final rites - i

Final Rites

Brief discussion on Birth process, Sickness, Pre/During & Post Death Rites

Contents

1 Birth ........................................................................................................................... 5

1.1 Biological Source ................................................................................................... 5

1.1.1 Surah as-Sajjdah 32, Ayat 8 ............................................................................. 5

1.1.2 Surah al-Qiyamah 75, Ayat 37 .......................................................................... 5

1.1.3 Surah al-Insan 76, Ayat 2 ................................................................................ 5

1.2 Islamic Biological Process ....................................................................................... 6

1.2.1 40 – 42 Days :: Sperm drop ~ nut’fa ................................................................. 6

a) Allah sends an Angel to give form .................................................................. 6

b) Surah as-Sajjdah 32, Ayat 9 .......................................................................... 6

c) Surah Abasa 80, Ayat 19 .............................................................................. 6

1.2.2 40 – 45 nights :: The Sperm drop falls in to the Uterus ........................................ 6

a) Male or Female ............................................................................................ 6

b) Will it be wretched or happy .......................................................................... 6

c) The sustenance ............................................................................................ 6

d) All has been written down ............................................................................. 6

1.2.3 120 days or 18th week :: Respiratory Circulation ................................................. 6

a) Angel is sent down to breathe in the Soul ........................................................ 6

b) Respiratory kicks in ...................................................................................... 6

1.3 Stages of Sperm ................................................................................................... 7

1.3.1 Nutfa :: Zygote / morula .................................................................................. 7

1.3.2 ‘Alaqa :: Blastocyst / Embryo ........................................................................... 7

1.3.3 Mudgha :: Fetus.............................................................................................. 7

a) Surah Al-Hajj 22, Ayat 5 ............................................................................... 7

b) Surah Al-Mu’minun 23, Ayat 12 – 14 .............................................................. 7

c) Sahih Bukhari Volume 4, Book 54, Number 430 ............................................... 7

d) Sahih Bukhari Volume 8, Book 77, Number 594 ............................................... 7

2 Sickness ..................................................................................................................... 8

2.1 What a Patient needs to know ................................................................................. 8

2.1.1 Sickness Expiates Sin ...................................................................................... 8

2.1.2 Increase Remembrance in Allah ........................................................................ 8

2.1.3 Seek Medical Help ........................................................................................... 8

2.1.4 Hope for Recovery, Never Wish for Death ........................................................... 8

2.1.5 Write out a Wasiyah, if required ........................................................................ 8

2.1.6 Settle all Outstanding Debts ............................................................................. 8

2.2 Etiquettes of Visiting Sick ....................................................................................... 9

3 Final Moments ........................................................................................................... 10

3.1 People Around .................................................................................................... 10

3.1.1 Turn him towards Qibla .................................................................................. 10

3.1.2 Engage in Remembrance of Allah .................................................................... 10

3.2 The Person ......................................................................................................... 10

3.2.1 Have hope in Allah’s Mercy ............................................................................. 10

3.2.2 Endeavour to say .......................................................................................... 10

4 Death ....................................................................................................................... 11

4.1 Signs of good Death ............................................................................................ 12

4.1.1 Matyrdom .................................................................................................... 12

4.1.2 Pronounce Testification .................................................................................. 12

4.1.3 Perspiration on the Brow ................................................................................ 12

4.1.4 Death on Friday ( Gharib ).............................................................................. 12

4.1.5 Types of Martyrdom ...................................................................................... 13

4.2 Cause of an Evil End ............................................................................................ 14

4.2.1 Incorrect Belief ............................................................................................. 14

4.2.2 Persistence in Sin .......................................................................................... 14

4.2.3 Curses of Parents .......................................................................................... 14

4.2.4 Oppression upon Others ................................................................................. 14

4.2.5 Geebah & Nameemah .................................................................................... 14

4.3 The Ghusl ........................................................................................................... 15

4.3.1 Conditions for the Obligation of Ghusl .............................................................. 15

4.3.1.1 Upon the One being Washed ..................................................................... 15

a) Must be a Muslim ....................................................................................... 15

b) Must have been alive .................................................................................. 15

c) Must not be a Martyr .................................................................................. 15

