Qabr

Qabr is the Arabic word for grave or tomb. In Islamic tradition, it refers to the place of burial for a deceased person. The concept of qabr is significant in Islamic eschatology, as it is believed to be the first stage of the afterlife, where the deceased experiences the questioning of the angels Munkar and Nakir. This period is often referred to as the "punishment or bliss of the grave" (adhab al-qabr or na'im al-qabr).

The physical qabr is typically a simple pit dug in the ground, into which the body, wrapped in a shroud (kafan), is placed. The body is usually laid on its right side, facing the direction of Mecca (Qibla). In some cultures, more elaborate structures may be built over or around the grave, such as mausoleums or headstones, though the core Islamic practice emphasizes simplicity.

The Quran and hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad) contain numerous references to the qabr and the events that transpire within it. These texts emphasize the importance of living a righteous life to ensure a favorable outcome in the qabr, which is seen as a prelude to the Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Qiyamah) and the ultimate reckoning in the hereafter. Muslims are encouraged to pray for the deceased and visit graves, reflecting on mortality and the transient nature of worldly life.