The Questioning by the Two Angels
This is also called the grave’s ordeal (fitnah al-qabr): the examination the deceased undergoes when the two angels put their questions to him.
Numerous hadiths from the Prophet ﷺ attest to this ordeal—the reports of al-Baraʾ ibn ʿĀzib, Anas ibn Malik, Abu Hurayrah, and others (may Allah be pleased with them).
It applies to every legally accountable person, with the possible exception of the Prophets—regarding whom there is disagreement. The same difference of opinion exists concerning those who are not accountable, such as children and the insane. Some scholars said they are not subjected to the questioning, since trials are reserved for those who are accountable; others maintained that they are.
Those who consider them subject to questioning argue that the funeral prayer, supplication, and petitioning Allah to protect them from the punishment and ordeal of the grave are legislated for them. Mālik relates in his Muwaṭṭaʾ, on the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), that the Prophet ﷺ prayed over a child’s bier and was heard supplicating: “O Allah, protect him from the torment of the grave.”
They also cite the narration transmitted by ʿAlī ibn Maʿbad from ʿĀʾishah (may Allah be pleased with her). A funeral procession of a small child passed by her and she wept. She was asked, “Mother of the Believers, why do you weep?” She replied, “This child—I wept for him out of compassion, fearing the squeeze of the grave.”
They add that Allah, exalted is He, will perfect the intellects of such persons so they may recognize their standing and be inspired with the answers they are asked to give. Numerous hadiths indicate that they will be tested in the Hereafter, and al-Ashʿarī has reported this position from Ahl al-Sunnah and the hadith scholars. If they are to be tested in the Hereafter, nothing prevents their being tested in the graves as well.
Those who deny that they are questioned contend that the interrogation is directed only at one who has understood the Messenger and the One who sent him, so that he may be asked whether he believed in and obeyed the Messenger or not. As for a child who possesses no discernment whatsoever, how could he be asked, “What did you used to say about this man who was sent among you?”—and were he to be returned