What happens after one dies?

Know, O slave of Allaah!

Your deeds are the means to your success or your destruction in the Hereafter... 

So, think carefully about your future!

Your health & your strength cannot save you from the punishment of the grave;

nor your wealth, family & tribesmen can aid you in the standing before your Lord 

on the Day of Judgment;

 nor will the tears of your loved ones benefit you when your deeds are 

placed on the scale. 

So, fear your lord and look to your deeds and seek not but the pleasure of Allaah!

Abi Huraira رضي اللّه عنـه narrated that the Prophet صلّى اللَّهُ عليه وسلّم said:

"When a person dies, his actions are cut off except from three: an ongoing charitable act, knowledge which is benefited from or a righteous child who supplicates for him".
(Muslim)

The meaning of the hadeeth:

The actions of the slave come to an end and are cut off when death takes him except for the one who has left behind:

1.  An ongoing charitable acts such as building hospitals, orphanage homes, water wells etc. His reward will continue to grow and reach him in his grave and it is also recorded for him in his book of records  even though he is (dead) in his grave. 

2.    One who has left behind beneficial knowledge from which the people benefit after his death. This shows the virtue of spreading knowledge.

3.  One who has left behind a righteous child (boy or girl) who make dua for his parents who had raised them. Therefore, their supplications for their dead parents reaches them and is recorded for them as if it is from  their own actions which they have earned. And Allaah knows best.

Anas رضي اللّه عنـه narrated that the Prophet صلّى اللَّهُ عليه وسلّم said:

"Three (things) follow (the funeral) of the dead person: his family, his wealth and his deeds. Two return and one will remain: his family and wealth will return and his deeds (good or bad) remain."

{Bukhaari & Muslim}

Translated by: Abu Haroon Muhammad As-Somaali

(Slightly edited for the blog)