Hadith about the Soul leaving the Dead Body: Reference (English):
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Angels come to the dying person, and if the man was righteous, they say: ‘Come out, O good soul that was in a good body, come out praiseworthy and receive glad tidings of mercy and fragrance and a Lord Who is not angry.’ And this is repeated until it comes out, then it is taken up to heaven, and it is opened for it, and it is asked: ‘Who is this?’ They say: ‘So-and-so.’
It is said: ‘Welcome to the good soul that was in a good body. Enter praiseworthy and receive the glad tidings of mercy and fragrance and a Lord Who is not angry.’ And this is repeated until it is brought to the heaven above which is Allah. But if the man was evil, they say: ‘Come out O evil soul that was in an evil body.
Come out blameworthy, and receive the tidings of boiling water and the discharge of dirty wounds,’ and other torments of similar kind, all together. And this is repeated until it comes out, then it is taken up to heaven and it is not opened for it. And it is asked: ‘Who is this?’ It is said: ‘So-and-so.’ And it is said: ‘No welcome to the evil soul that was in an evil body.
Go back blameworthy, for the gates of heaven will not be opened to you.’ So it is sent back down from heaven, then it goes to the grave.”
Sunan Ibn Majah, 4262
In-Book Reference: Book 37, Hadith 163
English Reference: Vol. 5, Book 37, Hadith 4262
Hadith about the Soul leaving the Dead Body: Reference (Arabic):
حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، حَدَّثَنَا شَبَابَةُ، عَنِ ابْنِ أَبِي ذِئْبٍ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَمْرِو بْنِ عَطَاءٍ، عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ يَسَارٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ قَالَ : ” الْمَيِّتُ تَحْضُرُهُ الْمَلاَئِكَةُ فَإِذَا كَانَ الرَّجُلُ صَالِحًا قَالُوا : اخْرُجِي أَيَّتُهَا النَّفْسُ الطَّيِّبَةُ كَانَتْ فِي الْجَسَدِ الطَّيِّبِ اخْرُجِي حَمِيدَةً وَأَبْشِرِي بِرَوْحٍ وَرَيْحَانٍ وَرَبٍّ غَيْرِ غَضْبَانَ فَلاَ يَزَالُ يُقَالُ لَهَا ذَلِكَ حَتَّى تَخْرُجَ ثُمَّ يُعْرَجُ بِهَا إِلَى السَّمَاءِ فَيُفْتَحُ لَهَا فَيُقَالُ : مَنْ هَذَا فَيَقُولُونَ : فُلاَنٌ . فَيُقَالُ :
مَرْحَبًا بِالنَّفْسِ الطَّيِّبَةِ، كَانَتْ فِي الْجَسَدِ الطَّيِّبِ ادْخُلِي حَمِيدَةً، وَأَبْشِرِي بِرَوْحٍ وَرَيْحَانٍ وَرَبٍّ غَيْرِ غَضْبَانَ . فَلاَ يَزَالُ يُقَالُ لَهَا ذَلِكَ حَتَّى يُنْتَهَى بِهَا إِلَى السَّمَاءِ الَّتِي فِيهَا اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ وَإِذَا كَانَ الرَّجُلُ السُّوءُ قَالَ اخْرُجِي أَيَّتُهَا النَّفْسُ الْخَبِيثَةُ كَانَتْ فِي الْجَسَدِ الْخَبِيثِ اخْرُجِي ذَمِيمَةً وَأَبْشِرِي بِحَمِيمٍ وَغَسَّاقٍ . وَآخَرَ مِنْ شَكْلِهِ أَزْوَاجٌ . فَلاَ يَزَالُ يُقَالُ لَهَا ذَلِكَ حَتَّى تَخْرُجَ ثُمَّ يُعْرَجُ بِهَا إِلَى السَّمَاءِ فَلاَ يُفْتَحُ لَهَا فَيُقَالُ : مَنْ هَذَا فَيُقَالُ : فُلاَنٌ . فَيُقَالُ : لاَ مَرْحَبًا بِالنَّفْسِ الْخَبِيثَةِ كَانَتْ فِي الْجَسَدِ الْخَبِيثِ ارْجِعِي ذَمِيمَةً فَإِنَّهَا لاَ تُفْتَحُ لَكِ أَبْوَابُ السَّمَاءِ فَيُرْسَلُ بِهَا مِنَ السَّمَاءِ ثُمَّ تَصِيرُ إِلَى الْقَبْرِ ”
Commentary on the Hadith
The Hadith begins by illustrating the peaceful departure of a righteous soul. Angels greet the dying person with words of comfort and reassurance, acknowledging the good life the person led. They say, “Come out, O good soul that was in a good body, come out praiseworthy and receive glad tidings of mercy and fragrance and a Lord Who is not angry.” This emphasizes the reward awaiting the righteous, highlighting Allah’s mercy and approval.
As the soul ascends to heaven, it is warmly welcomed at each stage, reflecting the soul’s esteemed status in the eyes of Allah. The phrase, “Welcome you good soul that was in a good body,” repeated at each level, underscores the honor and respect accorded to the righteous soul. This continues until it reaches the highest heaven, indicating its ultimate acceptance and eternal peace.
Contrarily, the Hadith strictly contrasts with the fate of an evil soul. Angels address it harshly, saying, “Come out O evil soul that was in an evil body. Come out blameworthy, and receive the tidings of boiling water and the discharge of dirty wounds.” The use of strong, frightening imagery conveys the gravity of the consequences of a life of sin.
As the evil soul ascends, it faces rejection at each level of heaven. The statement, “No welcome to the evil soul that was in an evil body,” and the closure of the gates of heaven signify divine disapproval and the soul’s unworthiness. This rejection in the soul being sent back to its grave indicates eternal condemnation and the beginning of its torment.
Lessons and Reflections
- Righteous Living: The Hadith serves as a reminder of the importance of leading a righteous life. The comforting reception of the good soul emphasizes the rewards of piety and moral integrity.
- Divine Justice from Allah: The contrasting fates of the righteous and wicked souls illustrate Allah’s perfect justice. Each soul receives what it deserves based on its earthly deeds.
- Preparation for the Hereafter: The explicit descriptions in the Hadith encourage Muslims to prepare for the Hereafter by engaging in good deeds and avoiding sinful behavior.
- Mercy and Punishment: The Hadith highlights both Allah’s mercy for the righteous and His severe punishment for the wicked. This dual aspect serves as both a source of hope and a warning.
In conclusion, this Hadith provides a powerful description of the soul’s journey after death, emphasizing the importance of righteousness and the certainty of Allah’s divine justice. It calls believers to reflect on their lives and strive for actions that will ensure a favorable reception in the Hereafter.
You can also read the full article on Life After Death In Islam to have a comprehensive knowledge of what awaits us after death.
You will be able to have a full understanding about the journey of life after death in Islam, from the moment of death, through the trials of the grave, the Day of Judgment, and the eternal abode in the Hereafter, which serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of living a life pleasing to Allah.
