WELCOME TO ISLAM: THE NATURE OF BARZAKH -No:30

The Deeds will be Embodied.

In Islamic belief, the concept of "embodiment of deeds" suggests that a person's actions in this life will manifest in a tangible form in the Hereafter, including in the grave. This means that good deeds will appear as positive and beneficial entities, while bad deeds may appear as negative or harmful ones. The grave, in this context, is not just a physical place of burial but also a realm where the consequences of one's actions become apparent.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

The Grave as a Realm of Manifestation:

In Islam, the grave is considered the first stage of the afterlife, known as Barzakh. It's not solely a physical space for the body but also a spiritual realm where the soul experiences the consequences of its earthly deeds.

Good Deeds:

Good deeds, such as prayer, charity, and righteous actions, are believed to manifest in the grave as comforting and protective entities. They may appear as a radiant light, a beautiful form, or other positive manifestations, providing solace and protection to the deceased.

Bad Deeds:

Conversely, bad deeds may manifest as negative entities, causing discomfort, fear, or even punishment for the deceased.

Source of the Concept:

This concept is derived from Islamic texts, including the Quran and Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad).

Example:

One hadith mentions that a person's prayers and good deeds will appear in the grave as a companion, offering comfort and protection.

Beyond the Grave:

The concept of deed embodiment extends beyond the grave to other stages of the Hereafter, including the Day of Judgment.

Relevance to Belief:

This concept is important in Islamic belief as it emphasizes the accountability for one's actions and the tangible consequences of both good and bad deeds.

The good and bad deeds will take shape and will give comfort to the doer or put him to the torture in the grave, as well as on the Day of Resurrection, according to his deeds, whether good or bad. Though the deeds are abstract, it is not out of God’s power to clothe abstraction with a body. We should believe in the events of life hereafter, even if we fail to understand them.

1. Hadrat Nawas bin Saman (رضي الله عنه) is reported to have said that the Holy Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) had said that on the Day of Resurrection, the position of the people who recited the Holy Qur’an and acted upon it, will be such that they will have the Holy Qur’an with them, and Sura Bagara and al-Imran will go ahead of them. Both these Surahs will plead the case of their readers. (Muslim).

2. Hadrat Ibn Mubarak (رَحِمَهُ ٱللَّٰهُ) states that Hadrat Zaid bin Aslam (رضي الله عنه) had reported that on the Day of Resurrection, the deed of a believer will take the comeliest shape. It will be in the prime of youth, having a charming countenance, and its form will diffuse fragrance. In that appearance, it will sit by the side of its door. Whenever the doer feels uneasiness and is overtaken by fear, it will console him. On seeing this, the believer will pray, “My God reward thee. You are a good companion. Please tell me who you are?” The deed will say, ‘‘Don’t you recognize me? I have been with you in the world as well as in the grave. I am your deed.

As you did a good deed, you are being rewarded. Come and ride on my shoulders. I have been riding on you in the world for a long time. It is your turn to ride on me.”’ As soon as the believer rides it will carry him to God Almighty and will say, “O God, these people who went into business in the world earned a lot of profit, and those who established industries tempted you and made you bold on my surface. If the dead body is pious, a reply is given to the grave on his behalf that it should take into account his deeds. He performed good deeds and abstained from doing bad deeds. On hearing, the grave says, ‘‘No doubt he was pious. I will confer favors on him.” Then the dead body is illuminated and his soul is commended to God Almighty. (Hakim, Tirmidht).

4. Hadrat ‘Abdullah bin ‘Ubaid (رضي الله عنه) is reported to have said that the Holy Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) had said that a dead body sits down and hears the sound of footsteps of those people who had gone to his grave with the funeral. The grave says to the dead body, ‘‘O son of Adam! May damnation take you! You did not think of my straitness, my horrid smell, my wilderness, and the worms and insects crawling in me.—This is the reason why you did not make preparations for avoiding these things.’’ (lbn Abi Dunya).

5. Hadrat Yazid bin Shajarah (رضي الله عنه) is reported to have said that the @rave says to an infidel and a transgressor, ‘‘Did you not think of my darkness, my wilderness, my solitude, my straitness and my grief?” (ibn Abi Shatba).