Muslim

Hadith Commentary:
That is, Allah will keep the believers firm upon the steadfast word—that is, the testimony of monotheism (tawhid) and messengership (risalah)—in both this world and the Hereafter. Thus, this verse was revealed concerning the questioning and answering in the grave.

O Allah! Grant firmness to this humble one and to all my esteemed well-wishers during the questioning in the grave.

It is hoped that those who study this section will surely pray for this sinner’s salvation in the Hereafter and for steadfastness in the grave.

The person mentioned in the chain of transmission is al-Bara’ ibn ‘Azib Abu ‘Amarah al-Ansari al-Harithi.

Later, he settled in Kufa.

In 24 AH, he conquered a place called Rayy.

He remained with ‘Ali (radi Allahu anhu) during the Battle of Jamal and other events.

He passed away in Kufa during the time of Mus‘ab ibn al-Zubayr.

Radi Allahu ‘anhum ajma‘in.

Hadith Commentary:
➊
A believer, due to the blessing of the pure word (kalimah tayyibah), remains steadfast upon faith until the moment of death, and in the grave as well, with Allah’s support, he will remain firm upon this word and will bear witness to “la ilaha illallah Muhammadur Rasulullah.” Accordingly, in one narration, it is mentioned that the aforementioned verse was revealed concerning the punishment of the grave.
(Sahih al-Bukhari, al-Jana’iz, Hadith: 1369)
➋
In any case, when the word of tawhid (the oneness of Allah) becomes deeply rooted in the heart of a believer and its root becomes firmly established, and he molds his entire life according to the requirements of this word, then righteous deeds (a‘maal salihah) are produced from him. The benefit of these deeds is not limited to his own self; rather, the surrounding society also benefits from them. Then these very righteous deeds reach up to the heights of the heavens.

Hadith Commentary:
(1)
In one narration, it is stated that when a Muslim is questioned in the grave, he recites the testimony of faith (kalimah shahadah); this is the meaning of this noble verse.
(Sahih al-Bukhari, al-Tafsir, Hadith: 4699)
In a lengthy narration, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said: Seek refuge from the punishment of the grave, for when the deceased is buried therein, the soul is returned to him. Then two angels come to him, seat him, and ask: Who is your Lord? The believer replies:
My Lord is Allah.
They ask:
What is your religion? He replies:
My religion is Islam.
Then they ask: What do you say about the man who was sent among you? He replies that he is the Messenger and envoy of Allah.
Then they say: From where did you acquire this knowledge? He replies: I read Allah’s Book, the Magnificent Qur’an, so I believed in it and considered it true.
The statement of Allah, the Exalted, that He keeps them firm with the firm word, refers to this.
After this, when the disbeliever is seated and questioned, he says in reply:
Alas! I have no knowledge.
(Sunan Abi Dawud, al-Sunnah, Hadith: 4753, and Fath al-Bari: 3/297, 298)
(2)
Kirmani said that there is no mention of the punishment of the grave in this noble verse.
Perhaps the conditions of the believer in the grave have been referred to as punishment, and for the purpose of warning and admonition, the trial of the disbeliever has been given precedence over the trial of the believer, or the very coming of the angels into the grave instills awe in the believer, and this is the punishment of the grave for the believer.
(Fath al-Bari: 3/293)

Explanation:
1:
Allah keeps those who have believed firm with the firm word (steadfast statement) in both this world and the Hereafter (Ibrahim: 27)

2:
The believing servant will say:
My Lord (object of worship) is Allah,
my religion is Islam, and my Prophet is Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam.

Benefits and Issues:
The matter of questioning and answering in the grave is mentioned in the above-mentioned verse of the Noble Qur’an and has been reported in numerous authentic ahadith; therefore, its denial is disbelief (kufr).

Takhrij al-Hadith: [صحيح بخاري 1369],
[صحيح مسلم 7219]

Fiqh al-Hadith:
➊ The punishment of the grave is a reality. For details, see: Monthly al-Hadith: 41, p. 15
➋ Three questions are asked in the grave: Who is your Lord? What is your religion? And what did you used to say about this man (Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam)?
➌ Hadith is the explanation and clarification of the Qur'an.

Benefit:
In this hadith, there is mention of the severity of the Day of Resurrection, that on that day everything—even the earth itself—will be changed. Furthermore, this hadith also establishes the proof of the Bridge of Sirat (pul sirat), and this is the place from which everyone must pass. Allah Ta’ala says: «وَاِنْ مِّنْكُمْ اِلَّا وَارِدُهَا» [19-مريم:71]. The ahadith are the explanation of the Noble Qur’an; without them, it is impossible to understand the Qur’an.