7 – As for the Prophet’s words, “and indeed, should Allah will, we shall join you,” the soundest explanation of this exception clause is that the intended meaning is to join them in the state of Islam and faith upon which they died, while asking that we not be put to trial or led astray after them. Since the greeting here is directed to the people of al-Baqīʿ, it also carries the sense of joining them in that cemetery; the Prophet ﷺ prayed for the inhabitants of al-Baqīʿ, saying, “O Allah, forgive the people of Baqīʿ al-Gharqad,” and that supplication includes both the earliest and the latest of them. The point of saying, “and indeed we shall join you,” is to remind oneself that he will inevitably follow them, and this is one of the purposes of visiting graves.
8 – Shaykh al-Islām stated that numerous reports confirm that the deceased are informed about the circumstances of their families and companions in the world: they rejoice at what is pleasing and are pained by what is blameworthy. The deceased recognizes his visitor before sunrise. In al-Ghunyah, Shaykh ʿAbd al-Qādir adds that he recognizes him at all times, with Friday being especially emphasized. Ibn al-Qayyim said that the hadiths and reports indicate that when a visitor arrives, the deceased is aware of him, hears his speech, is comforted by him, and replies; this holds true for martyrs and others alike, and no specific time-limit is set for it.
9 – The supplication here is appropriate for both the visitor and the dead: the visitor asks Allah for well-being—protection from bodily illnesses and, more importantly, from the diseases of the heart, which are far more harmful—while for the deceased he asks safety and well-being from punishment and beseeches Allah the Exalted to grant them mercy and forgiveness.
10 – The phrase “and indeed, should Allah will, we shall join you” shows that it is recommended for a person to accustom himself to this inevitable future, knowing that he will follow these departed ones and therefore should make ready, for death is an admonition and a reminder.
Benefits:
First: The scholars unanimously agree that it is recommended to console a Muslim afflicted by the death of a loved one, even if