Question
What is the status of the following narration?
من قرأ القرآن، ثم مات قبل أن يستظهره، أتاه ملك فعلمه في قبره، فيلقى الله وقد استظهره
Answer
Imam Ibn Shahin (rahimahullah) has recorded this narration on the authority of Sayyiduna Abu Sa’id Al Khudri (radiyallahu ‘anhu) with a weak chain.
Sayyiduna Abu Sa’id Al Khudri (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reported that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whomsoever recites the Quran and passes away before memorising it, an angel will come to him and teach him in his grave. He will meet Allah in the condition that he has memorised the Quran.”
(At Targhib Fi Fadailil A’amal, Hadith: 195. Refer: Lisanul Mizan, vol.4 pg. 306, number: 3906)
Imam Abu Bakr Ibn Abid Dunya (rahimahullah) has recorded other narrations which also mention that angels will be appointed to teach a person Quran in the grave if there was some portion left over and he passed away before completing.
(Kitabu Dhikril Mawt, Hadith: 294-295-296. Also see: Ahwalul Qubur of Hafiz Ibn Rajab, pg. 85-86 and pg. 317-318 and Sharhus Sudur, pg. 367-368)
These narrations corroborate each other. The Hadith in question is therefore suitable to quote.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar