It is only our deeds that come with us to our graves, nothing else.

A hadith explains:

Three things go with the deceased. Two return whilst one remains with him, and these are his family, wealth, and deeds. His family and wealth return, upon which he is left with his deeds.^[1]

Three friends

Allah’s final prophet, our master Muhammad صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم once said:

The example of you, your family, wealth and actions, is like that of a person who has three dear friends. As he nears death, he calls his three friends and says to one of them, “You can see the condition I am in. Tell me, what can you do for me?”

He replies, “For now, I can look after and stay with you, to ensure you get what you need. When you die, I can bathe and shroud you, then carry your janāza, sometimes shouldering it myself and others times another. I shall only speak good in your regard upon my return, whenever anybody asks of you.” This friend is that person’s family.

He then asks his second friend, “You too can see what condition I am in. What can you do for me?” He responds, “I shall be here as long as you live, but as soon as you die our paths will separate, as you shall go to the grave whilst I stay behind in the world.” This friend is that person’s wealth.

The person proceeds to ask his third friend, “I am sure you too see my condition. You have heard what my family and wealth