What is the life of the Barzakh?

Barzakh life begins with the seizing of the soul and its ascension. It includes the states of the grave, such as its squeeze and the questioning by the two angels. A person's destiny is determined based on their deeds: the graves of the righteous expand, while those of the wicked constrict. Each person is shown their seat in Paradise or Hell. This is indicated by religious texts, such as the lengthy Hadith of Al-Bara' ibn 'Azib, the Hadith of Anas ibn Malik concerning the questioning by the two angels, and the Hadiths about the squeeze of the grave. Barzakh life differs from worldly and afterlife existence in that the soul has a special connection to the body, returning to it at specific times, such as during the questioning by the two angels or when visited by the living. The deceased knows who visits them and hears their speech, according to the preponderant opinion, and the Salaf are in agreement on this. The detailed specifics of this life remain hidden from us, and belief in it is obligatory.