4.3.1.2 Upon the Washer .................................................................................... 16

a) Must be a Muslim ....................................................................................... 16

b) Must be Sane ............................................................................................ 16

c) Likeness of the Sex .................................................................................... 16

4.4 Shrouding .......................................................................................................... 17

4.4.1 Requirements ............................................................................................... 17

4.4.2 Remember ................................................................................................... 17

4.5 Funeral Procession............................................................................................... 17

4.6 Burial ................................................................................................................. 18

4.6.1 Types of Grave ............................................................................................. 18

4.6.1.1 The Pit ~ shaqq ...................................................................................... 18

4.6.1.2 The Niche ~ lahd (Preferred) .................................................................... 18

4.6.2 Burial Steps .................................................................................................. 19

5 Post Death ................................................................................................................ 20

5.1 Ta’ziyah ~ Condolence ......................................................................................... 20

5.1.1.1 Purpose ................................................................................................. 20

5.1.1.2 Time period ............................................................................................ 20

5.1.1.3 Wordings ............................................................................................... 20

5.1.1.4 Help the Family ....................................................................................... 20

5.1.1.5 Gathering at the House ? ......................................................................... 20

5.2 Visiting the Graveyard ......................................................................................... 21

5.2.1.1 Virtue .................................................................................................... 21

5.2.1.2 Why Visit ............................................................................................... 21

5.2.1.3 Supplication in the Graveyard ................................................................... 21

5.2.1.4 Women visiting the Graveyard .................................................................. 21

5.2.1.5 Recitation of the Qu’ran in the Graveyard ................................................... 21

5.2.1.6 Seeking aid from the inhabitant of the grave .............................................. 21

5.3 Benefitting the Dead ............................................................................................ 22

5.3.1 Matters Agreed Upon ..................................................................................... 22

d) Righteous Recurring Deeds .......................................................................... 22

e) Deeds of Righteous Children ........................................................................ 22

f) Settling Debts ............................................................................................ 22

g) Supplication .............................................................................................. 22

h) Charity ..................................................................................................... 22

i) Hajj or Umrah ............................................................................................ 22

5.3.2 Matters Differed Upon .................................................................................... 23

j) Recitation of the Noble Quran ...................................................................... 23

k) Salah ........................................................................................................ 23

l) Voluntary Fast ........................................................................................... 23

m) Slaughter .................................................................................................. 23

n) I’tikaaf ...................................................................................................... 23

o) Zikr .......................................................................................................... 23

1 Birth

1.1 Biological Source

1.1.1 Surah as-Sajjdah 32, Ayat 8 Muhsin Khan: Then He made his offspring from semen of worthless water (male and female

sexual discharge).

Yusuf Ali: And made his progeny from a quintessence of the nature of a fluid despised:

Sahih International: Then He made his posterity out of the extract of a liquid disdained.

1.1.2 Surah al-Qiyamah 75, Ayat 37 Muhsin Khan: Was he not a Nutfah (mixed male and female discharge of semen) poured

forth?

Yusuf Ali: Was he not a drop of sperm emitted (in lowly form)?

Sahih International: Had he not been a sperm from semen emitted?

1.1.3 Surah al-Insan 76, Ayat 2 Muhsin Khan: Verily, We have created man from Nutfah drops of mixed semen (discharge

of man and woman), in order to try him, so We made him hearer, seer.

Yusuf Ali: Verily We created Man from a drop of mingled sperm, in order to try him: So We

gave him (the gifts), of Hearing and Sight.

Sahih International: Indeed, We created man from a sperm-drop mixture that We may try

him; and We made him hearing and seeing.

1.2 Islamic Biological Process

1.2.1 40 – 42 Days :: Sperm drop ~ nut’fa

a) Allah sends an Angel to give form

1. Hearing 2. Sight 3. Skin 4. Flesh 5. Skeleton

b) Surah as-Sajjdah 32, Ayat 9 Muhsin Khan: Then He fashioned him in due proportion, and breathed into him the soul

(created by Allah for that person), and He gave you hearing (ears), sight (eyes) and hearts.

