THE APPROACHING OF DEATH

This work details the spiritual and practical duties required when a person approaches the end of their life, emphasizing the preparation for the hereafter and the proper handling of the deceased. It teaches that life is a transient journey and that a Muslim should live as a wayfarer, avoiding worldly vices and remembering death frequently to eradicate worldly attachments. The text provides guidance on the conduct of the dying, the responsibilities of those present, and the immediate steps to be taken following the departure of the soul.

The work affirms that the final moments of life are critical, as the state of one’s faith at death determines one’s eternal outcome. It advises against wishing for death during calamities, suggesting instead that one remain hopeful in the Mercy of Allah and trust in His judgment. The text outlines specific Sunnah practices for the dying, including the positioning of the body, the recitation of the Kalimah, and the creation of a fragrant environment, while also addressing legal and social obligations such as the settlement of debts and the timely arrangement of burial rites.

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Key topics & takeaways

Spiritual preparation

• The inevitability of death — the work cites the Qur'anic teaching that every soul must taste death ▸page 7.
• Living as a wayfarer — the Prophet Muhammad, ﷺ, taught that a believer should live in this world like a traveller who avoids the vices of the road to ensure he reaches his destination ▸page 8.
• Remembrance of death — the Prophet Muhammad, ﷺ, described death as the "destroyer of pleasures" and encouraged its frequent remembrance to weaken worldly connections ▸page 9.
• Prohibition of wishing for death — it is forbidden to wish for death due to calamity; if one feels helpless, one should instead ask Allah to keep them alive as long as life is best for them ▸page 9.
• Hope in Allah's Mercy — a person should die while being hopeful of Allah’s reward and fearful of their sins, as Allah treats His servant according to the expectations the servant has of Him ▸page 10.

The final moments

• Importance of the final state — the moment of death is the most difficult and significant time, as it determines the final outcome of one's faith ▸page 11.
• Positioning the dying — it is Sunnah to lay the person on their right side facing the Qibla, or flat on their back with the feet toward the Qibla and the head slightly raised ▸page 11.
• Talqeen — it is recommended to audibly recite the Kalimah near the dying person, but one should not command them to repeat it unless they have spoken other words after their initial recitation ▸page 12.
• Presence of others — it is beneficial for righteous people to be present; female family members who are menstruating or in the state of Nifaas may be present, but those who have finished their period but not yet performed Ghusl, as well as those in the state of Janaabat, should avoid the room ▸page 13.
• Environment — the room should be made fragrant with incense, and any photos of living things or dogs should be removed, as the Angels of Mercy do not enter such places ▸page 14.
• Recitation — it is Sunnah to recite Surah Yaseen near the dying person; if there is difficulty in the passing, Surah Ra'ad may also be recited ▸page 14.

Post-death procedures

• Physical preparation — the jaw should be tied shut with a strap, the eyes closed, and the limbs straightened by a family member ▸page 14.
• Swelling prevention — a piece of iron, wet sand, or a light weight may be placed on the stomach to prevent swelling, provided it does not cause discomfort ▸page 15.
• Covering the body — the deceased should be covered with a sheet and placed on a raised platform to protect the body from the coldness of the ground ▸page 15.
• Utterance of kufr — if a person utters words of disbelief at the time of death, the ruling of kufr is not applied, as it may be due to the intensity of the moment or a loss of sanity ▸page 16.
• Settling debts — debts must be fulfilled swiftly, as the soul is considered trapped or suspended until the debt is paid ▸page 17.
• Recitation of Qur'an — it is permissible to recite the Qur'an and Zikr near the deceased once the body is properly covered ▸page 17.
• Prompt burial — the Ghusl, Kafan, and burial should not be delayed without valid reason ▸page 17.
• Informing the community — it is a duty to inform neighbours and friends of the death to ensure a large attendance at the Janaazah prayer and to increase the number of people making Dua for the deceased ▸page 19.