Six Feet Under

Assalaamu Alaikum :)

Death.

How do you feel when you read that? And then how do you feel when you start thinking of everything that comes with death? Such as standing on the Day of Judgement, alone, questioned by Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala.

But before we are all together on that Day, awaiting our punishments or rewards ... we must remember that we may be experiencing punishments before that Day even arrives. The punishment of the grave.

How often do you think about that? The very moment Allah Swt decides to remove us from this world, it begins. Depending on how one lived their life, their actions will be either punished or rewarded the very second they have taken their last breath. We may be motionless or unfeeling to the seeing eye ... but our body can still very much feel a great deal when we die. It is why we are to be gentle with a body while preparing it for its grave because even the slightest touch may hurt it.

Allah Swt is so Raheem (merciful) and Kareem (generous) ... it is our duty to obey the commands of Him (swt) and live our lives accordingly to the way our beloved Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihe wasalam) has taught us, insha'Allah. If you are a sinner, the moment you enter your grave, the punishments will begin. This is where the Qur'an plays a great role. Yes, you will be alone during that frightful time in the grave but if you make a point of reciting the Qur'an daily ... it will be present with you and protect you from any punishments that may come your way. Begin your day by reciting the Qur'an and end your day by reciting the Holy Qur'an. In the grave, the Qur'an (usually said to come in the form of a handsome man) will keep you company and will not leave your side even during the time the angels come to ask you their questions about your faith. On the Day of Judgement, when you will be questioned about your deeds, the Qur'an will be there to defend you stating that you took the time to recite it and make it a part of your daily life.

I'm afraid of so many things ... well, basically everything. It's so silly, I'm silly. When I start thinking of the punishments of the grave, that is what I fear the most and beg to Allah Swt that He (swt) pardon my sins and have mercy on me, insha'Allah. Just the thought of being there, alone, unable to do anything but take what will be given. I can only pray that it will be comfort instead of pain. If you are a sinner during your life, the ground will punish you by squeezing your body from all ends, among many other things. If you have lived a life in devotion to Allah Swt ... insha'Allah you shall experience the most beautiful rest during that time and wake up on the Day of Judgement from a peaceful nap.

This is not a light issue. Many people don't take the punishments of the grave seriously when it should be. A sunnah of the Prophet (saw) is to recite Surah Tabarak (also known as Surah Mulk) each day so that you may be protected from what is to come during the grave. Insha'Allah, Allah Swt will reward our efforts.

May Allah Swt save us all from the punishments of the grave, ameen.