about this man?' So he says what he was saying (before death) 'He is Allah's slave and His Messenger. I testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger.' So they say: 'We knew that you would say this.' Then his grave is expanded to seventy by seventy cubits, then it is illuminated for him. Then it is said to him: 'Sleep.' So he said: 'Can I return to my family to inform them?' They say: 'Sleep as a newlywed, whom none awakens but the dearest of his family.' Until Allah resurrects him from his resting place.""If he was a hypocrite he would say: 'I heard people saying something, so I said the same; I do not know.' So they said: 'We knew you would say that.' So the earth is told: 'Constrict him.' So it constricts around him, squeezing his ribs together. He continues being punished like that until Allah resurrects him from his resting place."
Scholarly Commentary
This hadith establishes the reality of the grave's trial (fitnat al-qabr) which is a fundamental article of Islamic creed. The two angels, Munkar and Nakir, are tasked with questioning every deceased person about their belief in Allah and His Messenger Muhammad ﷺ.
The believer's correct response demonstrates firm faith, resulting in divine mercy: expansion of the grave, illumination, and peaceful rest until Resurrection. The description "sleep as a newlywed" indicates profound tranquility and joy, undisturbed except by what Allah wills.
Conversely, the hypocrite's vague response reveals insincerity, leading to severe punishment: grave constriction and continuous torment. This differentiation begins the recompense of the Herewhile still in the grave, affirming that the Barzakh (intermediate realm) is a reality where souls experience preliminary reward or punishment.
The scholars note that the colors "black and blue" describe the angels' awe-inspiring appearance, not their essence, as angels are created from light. The questioning focuses on Tawhid (monotheism) and recognition of Muhammad's prophethood, as these form Islam's foundation.
Legal and Theological Implications
This hadith proves: 1) The reality of the grave's trial 2) The existence of Munkar and Nakir 3) The intermediate state (Barzakh) between death and Resurrection 4) Grave punishment and reward 5) The importance of correct belief and sincerity 6) That deeds are judged by final state at death.
It emphasizes preparing for this questioning through sincere faith, righteous deeds, and frequent recitation of the testimony of faith. The scholars recommend teaching the dying person "La ilaha illallah" to help them conclude life with the best words.