It was especially violent near the foot of the grave as if...

It was especially violent near the foot of the grave as if some huge beast was trying to split open the grave to enter. Finally the grave did split and two huge men with fearful faces entered (The punishment in the grave, the questioning of Munkir & Nakeer and the presence of snakes and scorpions in the grave is mentioned in numerous traditions. The details can be had from the books on Beliefs. e.g. Sheikh Sudooq and Allama Majlsi may be referred to).

The two men were strong and hefty like giants. Smoke and fire bellowed from their mouths and nostrils. In their hands were iron rods so red not that it seemed as if flames were leaping up from them. Suddenly they thundered in voices so sharp that the heavens and earth trembled. "Who is your Lord?" I was so afraid that I could not control my senses. I lost the power to speak and my courage gave way.

I thought that my dead body would not be able to answer their questions and I became certain that they would give the body a good beating with their iron rods and the grave would be engulfed with tire. I saw that as it were their fear had made me lose control over my senses, if fire engulfed the grave it would become much worse. So I decided to answer their questions myself. I beseeched God for help: O Helper of the Helpless and Rescuer of the Troubled and Afflicted.

come to my help." In my heart I also seeked the intercession of Imam Ali because I knew him well and I was aware of his strength, and of his position in the eyes of God and that he could come to one's help at any place and at all times. I believed him to be the dispenser of difficulties. My heart had been full of love for him throughout my life and even in death.

I knew that this intercessor was God's blessing and that in the most difficult of times when man is near to losing his senses this gift of God comes to his rescue. The Qur’an says, "And you see men in stupor, and they are not in stupor, but God's chastisement is severe" (Soora Hashr verse 2). But even in such times, the Imam comes to help. Hence as soon as I seeked his intercession. Inspite of the gravity of the situation, strength returned to me and I felt capable of answering.

(According to traditions the light of the Friendship of the Imams will help their friends in the difficult moments after death, as love strengthens heart and resolve). But my lengthy silence had angered them all the more. Their flaming eyes and faces became harsher.