What Happens at the Grave? Do the Dead Hear Our Voices? | Yasir Qadhi

One of the most debated theological questions in Islam is whether the dead can hear the living when they are visited at the grave. This issue—known in Islamic theology as samāʿ al-mawtā (the hearing of the dead)—has been discussed by scholars since the earliest generations of Islam, including the Companions of the Prophet ﷺ themselves.

In this detailed and balanced lecture, Yasir Qadhi explores the two major scholarly positions within Sunni Islam, demonstrating that this is not a matter of innovation or deviation, but a legitimate difference of opinion rooted in strong textual evidence.

The lecture begins with a critical clarification: no scholar has ever claimed that the dead hear everything, or that they hear from far distances. Absolute and unrestricted hearing belongs only to Allah. The discussion is limited strictly to whether the deceased may hear in specific circumstances, such as at the grave during burial or visitation.

The first position—held by ʿĀ’ishah (رضي الله عنها) and many scholars—argues that the dead do not hear the living. This view relies primarily on clear Qur’anic verses stating that the dead cannot hear, and understands these verses literally. According to this interpretation, the Qur’an uses the dead as a metaphor for disbelievers whose hearts no longer respond to guidance.

The second position—attributed to ʿUmar ibn al-Khattab, Ibn ʿUmar (رضي الله عنهم), and many other scholars—argues that the dead can hear in certain limited situations. This view is supported by well-known hadith, including the Prophet ﷺ addressing the slain Quraysh leaders at Badr, the narration stating that the deceased hears footsteps after burial, and the practice of giving salām to the people of the grave.

Both sides respond to each other with scholarly rigor:
• One group argues that Qur’anic verses refer to spiritual hearing, not physical sound
• The other responds that hadith-based hearing is exceptional and temporary, not continuous

Yasir Qadhi emphasizes that both positions fall squarely within orthodox Sunni Islam, and that intellectual honesty requires acknowledging valid disagreement without turning theology into polemics.

This lecture is an essential watch for anyone seeking a clear, respectful, and academically grounded explanation of one of Islam’s most misunderstood topics—without extremism, mockery, or oversimplification.

#YasirQadhi
#IslamicTheology
#Aqidah
#GraveLife
#Barzakh
#AfterlifeInIslam
#SamalMawta
#DoTheDeadHear
#IslamicKnowledge
#SunniIslam
#QuranAndSunnah
#IslamicLectures
#IslamicDebates
#ScholarlyDifference
#IslamicEducation