The events of the first night after the burial of a deceased person in the grave have been extensively discussed in Islam. The meeting with angels, questioning the person, squeezing or opening of the grave are some of these actions. It has been stated in the Holy Quran that,

Then [for him is] rest and bounty and a garden of pleasure. And if he was of the companions of the right, Then [the angels will say], “Peace for you; [you are] from the companions of the right.” But if he was of the deniers [who were] astray, Then [for him is] accommodation of scalding water – Surah Waqiya, verse 89-93

Holy Prophet (PBUH) asked for Allah’s mercy from the punishment of the grave.

Narrated Anas bin Malik (RA): Allah’s Prophet (PBUH) used to say, “O Allah! I seek refuge with You from incapacity and laziness, from cowardice and geriatric old age, and seek refuge with You from the punishment of the grave, and I seek refuge with You from the afflictions of life and death.” – Sahih al-Bukhari Book 75 Hadith 378

Here are a few acts Holy Prophet (PBUH) told us which can save from punishment in the grave.

1. Recite Surah Mulk

Narrated Ibn Abbas (RA): One of the companions of the Prophet (PBUH) pitched a tent on a grave without knowing that it was a grave. Suddenly he heard a person from the grave reciting Surah al-Mulk till he completed it. So he went to the Prophet (PBUH) and said: ‘Oh Messenger of Allah, I pitched my tent on a grave without realizing that is was a grave. Then suddenly I heard a person from the grave reciting Surah al-Mulk till he completed it.’ The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: ‘It is the defender, it is the deliverer – it delivers from the punishment of the grave.” – Al-Tirmidhi, Vol. 5, Book 42, Hadith 2890

2. Recite Surah Nisa On Friday

Hazrat Ali said that “A person who recites Surah Nisa on every Friday will remain safe from the squeeze in the grave.” – Tafseer ul Burhan, page number 354

3. Strive Against Your Own Soul

Narrated Fadalah bin Ubaid (RA): That the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “The deeds of everyone who dies are sealed. Except for the one who dies guarding the frontier against the enemy, in the cause of Allah. For indeed his actions are increased for him until the Day of Judgement, and he is secure from the tribulation of the grave.” And I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saying: “The Mujahid is one who strives against his own soul.” –  Jami Al-Tirmidhi, Book 22, Hadith 3

4. Recite Surah At-Takasur

Holy Prophet (PBUH) said, “If a person recites Surah at-Takasur before going to bed, Allah will grant him freedom from this punishment.” – Tafseer ul Burhan, page number 340

May Allah save us from the punishment of the grave and the punishment of the Hell Fire, Ameen!