refraining from a breach of trust. The Beloved Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said: ‘The one who advises his brother regarding a matter knowing that guidance lies in other than that, he has deceived him.’ (Abu Dawood, vol. 3, p. 449, Hadith 3657)

Meaning if a believer consults another person and is deliberately given incorrect advice so that he faces adversity then the adviser is a traitor who has breached trust. May Almighty Allah protect us from every type of deception.

اٰمِیْن بِجَاہِ النَّبِیِّ الْاَمِیْن صلَّی اللہ علیہ واٰلہٖ وسلَّم

3. Gossiping

Among the deeds one should avoid to attain peace in the grave is gossiping. Relating information between people to create discord among them is gossiping. (Sharh Nawavi, vol. 2, p. 112)

The Beloved Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said: ‘The evil people in the creation of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ are those who gossip, create discord between friends and search for faults in righteous people.’ (Musnad Ahmad, Musnad Al-Shamiyeen, vol. 6, p. 291, Hadith 18020) Hence, we should refrain from gossiping. May Almighty Allah enable us to avoid gossiping.

اٰمِیْن بِجَاہِ النَّبِیِّ الْاَمِیْن صلَّی اللہ علیہ واٰلہٖ وسلَّم

4. Not avoiding drops of urine

The fourth among the deeds that can become a means of punishment of the grave is not avoiding drops of urine. To neglect the purity of your clothes and body is indeed an ill-habit; this can lead to being deprived of many worldly benefits, and cause the punishment of the grave. In regards to this, let us listen to the hadith of the Holy Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم:

The Holy Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم has stated: ‘The punishment of the grave is generally due to (not avoiding the drops of) urine.’ (Mu’jam Kabeer, vol. 11, p. 69, Hadith 11120)

On another occasion, he صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم stated: ‘The punishment of the grave occurs due to (not avoiding the drops of) urine; therefore, avoid it.’ (Ibn-e-Majah, vol. 1, p. 219, Hadith 348)

In light of these hadith narrations, we should act accordingly by protecting ourselves from every type of impurity, especially from the drops of urine. May Allah Almighty enable us to protect ourselves from impurity and stay pure.

اٰمِیْن بِجَاہِ النَّبِیِّ الْاَمِیْن صلَّی اللہ علیہ واٰلہٖ وسلَّم

صَلُّوۡا عَلَى الۡحَبِيۡب                                  صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلٰى مُحَمَّد

Rulings and etiquette of the grave and burial

O devotees of the Prophet! Let us listen to some of the rulings and the etiquette related to the grave and burial.

*   It is not permissible to bury more than one person in one grave without any need. In case of a need, it can be done. (Bahar-e-Shari’at, vol. 1, p. 846; Fatawa Hindiyyah, vol. 1, p. 166)

*   It is desirable (Mustahab) to place the deceased towards the Qiblah from the grave so that the deceased is lowered into the grave from the side of the Qiblah. The deceased should not be lowered into the grave by placing him on the side of the feet and then bringing him towards the head-side of the grave. (Bahar-e-Shari’at, vol. 1, p. 844)

*   Two or three, as per the need, men should enter the open grave, and it is better for physically strong and pious men to descend. Maharim (e.g. sons, brothers, nephews) should lower the body of