Little is the thanks you give!

Yusuf Ali: But He fashioned him in due proportion, and breathed into him something of His

spirit. And He gave you (the faculties of) hearing and sight and feeling (and understanding):

little thanks do ye give!

Sahih International: Then He proportioned him and breathed into him from His [created]

soul and made for you hearing and vision and hearts; little are you grateful.

c) Surah Abasa 80, Ayat 19 Muhsin Khan: From Nutfah (male and female semen drops) He created him, and then set

him in due proportion;

Yusuf Ali: From a sperm-drop: He hath created him, and then mouldeth him in due

proportions;

Sahih International: From a sperm-drop He created him and destined for him;

1.2.2 40 – 45 nights :: The Sperm drop falls in to the Uterus

a) Male or Female

b) Will it be wretched or happy

c) The sustenance

d) All has been written down

1.2.3 120 days or 18th week :: Respiratory Circulation

a) Angel is sent down to breathe in the Soul

b) Respiratory kicks in

1.3 Stages of Sperm

1.3.1 Nutfa :: Zygote / morula

1.3.2 ‘Alaqa :: Blastocyst / Embryo

1.3.3 Mudgha :: Fetus

a) Surah Al-Hajj 22, Ayat 5 Sahih International: O People, if you should be in doubt about the Resurrection, then [consider that] indeed, We created you from dust, then from a sperm-drop, then from a clinging clot, and then from a lump of flesh, formed and unformed – that We may show you. And We settle in the wombs whom We will for a specified term, then We bring you out as a child, and then [We develop you] that you may reach your [time of] maturity. And among you is he who is taken in [early] death, and among you is he who is returned to the most decrepit [old] age so that he knows, after [once having] knowledge, nothing. And you see the earth barren, but when We send down upon it rain, it quivers and swells and

grows [something] of every beautiful kind.

b) Surah Al-Mu’minun 23, Ayat 12 – 14 Sahih International: And certainly did We create man from an extract of clay. Then We placed him as a sperm-drop in a firm lodging. Then We made the sperm-drop into a clinging clot, and We made the clot into a lump [of flesh], and We made [from] the lump, bones, and We covered the bones with flesh; then We developed him into another creation. So blessed is Allah, the best of creators.

c) Sahih Bukhari Volume 4, Book 54, Number 430 Narrated 'Abdullah bin Mus'ud: Allah's Apostle, the true and truly inspired said, "(The matter of the Creation of) a human being is put together in the womb of the mother in forty days, and then he becomes a clot of thick blood for a similar period, and then a piece of flesh for a similar period. Then Allah sends an angel who is ordered to write four things. He is ordered to write down his (i.e. the new creature's) deeds, his livelihood, his (date of) death, and whether he will be blessed or wretched (in religion). Then the soul is breathed into him. So, a man amongst you may do (good deeds till there is only a cubit between him and Paradise and then what has been written for him decides his behavior and he starts doing (evil) deeds characteristic of the people of the (Hell) Fire. And similarly a man amongst you may do (evil) deeds till there is only a cubit between him and the (Hell) Fire, and then what has been written for him decides his behavior, and he starts doing deeds characteristic of the people of Paradise."

d) Sahih Bukhari Volume 8, Book 77, Number 594 Narrated Anas bin Malik: The Prophet said, "Allah puts an angel in charge of the uterus and the angel says, 'O Lord, (it is) semen! O Lord, (it is now ) a clot! O Lord, (it is now) a piece of flesh.' And then, if Allah wishes to complete its creation, the angel asks, 'O Lord, (will it be) a male or a female? A wretched (an evil doer) or a blessed (doer of good)? How much will his provisions be? What will his age be?' So all that is written while the creature is still in the mother's womb."

2 Sickness

2.1 What a Patient needs to know

2.1.1 Sickness Expiates Sin

Sahih Bukhari :: Volume 7, Book 70, Number 545:

Narrated Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri and Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "No fatigue, nor disease, nor

sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives

from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that."

2.1.2 Increase Remembrance in Allah

Sahih al Jaamil :: Treat your sick with charity.

