Is instructing the deceased after burial recommended or permissible?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Funerals
Primary text
The practice of instructing the deceased after burial, where one stands at the head of the grave and reminds the deceased of their declaration of faith (Shahada) and their acceptance of Allah, the Prophet, and the Quran, is recommended (Yustahabb). This view is held by Al-Qadi and Abu Al-Khattab. Evidence for this practice is derived from a narration attributed to Abu Umamah Al-Bahili, stating that the Prophet (peace be upon him) instructed that after burial and leveling the earth, one should stand at the head of the grave and call the deceased by name twice. The deceased hears but cannot answer. Upon the third call, the deceased sits up. The caller then reminds the deceased concerning what they departed the world upon: the testimony that there is no god but Allah, that Muhammad is His servant and messenger, that they were content with Allah as Lord, Islam as religion, Muhammad as Prophet, and the Quran as leader. Following this, the two angels, Munkar and Nakeer, postpone questioning, stating, 'Go forth, what keeps us here when he has been taught his proof, and Allah will be his proof against us.' If the deceased's mother's name is unknown, the caller should attribute them to Eve (Hawa). This narration was reported by Ibn Shahin in his book Kitab Dhikr Al-Mawt.
Supporting text
Regarding this practice, Imam Ahmad did not have a stated opinion found in the text. It is noted that this action was observed among the people of Sham when Abu Al-Mughirah died, based on a narration linking it to Abu Bakr bin Abi Maryam and their elders. Ibn ‘Ayash narrated that the purpose of this instruction is to affirm the torment of the grave. Some reported that the practice was done by the predecessors.