A Book of Fateha and Funeral Rites
[Published by Sirat ul Muslimin]
Last updated 28th February 2007
Table of Contents
Foreward
Quotations on Dua and Fateha
Fateha : A Salvation for the Dead
Death : Not a Disaster
Suffering at the time of Death
Death on Virtuous Days
The Soul and Barzakh
The Dead Know and Can Hear
Squeezing of and Punishment in the Grave
Longing for Death
The Necessity of a Will, Isqaat & Paying off Debts
Visiting the Sick or those on the Death-bed
Giving Hope of Allah's Compassion to the Dying
Dhikr, Recitation and Actions at the Time of Death
Inabilty to Recite Kalima Tawheed : Dying without Imaan
Dua to Recite on Hearing about a Death
Actions Immediately Following the Death
Reward for being Patient in Grief
Screaming and Crying at Funerals
Condoling the Bereaved
A letter of Condolence by Prophet Muhammad (alaihi salam)
Hurting the Deceased
Reward for Praising the Deceased
Reward & Permissibilty for giving Ghusl
Ghusl : The Method
The Kaffan (Shroud)
The Method of putting the Kaffan on
Seeing the Face of the Deceased
Attending a Funeral and its Rewards
Respect for the Janazah
Janazah Prayers
Matters Related to Janazah Salaah & Ghusl
Carrying the Janazah and Etiquettes of the Cemetery
Dua when lowering the Body into the Grave
Dua and Recitations after Burial for the Deceased
Interference By Satan : Questioning in the Grave
Importance of Giving Adhan at the Grave after Burial
Importance of Reciting Talqeen at the Grave after Burial
Acceptance of Talqeen by Wahhabi/Deobandi/Tablighi Firqas
Talqeen : The Method
Questioning in the Grave : The Three Questions
Pressing of and Punishment in the Grave
Partaking Food prepared at the Funeral
Permissibility of Khatam Shareef
Iddat, Sawg and other Obligations of the Widow
Cremations, Post Mortems and Mortuaries
The Importance of Visiting the Cemetery
The Method of Visiting the Cemetery
Greetings on entering the Cemetery
Recitations near the Grave
Other Actions that Benefit the Decease
Respect for a Muslim's Grave
Appendix 1
Visit to the house by souls
Showing of deeds to deceased parents & the Beloved Prophet (May Allah give him peace)
Evidence for reading of du'a after Salaat al Janazah & refutations of Wahhabi allegations of bid'at
Benefits of saying Adhaan at the grave & refutations of Wahhabi allegations of bid'at
Duties of children towards parents during their lifetime
Duties of children towards parents after death
Plight of the Muslim reverts
Building a mausoleum (or a motorway?) over a grave
Benefits of visiting the shrines of the Prophets, the Awliya & the Pious
Appendix 2
Showing Mercy Towards Souls of our Relations
Preparing for death, doing good acts and asking for forgiveness from Allah
Dhikr & Prayers to ease tribulations on Death
Other actions that benefit after Death
Du'a and surahs to recite when sick and taking medication
Du'a, Prayers and Fasting for the very aged or sick
Tribulation saving deeds
Appendix 3
Fateha -The Method
Surah Yaseen : The Attributes
Surah Yaseen
Ayat al Kursi : The Virtues
Ayat al Kursi
Ahad Nama : The Testament
Rewards for reciting Surahs of the Qur'an
Power of Du'a | Power of Darood
In these busy times, we attend a funeral only when someone very close to us passes away. At times like these we realise how much less we know about funeral rites. We do not know even how to say funeral prayers. We realise our short-comings and resolve to do something about it. But this gets forgotten very soon. Often we find a son arranging his father's funeral. He is ignorant of the rewards and the method of giving the Ghusl and Janazah prayers. To avoid this embarrassment, he avails his responsibility to the local Mosque or the funeral director and is often seen as a spectator at his father's funeral!
It is therefore important to learn the essentials of these rituals. Another thing that has made matters worse is the new army of instantly and mass produced Alims, mostly young, who having obtained their qualifications through a short course in Fiqh and Arabic and then go about dishing out their own fatwas by the dozen in every speech and lecture they give. These Alims have their own followers who after having received a smattering of knowledge from them, also go about preaching Islam, doing 'Tabligh.' They have no knowledge of Islam except the very narrow aspect of Islam propagated by their sects formed only about two hundred years ago. These are the people, some of the 72 sects of Islam, foretold in the Qur'an al hakeem and the Hadith destined for Hell.
