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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Journey to the Unseen World Journey to the Unseen World When I died, I saw myself standing, relieved of my illness, feeling fit and healthy; I saw my relatives mourning around my corpse. I was saddened by their crying and told them that I was cured and not dead; but nobody heard me. My body was bathed and shrouded. I even joined the funeral procession, in which I saw many wild animals which frightened me.

But the other people didn't even notice these beasts. My body was lowered head-first into the grave. Just at that moment many animals emerged and started attacking my body. My fear knew no bounds but the other people behaved as if they did not even see them! My cries for help fell on deaf ears! Suddenly some people entered the grave and shooed away the animals. I thanked them. They told me that they were my “Good Deeds”, while the beasts were my “Evil Deeds”.

The grave was closed over my dead body and all my friends and relatives deserted me in my lonely confinement. I was afraid and bewildered. Suddenly the grave trembled and split open. Two huge Angels with fearful faces entered. Smoke and fire bellowed from their mouths and nostrils. They were holding red hot iron rods in their hands.

Suddenly in a thundering voice, they asked me: “Who is your Lord?” In my extreme fear I could not speak and beseeched Allah for help and sought the intercession of Imam ‘Ali (as) knowing that he helps in the most difficult of circumstances. My silence angered them and they repeated their question. My fear left me and I replied by reciting the ayats of Sura al-Hashr (Verse 22, 23). Next they asked me, “Who is your Prophet? Which is your Book? (Kitaab), Direction of Worship (Qibla), Imams”.

My answers seemed to satisfy them. They then asked me “What is the source of these answers?” I again became confused. Would the arguments I learned in the dark, ignorant and material world hold true in this enlightened, illuminated place ? I again beseeched Allah with Imam ‘Ali's intercession. Suddenly the answer was revealed to me. I was guided by Allah. I replied. They said “Then sleep like a newly-wed” and left me. I felt the fear leave me and I slept peacefully.

When I woke up, I found myself in a pleasant room with a handsome youth. After greeting each other with respect, he told me “My name is Haadi (Guide). I guided you to your last answers.