He—may Allah have mercy on him—was also asked:

“Does the deceased speak in his grave or not?”

He replied:

He speaks, and he may also hear those who speak to him, as is authentically reported from the Prophet, may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him, who said:

“They hear the sound of their sandals.”

It is also authentically reported from him:

“The deceased is questioned in his grave. He is asked, ‘Who is your Lord? What is your religion? Who is your prophet?’ Allah keeps the believer firm with the firm word, and he says, ‘Allah is my Lord, Islam is my religion, and Muhammad is my prophet.’ He is also asked, ‘What do you say about this man who was sent among you?’ The believer replies, ‘He is Allah’s servant and Messenger. He brought us clear proofs and guidance, so we believed in him and followed him.’”

This is the meaning of the words of Allah Most High:

“Allah keeps those who believe firm with the firm word, in the life of this world and in the Hereafter.”

It is authentically reported from the Prophet, may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him, that this verse was revealed concerning the punishment of the grave.

The hypocrite likewise speaks, saying, “Ah, ah! I do not know. I heard people saying something, so I said it too.” He is then struck with an iron mallet and lets out a scream that everything except human beings can hear.