The followers of Wahhabi/Deobandi/Tablighi sects do not believe in saying any Du'a after Janazah Prayers, nor believe in saying Du'a after a burial nor in doing Khatam Shareef. For them when a person dies, their connection with the dead is dead too. Let alone the learned scholars and the Saints over the last 1400 years, they pay no regard to al-Qur'an and the sayings of the Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam as stated in the Ahadith and thereby reject quotations from al-Qur'an and Ahadith -some of which are given in the next chapter. To them acts of Tehleel, Talqeen and Adhan at the grave, for which evidence is given in this book, are all Bid'at or Shirk! They also do not believe in or understand the concept of the Hanafi, Shafi, Hambali or Maliki Madhabs in Sunni Islam. For example, they quoted Ibn Hajar in refuting Adhan at the grave, not realizing that Ibn Hajar was a Shafi'i and that several Hanafi scholars have stated the act as Sunnah! The books of these condemned sects are full of contradictions on these and other matters. Time and again we see them giving fatwas of Kufr on their own brethren. And it is not surprising, some Sunni Muslims, either ignorant or brain washed by these ignoramuses, questioning the Sunnah ; desirable or Mushtahab rituals.
Readers may find some of the rituals different to that stated in this book. These may be differences due to following a different Sunni Madhhab. We will, however, try to answer any reader's queries on this matter. Some aspects such as the measurement of the shroud or size of the grave have been left out as being not directly relevant to the deceased family and have been ignored. Special thanks go to Prof. Dr Bashir Ahmed Siddiqui, Mawlana M.A.Shakir, Zuber Haji Hasham, Dr Irfan Al Alawi, Sikander Suleiman and Abdul Malique Haji for their efforts in compiling this information.
Ishaque Hassan Zeria
Sirat ul Muslimin (Manchester) UK
''To offer prayers, ask forgiveness of parents, fulfil any promises that they had made, treat well those who were related through them, respect and honour their freinds are included in service to the parents after their death.'' - (Abu Daud)
''There is Allah's Mercy on my Ummah. A person who is buried as a sinner, but with prayers and Astaghfar of Muslims, they will arise without sins (on the Day of Judgement)'' - (Tibrani)
'' hen you finish your Salaah, then seek forgiveness from Allah from four things :
The Beloved Prophet Muhammad Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam, on the martyrdom of Hadrat Ja'far ibn Abu Talib Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu, having performed Janazah Salaah, made Du'a for him and then stated: ''You too make Dua-e-Astaghfar for him.''
Death is certain and nothing can save one from death. Wherever one is, death will find him out, even in towers built up high. The time of death is fixed for everyone and no one knows when his time is up. Nothing can delay it. Islam teaches us that death is not the end of man but, for a specific period, the soul is freed from the cage of the body and the soul remains in existence in 'Alam-e-Barzakh' (the world of souls).
Barzakh is an 'alam' (world) where souls remain between the life in this world and the Hereafter. To think that the soul enters another body after death is wrong. To believe in reincarnation is kufr. When the Angel of Death, Hadrat Israeel alaihi asalam comes to remove the soul of a person, then that person sees Angels all around him. If the person is a Muslim, then he will see the Angels of Rahmat (Mercy) and if the person is a kaafir, then they would see Angels of Azaab (punishment).
Death is not a disaster. But it is a disaster not to know what you will encounter after death. We must help the deceased and rescue them by saying prayers and 'Astaghfar' for them, and by giving charity for them.
We must always have a belief of good expectations and treatment of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala when we die and leave this world. We must have full faith in Him being Rahman and Raheem. We would be destroyed if we expected Him to be just (Adil), since we would be condemned for our sins and little good actions (amaal), we must but rely on His Mercy on the Day of Judgement and at the same time endeavour to carry out all the faraiz (obligations) and abstain from the prohibited. Allah's Most Beloved Prophet, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam's last words were, ''Allah's Majesty is Great '' (Hakim).
Hadrat Abdullah ibn Mas'ud Radi Allahu anhu narrated that the Most Beloved Prophet, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam said that the 'Day of Judgement' is near but people's lust for the world is increasing. They had receded far from Allah. He addressed thus, ''O' People! Paradise and Hell are nearer than your shoe-strings.'' (Bukhari) This becomes obvious when one realises that the grave is a pit of Hell or a garden in Paradise depending on the deeds of the person, the rewards or punishment commence soon after a person is buried in his grave.
