Punishment in the Grave, Adil Salahi

Punishment in the Grave

Adil Salahi

Arab News, 7/9/04

Q. People give different views about punishment in the grave, with some saying that all punishment is administered only on the Day of Judgment, while others say that it starts shortly after the person is buried. Which is correct?

M.F. Ali

A. There are certain things Islam mentions about happenings after this life is over, without giving much explanation. We take these as they are, without going into too much detail, because if God has not provided these details, there is no means that we can ascertain them. One of these is punishment in the grave, which is clearly, though implicitly, mentioned in the Qur’an when God refers to the punishment suffered by Pharaoh’s people: “A grievous scourge encompasses Pharaoh’s people: before the Fire they are brought morning and evening, and on the day the Last Hour strikes, a voice will say: ‘Mete out the sternest punishment to Pharaoh’s people.’” (40: 45-46) These verses clearly show that there are two stages of punishment. The first is when Pharaoh’s people are brought before the fire of hell every morning and every evening. The second is clearly spelt out for the Day of Judgment. So, the first stage is the one meted out in the grave. Hence, we are taught by the Prophet (peace be upon him) to pray to God for protection against punishment in the grave. May God guard us all against it and against punishment in the hereafter.

Earth, a planet hungry for peace


The Israeli Land-Grab Apartheid Wall built inside the Palestinian territories, here separating Abu Dis from occupied East Jerusalem. (IPC, 7/4/04).

The Israeli apartheid (security) wall around Palestinian population centers in the West Bank, like a Python. (Alquds,10/25/03).

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