Yes! The torment of the grave is very severe. When a sinner enters the grave, the grave scolds him in a very harsh tone. Then the walls of the grave start closing in. They keep coming closer until the dead person is crushed between the walls and his ribs lock into each other. A fire may also break out in the grave. Snakes and scorpions might also sting him. The angels of torment may also beat him very severely with iron hammers.

Some sinners are given a blind and deaf beast as a torment; it has a big iron hammer. It hits the dead body with that hammer. Some are beaten so badly that their bodies melt away, then they are returned to their original state and beaten again. In some people’s graves, terrifying and large snakes are set upon them. Some are bound with chains of fire, and others are made to wear clothes of fire.

O devotees of the Holy Prophet! Just imagine! Will we be able to bear such torments? Ah! The pain of death is on one side, the shock of leaving the world is on another, the loneliness of the grave, the darkness—all these are distresses on their own. On top of that, if we are subjected to punishment, then just think what will happen! Where will we go? Whom will we call? From whom will we ask for help? How will we get freedom from these severe torments?

May Allah Almighty show mercy! If only we receive His mercy! May the Beloved Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم show grace to us, and may we be granted freedom from the torment through this.

صَلُّوۡا عَلَى الۡحَبِيۡب                          صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلٰى مُحَمَّد

Seek Refuge from the Torment of the Grave

Dear Islamic brothers! These punishments are very severe; if we become trapped in them, it will be very difficult. Today we are alive and have a chance. We should seek refuge from the torment of the grave. It is narrated from Sayyidunā Jābir رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ that Noble Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم once visited a garden. There were some graves of people who died in the era of ignorance (Jāhiliyyah). When the Merciful Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم heard the sounds of torment coming from those graves, he came out feeling restless and said: