Question
What is the truth when it comes to punishment in graves? The holy Qur’an does not mention anything regarding this. Also it contradicts the notion of final judgment followed by the punishment and reward. How can we have punishment before the final judgment?
Answer
You are right that grave punishment is not mentioned in the Qur’an. This itself is an evidence to that grave punishment mentioned in some of the Ahadith cannot be a general principle.
The grave punishment that is referred to in some of the Ahadith is with regard to those direct addressees of the Messenger of God (sws) who rejected him despite knowing the truth of his message. Punishment of such groups after completion of all reasoning for them (Itmam Al-Hujjah) started in this very world through the hands of the Messenger (sws) and his companions (Qur’an, 9:14) and continues in their graves and ultimately when they are resurrected in the hell. In fact, the arrogance of these people is so obvious that God judges about them instantly in this very world.
Answered by: Farhad Shafti
Date: 2015-03-23
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