According to the teachings of Islam, the afterlife is a very important aspect. Of many things in the afterlife is the one moment that is uniquely significant: the questioning by the two angels in the grave. This is discussed by notable Islamic scholar Shaykh Saalih Al-Fawzaan, and some good insights are given concerning these angels and the importance of their questioning. Today, this blog post is a comprehensive elaboration on teachings by Shaykh Saalih Al-Fawzaan regarding two angels of the grave that act at the time of the soul journey in relation to death.
Two Angels of Grave: Munkar and Nakir
Immediately after death, a person’s soul meets two angels in his grave. The names of these two angels, Munkar and Nakir, are less well known. It is, however, worthy of note that their names contain a very deep meaning. Munkar comes from the Arabic word for “denial” or “rejection,” while Nakir means “to question” or “to examine.”
The two angels according to the teachings of the religion question the deceased about his beliefs and things that are within his capabilities. It is here that the faith and actions of the individual are tested. This questioning in the grave is the most critical moment in the fate of a soul towards the afterlife. It is from this point that everything hinges: either upon being allowed peace or upon punishment.
Purpose of the Questioning by Munkar and Nakir
The questioning done in the grave is not a formal procedure; instead, it is a meaningful one. Mainly, the purpose is to cross-examine the faith of the person and whether his worship in life was genuine or not. Munkar and Nakir have three basic questions to ask:
Who is your Lord?
Who is your Prophet?
What is your religion?
These are rather simple yet very profound questions. The individual should answer them correctly in accordance with the teachings of Islam. The response will then show who believes from his heart and who is performing the pillars of faith. Those people who lived their lives in keeping with Islam would respond boldly, while those people who strayed from the path would probably not know how to respond.
The Response to the Questions
nswering the questions correctly will give comfort and reassurance to the believer. If the believer answers affirmatively, saying that Allah is his Lord, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is his prophet, and Islam is his religion, he will receive peace in the grave. A grave will expand on the soul until the time of the Day of Judgment, and the soul will enjoy relief.
Conversely, to those who, in life or even after death, have refused the truth of Islam or led a life contrary to its teachings, torture will be the questioning. In such cases, if they do not answer the questions correctly, the angels in charge of punishing them will torment them. They will feel the weight of their grave and that kind of discomfort until the Day of Judgment.
Role of Two Angels in Islam Faith
Therefore, Islam considers belief in something beyond the material world essential. This includes believing in the existence of angels and the various roles they carry out. Munkar and Nakir are but few of the many angels that Allah has appointed to carry out specific tasks, and reminding us about the importance of faith as well as the consequences of what we will reap from our actions in this life.
It also manifests the transitory nature of this world and the eternal nature of the hereafter by the questioning of Munkar and Nakir. All things in this world are temporal and shall it be that the final success or failure rests on one’s preparation for the afterlife. It is with this respect that Shaykh Saalih Al-Fawzaan underlines that we must ensure our faith endures and our actions go according to the will of Islam.
Shaykh Saalih Al-Fawzaan explains the questioning of Munkar and Nakir, saying, ‘They present questions upon questions. If the person being questioned is rightly guided, his matter becomes easy.” Their questions are no trivial matter as they are the first of many tests awaiting the soul after death. Success or failure of a human being in answering the questions of the angels depends upon his life in this world, says Shaykh Saalih Al-Fawzaan.
In his teachings, he explains that the questioning in the grave directly relates to the individual’s relationship with Allah. Those who were in good communication with Allah, followed the guidance given, and used to live based on the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) would get all the peace and serenity in their graves. Those who neglected the faith or used to live against what was commanded by Allah will experience hardships.
Do his Deeds Have Effect on the Experience of his Grave?
The experience a person undergoes in the grave is not because of his faith alone but also due to the deeds he performed on earth. In Islam, both belief and actions hold equal importance in determining a person’s fate. A person may have strong beliefs, but if those beliefs don’t reflect in their actions, they won’t benefit in the grave either. On the other hand, such those who try living righteous lives, fulfilling their obligations, and keeping sincerity in worship shall find comfort in the grave.
Shaykh Saalih Al-Fawzaan explains that the grave serves as the platform where a person’s deeds come to fruition. In other words, it rewards the believer’s good deeds and records the sinner’s wrongdoings. That is why Muslims have to live according to their faith because this is how Muslims should live – to look forward to the day they can do good and prevent wrongs in the eyes of Allah.
Importance of Preparation During One’s Lifetime
Coaching us on how to prepare for the afterlife, Shaykh Saalih Al-Fawzaan puts forth his thoughts about the two angels of the grave. The interrogation in the grave reminds the individual that the world is not an end in itself. A Muslim should always be mindful that every deed, regardless of its size, will be accounted for in the afterlife.
The Muslims should prepare themselves for the grave by strengthening their faith and devoting themselves to daily prayers, charity, and sinful soul cleansing. All these practices in Islam guarantee a Muslim that they will be fortified enough to present their case with optimism before the questioning of Munkar and Nakir.
Conclusion: Reminder on the Hereafter
The concept of the two angels of the grave, Munkar and Nakir, is a strong reminder of the reality of the afterlife. It makes us highlight faith and actions and the consequences that one would attain in this world, which is the clarification through Shaykh Saalih Al-Fawzaan. What’s happening in the grave is not just something to fear but it’s a reflection of your relationship with Allah. A person who really lives his life following faith, good deeds, and sincerity can actually ensure himself or herself a peaceful and rewarding experience in the grave.
The teachings of Shaykh Saalih Al-Fawzaan always encouraged his followers to focus on their afterlife, realising that the success is actually in preparation for the eternal journey after death. As if reminding one of a bitter and crucial testing by the two angels that come to visit the grave, this is going to happen.
A Glimpse At The Two Angels Of The Grave By Shaykh Saalih Al-Fawzaan
Read more: Character of the Noble Messenger: A Glimpse