2.1.3 Seek Medical Help

Sunnah Abu Dawud :: Book 28, Number 3865:

Narrated AbudDarda: The Prophet (saw) said: Allah has sent down both the disease and the

cure, and He has appointed a cure for every disease, so treat yourselves medically, but use

nothing unlawful.

2.1.4 Hope for Recovery, Never Wish for Death


Narrated Anas bin Malik: The Prophet said, "None of you should wish for death because of a

calamity befalling him; but if he has to wish for death, he should say: "O Allah! Keep me alive as

long as life is better for me, and let me die if death is better for me.' "

2.1.5 Write out a Wasiyah, if required

Sunnah an-Nasai :: Hadith 3633

Don’t let three nights pass without your wasiyah prepared with you.

2.1.6 Settle all Outstanding Debts

Sahih Muslim :: Book 020, Number 4650:

It has been reported on the authority of Amr b. al-'As through a different chain of transmitters

that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Death in the way of Allah blots out everything except debt.

2.2 Etiquettes of Visiting Sick

• It his right upon you that you visit him

• Give him comfort and hope of recovery

• Mention words as below


Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "If Allah wants to do good to somebody, He afflicts

him with trials."


Narrated 'Aisha: Whenever Allah's Apostle paid a visit to a patient, or a patient was brought to

him, he used to invoke Allah, saying, "Take away the disease, O the Lord of the people! Cure him as You are the One Who cures. There is no cure but Yours, a cure that leaves no disease."


Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: Allah's Apostle entered upon sick man to pay him a visit, and said to him,

"Don't worry, Allah willing, (your sickness will be) an expiation for your sins." The man said, "No,

it is but a fever that is boiling within an old man and will send him to his grave." On that, the Prophet said, "Then yes, it is so."

• Encourage and advise him

• Don’t over stay the visit

3 Final Moments

3.1 People Around

3.1.1 Turn him towards Qibla � Based on Sunnah

3.1.2 Engage in Remembrance of Allah

� Many recommends the recitation of Surah Yaseen but the Hadiths are not free of

weakness

3.2 The Person

3.2.1 Have hope in Allah’s Mercy

a. Sahih Bukhari :: Volume 8, Book 76, Number 515:

Narrated Abu Musa: The Prophet said, "Whoever loves the meeting with Allah, Allah too, loves the

meeting with him; and whoever hates the meeting with Allah, Allah too, hates the meeting with him."

b. Sahih Bukhari :: Volume 9, Book 93, Number 596:

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "Allah said, 'I am to my slave as he thinks of Me, (i.e.

I am able to do for him what he thinks I can do for him). (See Hadith No. 502)

3.2.2 Endeavour to say

Abu Dawud :: Hadith 3118 ::

4 Death

1) Say

2) Close his eyes and jaws

3) Loosen his Limbs

4) Cover the entire body with a sheet

Sahih International: Who, when disaster strikes them, say, "Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return." Surah Baqarah 2, Ayat

156

Sahih Muslim :: Book 004, Number 2000: Umm Salama, the wife of the

Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him), reported Allah's Messenger (may

peace be upon him) as saying: If any servant (of Allah) who suffers a calamity

says:" We belong to Allah and to Him shall we return; O Allah, reward me for

my affliction and give me something better than it in exchange for it," ' Allah

will give him reward for affliction, and would give him something better than it

in exchange. She (Umm Salama) said: When Abu Salama died. I uttered (these very words) as I was commanded (to do) by the Messenger of Allah (may peace

be upon him). So Allah gave me better in exchange than him. i. e. (I was taken

as the wife of) the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him).

Sahih Muslim :: Book 004, Number 2003: Umm Salama reported: The

Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon came to Abu Salama (as he died). His

eyes were fixedly open. He closed them, and then said: When the soul is taken

away the sight follows it. Some of the people of his family wept and wailed. So

he said: Do not supplicate for yourselves anything but good, for angels say" Amen" to what you say. He then said: O Allah, forgive Abu Salama, raise his

degree among those who are rightly guided, grant him a successor in his

descendants who remain. Forgive us and him, O Lord of the Universe, and make

his grave spacious, and grant him light in it.

