The Shia of Aal Muhammad (a.s.) enjoy an enormous standing near Allah. Whether or not this distinguished status is evident in the Shia’s lifetime, the moment he is in the throes of death (sakaraat al-maut), he begins to understand the enormity of his position in front of Allah, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and Ameerul Momineen (a.s.).
Here is a fascinating report of one such Shia who is welcomed by hundreds of thousands of angels on his death.
Abdullah Ibn Malik narrates from Imam Sadiq (a.s.):
One day Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) was sitting and explaining something and a group from his companions was sitting around him when he looked at a big black object descending from the sky. Then he ended the discussion and stood up with his companions and then he walked upon a street of Medina and he was looking at the black object till he reached it. It was a coffin which was carried by four people and there was nobody behind it.
Then he (s.a.w.a.) asked: Who is this dead person?
They responded: O Prophet (s.a.w.a.) he was a slave from Bani Rebah, he spent his life in the service of his masters then he died while he was still in their contract then we were ordered to bury him.
the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said to Ameerul Momineen (a.s): Look at him perhaps you may recognize him.
Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) uncovered the dead body which had a black shackle on the neck and chains on the feet.
Then Imam (a.s.) said: Yes, by Allah O Prophet of Allah! Surely, I know him, and I have never met him except that he would say to me: O my master I swear by Allah that I love you..
Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said: There is no blame for him surely, he has benefited from this. I swear by Allah! Seventy groups of 70,000 angels, have descended from the heavens to participate in his funeral and to pray for him.
Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) instructed that the shackle be cut from his neck and the chains let loose from his feet and he (s.a.w.a.) prayed for him and buried him and sought mercy and forgiveness for him.
- Sharh al-Akhbar v 3 p 478-479
Shias of Aal Muhammad (a.s.) may undergo many difficulties in this world based on personal misfortunes or attacks from the enemies. If they are firmly entrenched in the beliefs of Tauheed and Prophethood with an unbreakable bond with the Imam of the time, then they can look forward to a grand welcome from the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) and a legion of angels at the time of death right up to the Day of Judgement.