Answered by Shaykh Gibril F Haddad
My sister lost her husband 2 months ago and now needs to know if her husband can see her and her son, and do the spirits really come down. If not, then why does she smell flowers all around her . Please explain.
Wa `alaykum as-Salam:
Spirits are not “up” so they do not “come down” but are in the graves until the Day of Resurrection. However, it is mentioned that the spirits of the believers are free to come and go with the permission of Allah.
The fragrant smell may be because of her own steadfastness (sabr) and good deeds after the death of her loved one (who is no longer her husband because death dissolves the marriage), and Allah knows best. Rahimahullah.