5) Accept the will of Allah

6) Praise the deceased

7) Announce the death as to increase the

number of people at the funeral prayer

8) Pass condolence to the family

9) Hasten in burial preparations

10) Pay off debts as soon as possible

Sahih Muslim :: Book 020, Number 4650: It has been reported on the

authority of Amr b. al-'As through a different chain of transmitters that the

Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Death in the way of Allah blots out everything except debt.

11) Kissing the forehead is permissible

12) Crying is permitted

Sunnah Abu Dawud :: Book 20, Number 3157: Narrated Aisha, Ummul

Mu'minin: I saw the Apostle of Allah (saw) that he kissed Uthman ibn Maz'un while he was dead, and I saw that tears were flowing (from his eyes).

Sunnah Abu Dawud :: Book 20, Number 3165: Narrated AbuHurayrah:

The Prophet (saw) said: A bier should not be followed by a loud voice (of

wailing) or fire.

Sunnah Abu Dawud :: Book 20, Number 3125: Narrated A woman who

took oath of allegiance: Usayd ibn AbuUsayd, reported on the authority of a

woman who took oath of allegiance (to the Prophet): One of the oaths which the Apostle of Allah (saw) received from us about the virtue was that we would not

disobey him in it (virtue): that we would not scratch the face, nor wail, nor tear

the front of the garments nor dishevel the hair.

Sunnah Abu Dawud :: Book 20, Number 3122: Narrated AbuSa'id al-

Khudri: The Apostle of Allah (saw) cursed the wailing woman and the woman

who listens to her.

13) The wife of the deceased is now in the

state of mourning for four months and

ten days

• Remain at her home !!!

• Avoid beautification

• Reference

o Surah al-Baqarah 2, Ayat 234

o Surah al-Baqarah 2, Ayat 240

o Sahih Muslim, Book 9, Hadith 3547

o Sahih Muslim, Book 9, Hadith 3552

o Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 6, Number 310

4.1 Signs of good Death

4.1.1 Matyrdom

Nasaai 2065 ::

Why do all believers undergo trials in the grave except the shaheed ? “The swords above his

head were enough of a trial”

4.1.2 Pronounce Testification


”Whoever’s last words are laa ilaha illa Allah enters paradise”

4.1.3 Perspiration on the Brow

Al-Tirmidhi Hadith - 503 ::

Narrated Buraydah ibn al-Hasib :: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said, "The believer

dies with the sweat on his brow." Tirmidhi, Nasa'i and Ibn Majah transmitted it.

4.1.4 Death on Friday ( Gharib )

Al-Tirmidhi Hadith - 414 ::

Narrated Abdullah ibn Amr :: Allah's messenger (peace be upon him) said, "Any Muslim who

dies on Friday or on Thursday night will be protected by Allah from the testing in the grave."

4.1.5 Types of Martyrdom

1. Plague 2. Death by Stomach Ailment

3. Drowning 4. Trampled

5. Fire 6. At Childbirth 7. In Defense of Wealth

8. For Family

9. For Life 10. For Religion 11. Thrown from horse or camel

12. Dies on the his bed 13. Bitten by poisonous creature 14. Goes forth in Allah’s path


Narrated Jabir ibn Atik: The Apostle of Allah (saw) came to visit Abdullah ibn Thabit who was ill. He found that he was dominated (by the divine decree). The Apostle of Allah (saw) called him loudly, but he did not respond.

He uttered the Qur'anic verse "We belong to Allah and to Him do we return" and he said: We have been dominated

against you, AburRabi'. Then the women cried and wept, and Ibn Atik began to silence them. The Apostle of Allah (saw) said: Leave them, when the divine decree is made, no woman should weep.

They (the people) asked: What is necessary happening, Apostle of Allah? He replied: Death. His daughter said: I hope you will be a martyr, for you have completed your preparations for jihad. The Apostle of Allah (saw) said: Allah Most High gave him a reward according to his intentions. What do you consider martyrdom?

They said: Being killed in the cause of Allah.

