English Translation

Hashim told us: Ishaq ibn Sa'id told us: Sa'id told us, from A'isha, that a Jewish woman used to serve her, and A'isha never did any kindness for her without the Jewish woman saying to her: "May Allah protect you from the punishment of the grave." She said: Then the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, came in to me, and I said: "O Messenger of Allah, is there punishment in the grave before the Day of Resurrection?" He said: "No, why do you ask?" She said: "This Jewish woman — we never do any kindness for her without her saying: 'May Allah protect you from the punishment of the grave.'" He said: "The Jews have lied; they are liars before Allah, Mighty and Sublime; there is no punishment before the Day of Resurrection." She said: Then he remained as long as Allah willed, then one day he went out at midday, wrapped in his garment, his eyes reddened, calling out at the top of his voice: "O people, trials have cast their shadow over you like pieces of the dark night! O people, if you knew what I know, you would weep much and laugh little! O people, seek refuge in Allah from the punishment of the grave, for the punishment of the grave is real."