He continued, “They ascend with the soul, and whenever they pass by a company of angels the latter ask, ‘Whose pure soul is this?’ They answer, ‘It is so-and-so, the son of so-and-so,’ calling him by the noblest names with which he was known in the world. They keep rising until they reach the first heaven. They request that it be opened for him, and it is opened; the angels who are nearest to Allah in every heaven then escort him to the next heaven, until they arrive at the heaven where Allah is. There Allah, Mighty and Exalted, says, ‘Write the record of My servant in ʿIlliyyīn and return him to the earth, for from it I created them, to it I shall return them, and from it I will bring them forth once more.’

“The soul is then returned to his body. Two angels come to him, seat him upright, and ask, ‘Who is your Lord?’ He replies, ‘My Lord is Allah.’ They ask, ‘What is your religion?’ He answers, ‘My religion is Islam.’ They ask, ‘Who is this man who was sent among you?’ He replies, ‘He is the Messenger of Allah.’ They ask, ‘How did you come to know this?’ He says, ‘I read the Book of Allah, believed in it, and affirmed it.’ A herald then calls out from heaven, ‘My servant has spoken the truth; lay out for him a couch from Paradise and open for him a gate to Paradise.’

“Some of its fragrance and breeze reach him, and his grave is expanded for him as far as his eye can see.

“A man of radiant face, fine clothing, and pleasant scent approaches and says, ‘Rejoice in what brings you delight; this is the day you were promised.’ The deceased asks, ‘Who are you? Your face is one that brings good news.’ He replies, ‘I am your righteous deeds.’ The believer then says, ‘My Lord, establish the Hour so that I may return to my family and my wealth.’

“But when the unbelieving servant is severed from this world and about to enter the Hereafter, angels with black faces descend to him from heaven, carrying coarse sackcloth. They sit around him as far as the eye can see. Then the Angel of Death comes, sits at his head, and says, ‘Foul soul, come out to the wrath and anger of Allah.’

“The soul scatters within his body, and he tears it out as one drags a many-pronged iron hook through wet wool. Once he has seized it, they do not leave it in his hand for even the blink of an eye before they place it…"