Questioning about Beliefs and Deeds in the Grave

We should also know about the things involved in questioning in the grave. It will be about beliefs and actions or deeds. It will be asked, "Who is your God? Who is your Prophet? Which religion were you following?" These questions will be asked to everyone, the believer as well as the unbeliever. Of course lunatics or mentally retarded persons and minor children will be exempted from it.

If the dead had faith in true beliefs it will state his or her beliefs and will testify to the Oneness of the Lord of the worlds and the Messengership of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) and to the Imamat of the Holy Imams (a.s.). Otherwise the dead will remain dumb and will not be able to speak. Frightened by the said two interrogating angels some will say, "You are my Gods." Sometimes they will say, "People say Muhammad is the messenger of God and Quran is the Book of God." They will not give clear and correct replies. In short, if the deceased is able to give correct replies a gate is opened near his or her head and the grave is widened as far as one can see. Thus the door of Barzakh (which will continue till Resurrection) is the door of comfort and spaciousness :

Then if he is one of those drawn nigh (to Allah),
Then happiness and bounty and a garden of bliss.
And if he is one of those on the right hand,
Then peace to you from those on the right hand.
And if he is one of the rejecters, the erring ones,
He shall have an entertainment of boiling water, (56:88-93)

Then the body will be told: Have a sweet and restful sleep. 1

If the deceased is unable to give correct answers, a door of the Hell of Barzakh will be opened for him or her and a breath from the breaths of Hell will fill up his or her grave. (All these sentences have been taken from narrations. Original text has not been mentioned for the sake of brevity).
____________
1 Usoole Kafi.

Adapted from the book: "The Hereafter (Ma'aad)" by: "Ayatullah Dastghaib Shiraazi"