The Apostle of Allah (saw) said: There are seven types of martyrdom in addition to being killed in Allah's cause: one who dies of plague is a martyr; one who is drowned is a martyr; one who dies of pleurisy is a martyr; one who dies of an internal complaint is a martyr; one who is burnt to death is a martyr; who one is killed by a building falling on him is a martyr; and a woman who dies while pregnant is a martyr.


Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "Five are regarded as martyrs: They are those who die because of plague, abdominal disease, drowning or a falling building etc., and the martyrs in Allah's Cause." Sunnah Abu Dawud :: Book 40, Number 4754:

Narrated Sa'id ibn Zayd: The Prophet (saw) said: He who is killed while protecting his property is a martyr, and he who is killed while defending his family, or his blood, or his religion is a martyr. Sunnah Abu Dawud :: Book 14, Number 2493:

Narrated AbuMalik al-Ash'ari: AbuMalik heard the Apostle of Allah (saw) say: He who goes forth in Allah's path and dies or is killed is a martyr, or has his neck broken through being thrown by his horse or by his camel, or is stung by a poisonous creature, or dies on his bed by any kind of death Allah wishes is a martyr and will go to Paradise. Sahih Muslim :: Book 020, Number 4695:

It has been reported on the authority of Sahl b. Aba Umama b. Sahl b. Hunaif who learned the tradition from his father who (in turn) learned it from his grandfather-that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Who sought martyrdom with sincerity will be ranked by Allah among the martyrs even if he died on his bed. In his version of the tradition Abd Tahir did not mention the words:" with sincerity".

4.2 Cause of an Evil End

4.2.1 Incorrect Belief

4.2.2 Persistence in Sin

4.2.3 Curses of Parents

4.2.4 Oppression upon Others

4.2.5 Geebah & Nameemah

4.3 The Ghusl

4.3.1 Conditions for the Obligation of Ghusl

4.3.1.1 Upon the One being Washed

a) Must be a Muslim

It is allowed for a Muslim to wash a non-muslim relative based upon the fact that Ali(R) washed

his father Abu Talib with the knowledge of the Messenger (R)

b) Must have been alive

Majority of the scholars state that ghusl is for a child that has been born with the clear signs of

life

The Hanbali scholars state that one gives ghusl to a child reaching into four months of pregnancy

c) Must not be a Martyr


Narrated Jabir: The Prophet said, "Bury them (i.e. martyrs) with their blood." (that was) On the

day of the Battle of Uhud. He did not get them washed.

This is only for the shaheed of battle and not those who are shaheed in reward

NB :: In the case where only a portion of the deceased is present, those portions are washed as

normal

4.3.1.2 Upon the Washer

a) Must be a Muslim

The reason being is that this is an act of worship

Hanafi scholars permit non-muslim to wash a Muslim although it is disliked.

b) Must be Sane

As this is an act of worship. It requires skill and attention

c) Likeness of the Sex

In general, males wash males and females wash females.

Exceptions ::

1. Those under seven can be washed by either males or females

2. Wife washing the husband by consensus

3. Husband washing the wife according to majority of the scholars

a. Prophet (saw) told Ayesha (Ra) that he will wash her, shroud her, pray over her and bury her.

b. Ali (R) washed Fatima (Ra)

c. Analogy upon the allowance of the wife to wash the husband

d. By the fact that he is allowed to view her entire body which even other females are

prohibited from

NB ::

a) The persons requested in terms of a wasiyah are given preference in matters of ghusl

b) If the washing cannot be performed for any specific reason, the deceased is given

tayammum

4.4 Shrouding

4.4.1 Requirements

a) Sheets of Cloth:: White

i. Three for Male

ii. Five for Female

Narrated AbudDarda' :: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said, "The best thing in which

to visit Allah in your graves and in your mosques in white." [ Tirmidhi :: Ibn Majah transmitted it ]

b) Perfumes

c) Cotton Wool

d) Bands for tying the Shroud

4.4.2 Remember

� No literature should be entered into the shroud

� Applying kohl to the eyes should be avoided

� The one who passes away in the state of ihram is buried with the ihram without any

perfuming

� It is permissible to set aside a shroud while you are living [Sahih Bukhari]

