The first view is that the trial of death is the questioning of the deceased in his grave by the two angels about his Lord, his religion, and his Prophet, based on the Prophet’s statement: “It has been revealed to me that you will be tested in your graves with a trial like, or nearly like, the trial of the False Messiah.” (1) As for one whose faith is sincere, answering will be easy for him.

When he is asked, “Who is your Lord?” he will say, “My Lord is Allah.”

“Who is your Prophet?” He will say, “My Prophet is Muhammad.”

“What is your religion?” He will say, “My religion is Islam”—with complete ease.

But as for others—Allah’s protection is sought—when they are asked, they will say, “Ah… ah… I do not know. I heard people saying something, so I said it too.” (2)

Reflect on his words, “Ah… ah…”: it is as though he once knew something but then forgot it. How severe is the regret over something you knew and then forgot! For the ignorant person gained nothing, whereas the forgetful person acquired it and then lost it. In the end, he says: “I do not know who my Lord is, what my religion is, or who my Prophet is.” This is a tremendous trial. I ask Allah to save me and you from it.

In reality, it revolves around what is in the heart. If the heart is truly believing, it perceives matters of the unseen as clearly as the eye sees; such a person will answer with complete ease. But if the matter is the opposite, then the outcome will likewise be the opposite.