� It is allowed to kiss cheek or forehead of the deceased by those who were allowed during

his life, before or after shrouding

4.5 Funeral Procession

a) Following the procession is a communal obligation

b) Amongst many rights a Muslim has upon another Muslim is following the funeral

procession [Sahih Bukhari]

c) Walking in front, behind or on the side of the bier is fine [Sunnah Abu Dawud]

d) The head of the deceased should be at the front e) Hasten the funeral process. Prophet said, if he is righteous then you are taking him to

goodness, if he is not then get the evil off your shoulders. [Sahih Bukhari]

f) Funeral should not be accompanied by loud zikr and other innovations. Not found in

classical traditions.

g) Males follow the procession and not females

4.6 Burial

� Burial of the Muslim is a communal obligation upon the Muslims

� Males oversee the burial process and not females

� Transportation from place/town/country to another.

o Best avoided

o Allowed in cases of maslaha

� The deceased has willed to be moved

� No great financial expense involved

� There is no harm upon the body

4.6.1 Types of Grave

4.6.1.1 The Pit ~ shaqq

The shaqq means that a trench is dug in the middle of the grave to suit the size of the deceased,

and its sides are built with bricks so that it will not collapse on the deceased, and the deceased is

placed in it on his right side facing the qiblah, then this trench is covered with stones or the like

and the ceiling is raised a little so that it will not touch the deceased, then the soil is filled in.

4.6.1.2 The Niche ~ lahd (Preferred)

The lahd (niche) means that a place is dug at the bottom of the grave on the side that is closest

to the qiblah, in which the deceased is placed on his right side facing the qiblah, then this hole is

filled in with bricks behind the deceased, then the dirt is filled in. This was done for the

Messenger (saw) and that is why preferred.

4.6.2 Burial Steps

1. Enter deceased into grave from the direction of the qiblah or the legs first.

2. Say “ ” [Bismillaahi wa billahi wa 'alaa millat rasoolillah ~ In

the name of Allah and on the creed, religion and faith of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam] as the body is

lowered into the grave.

3. The body be placed on the right hand side facing the qiblah with soil placed behind the body to keep the body on its side.

4. The bands tying the shroud should be undone 5. Soil brinks placed behind the body (niche grave). Planks placed above the body (pit

grave).

6. The grave is then covered with soil. 7. Those present throw three handfuls of soil. [Ibn Majah 1565] 8. Grave should be humped shaped and not raised too much.

9. Sprinkling water over the grave is permissible.

10. Supplicate for the deceased whilst standing. o Seek forgiveness for your brother and ask for him firmness for verily he is being

questioned now. [Abu Dawud :: Book #20, Hadith #3215]

5 Post Death

5.1 Ta’ziyah ~ Condolence

5.1.1.1 Purpose

i. Console the family of the deceased

ii. Supplicating that Allah rewards and ease their loss

iii. Supplicating for the deceased

5.1.1.2 Time period

Begins after death with no specific end time

5.1.1.3 Wordings


Umm Salama reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon came to Abu Salama (as

he died). His eyes were fixedly open. He closed them, and then said: When the soul is taken

away the sight follows it. Some of the people of his family wept and wailed. So he said: Do not

supplicate for yourselves anything but good, for angels say" Amen" to what you say. He then

said: O Allah, forgive Abu Salama, raise his degree among those who are rightly guided, grant

him a successor in his descendants who remain. Forgive us and him, O Lord of the Universe, and

make his grave spacious, and grant him light in it.


Narrated Usama: Once while I was with the Prophet and Sa'd, Ubai bin Ka'b and Mu'adh were

also sitting with him, there came to him a messenger from one of his daughters, telling him that

her child was on the verge of death. The Prophet told the messenger to tell her, "It is for Allah

what He takes, and it is for Allah what He gives, and everything has its fixed time (limit). So (she

should) be patient and look for Allah's reward."

5.1.1.4 Help the Family


Narrated Abdullah ibn Ja'far: The Apostle of Allah (saw) said: Prepare food for the family of

Ja'far for there came upon them an incident which has engaged them.

5.1.1.5 Gathering at the House ?

Ibn Majah 1612

Jabir b. Abdullah al-Bajali is reported to have said, We used to deem gathering to the relatives

of the deceased and preparing food (like an act) of wailing (over the dead body).

5.2 Visiting the Graveyard

5.2.1.1 Virtue

Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said, "I forbade you to visit graves, but you may now visit

them, for they produce abstinence in this world and act as a reminder of the next." [ Tirmidhi :: Ibn

Majah transmitted it ]

5.2.1.2 Why Visit

a. To remind us of the hereafter

b. To make dua for the inhabitants of the grave

c. Following the sunnah of the Messenger (saw)

5.2.1.3 Supplication in the Graveyard

Sunnah Abu Dawud :: Book 10, Number 2037: Narrated AbuHurayrah: The Prophet (saw) said: Do not make your houses graves, and do not make my

grave a place of festivity. But invoke blessings on me, for your blessings reach me wherever you may be.

Sahih Muslim :: Book 004, Number 1703: Ibn 'Umar reported Allah's Apostle (saw) as saying: Observe some of your prayers in your houses and do

not make them graves.

5.2.1.4 Women visiting the Graveyard

a) Allowed b) Prohibited c) Allowed if not made into a habit

Hanbali position is no due to the hadith below

Sunnah Abu Dawud :: Book 20, Number 3230: Narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas: The Apostle of Allah (saw) cursed women who visit graves, those who built

mosques over them and erected lamps (there).

5.2.1.5 Recitation of the Qu’ran in the Graveyard

Sahih Muslim :: Book 004, Number 1707: Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (saw) as saying: Do not make your houses as graveyards. Satan

runs away from the house in which Surah Baqarah is recited.

5.2.1.6 Seeking aid from the inhabitant of the grave

Surah al-Israa 17, Ayat 56 :: Muhsin Khan: Say (O Muhammad SAW): "Call unto those besides Him whom you pretend [to be gods like

angels, Iesa (Jesus), 'Uzair (Ezra), etc.]. They have neither the power to remove the adversity from you nor

even to shift it from you to another person."

Yusuf Ali: Say: "Call on those - besides Him - whom ye fancy: they have neither the power to remove your

troubles from you nor to change them."

Sahih International: Say, "Invoke those you have claimed [as gods] besides Him, for they do not possess

the [ability for] removal of adversity from you or [for its] transfer [to someone else]."

5.3 Benefitting the Dead

5.3.1 Matters Agreed Upon

d) Righteous Recurring Deeds


Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah's Messenger (saw) as saying: When a

man dies, his acts come to an end, but three, recurring charity, or knowledge (by which people)

benefit, or a pious son (?), who prays for him (for the deceased).

e) Deeds of Righteous Children

f) Settling Debts

The Prophet (saw) said: The soul of a deceased believer is held back on account of his debt till

the debt is discharged. [ Tirmidhi :: Tirmidhi transmitted it ]

g) Supplication

Surah al-Hashr 59, Ayat 10

Sahih International: And [there is a share for] those who came after them, saying, "Our Lord,

forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith and put not in our hearts [any] resentment

toward those who have believed. Our Lord, indeed You are Kind and Merciful."

h) Charity

If he acknowledged the Oneness of Allah and you fasted or gave charity on his behalf it would

benefit him. [Ahmad]

i) Hajj or Umrah


Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: A woman from the tribe of Juhaina came to the Prophet and said, "My

mother had vowed to perform Hajj but she died before performing it. May I perform Hajj on my

mother's behalf?" The Prophet replied, "Perform Hajj on her behalf. Had there been a debt on

your mother, would you have paid it or not? So, pay Allah's debt as He has more right to be

paid."

5.3.2 Matters Differed Upon

j) Recitation of the Noble Quran

k) Salah

l) Voluntary Fast

m) Slaughter

n) I’tikaaf

o) Zikr

We are an Ummah of the Living, not an

Ummah of the Dead. Look to the future

final rites - i

Education

b surah almuminun

surah alhajj

c surah abasa

remembrance of allah

b respiratory kicks

c sahih bukhari volume

d sahih bukhari volume

signs of good death