Hadrat Abdullah bin Umar Radi Allahu anhu has said that Allah's Most Beloved Prophet, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam stated, ''Death is a gift for a believer.'' (Baihaqi). Hadrat ibn Umar Radi Allahu anhu quotes the Beloved Prophet, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam telling Abu Zar Radi Allahu anhu that the world is undoubtedly a prison for the believer, his grave a place of refuge and Paradise his permanent abode. While for a non-believer, the world is Paradise, the grave his torment and Hell his permanent abode of returning. (Abu Naim).
A good person finds comfort in death, is relieved of the worldly worries, is freed from committing sin while the death of a transgressor or an impious person gives creatures of Allah relief.
In another Hadith it is reported there is not a single house in which the Angel of Death does not search its occupants five times a day to take their soul. Hadrat Anas Radi Allahu anhu narrated that the Angel of Death sees every face seventy times. When he sees a person laughing who is about to die, he is surprised that he is about to take his soul and he is still laughing.
When Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala wants to have mercy on His servant, He makes him sick to pardon his sins. Calamities fall on him and his sustenance is reduced. If some sins still remain, there is hardship at the time of death, so that when he appears before Allah, he is clean and pure as when he was born. And when Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala wants to punish someone, then for whatever good deeds he may have done in the world, his sustenance is increased, there is peace in his house, and his death is made easy if any good deeds remain. So that when he finally comes before Allah, he has no good deeds left to save him from the fire of Hell.
Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala's Most Beloved Prophet, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa Salla Allahu ta'ala ' alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam has said, '' There is no Muslim who dies on Friday (commencing on Thursday night) that is not protected by Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala from the trials and the tribulations of the grave.''
Hadrat Ibn Mas'ud Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu has narrated that whosoever died having completed the obligations of the month of Ramadan enters Paradise. (Abu Naim)
The intervening period between the death and the resurrection on the Day of Judgement is called ''barzakh.' The world of ''barzakh' is tiny compared to this world. In barzakh, some live in comfort and happiness while some live in suffering and pains. The soul of a Muslim after his death is treated, during the barzakh, in accordance with his deeds and spiritual standing. Different souls, therefore, are kept at different places according to their status. While some souls, during barzakh, live in the graves, some live in the well of 'Zamzam'. Some souls live in the space between the sky and the Earth, while some remain between the first and the seventh skies, and some rest in the holy glow of the Divine candle burning under the arsh. Whatever the souls may dwell, they keep their connections with their bodies.
It is reported by Hadrat Abu Hurairah Radi Allahu anhu that the Most Beloved Prophet of Allah, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa Salla Allahu ta'ala ' alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam said that when a believer's soul is taken away then the Angels bring white silken clothes from Paradise and say. ''O Soul! Come out of the body. Allah is pleased with you and you are pleased with Allah.'' So the soul comes out and it has perfume better than musk. Then the Angels welcome it and smell its perfume, till they bring it to the door of the door of the first Heaven. The Angels there also talk about the fragrance of the perfume. The Angels say this at each Heaven until it is brought to the seventh Heaven where the believers soul rests. They talk about the troubles and grief he endured in the world. When an unbelievers soul is being taken away, the Angels of punishment bring blankets and ask the evil soul to come out and face punishment of Allah. The Angels tell him that he was not pleased with Allah ta'ala and Allah ta'ala is not pleased with him. Eventually the soul comes out smelling worse than a rotten dead body. They take his soul to the seventh door of the earth where the unbeliever's soul rests.
When a person visits a grave, the soul living therein immediately recognizes and listens to that person. It is not necessary that the souls see us from the graves only. The soul has been compared in a Hadith to a bird in a cage which has been set free. It has been quoted in a Hadith that, ''When a Muslim dies, he is at liberty to go anywhere he likes.'' The great scholars of the past write, ''The pious souls, when set free from the bondage of their bodies, get mingled with the ''Aalim-e-Billa' (the world above) and look down from there and hear and see everything as if they were present in this world.''
Hadrat Shah Abd'al Aziz Muhaddith al-Dehlvi Rahmatullahi alayh writes,
The sum of what is said above is that the souls of Muslims are absolutely free to go anywhere and at anytime they want. There is no restriction whatsoever on them. There are numerous Ahadith, some of which are mentioned elsewhere in this book, on souls of the deceased visiting their homes on certain holy nights asking the occupants to remember them and to pray for them. But as regards the souls of the unbeliever's, they are bound in dismally subjected condition. Some of them live at their site of cremation while some dwell in a drain called ''Chah-e-Barhoot.'' Some live between the first and seventh stratum while some live in the deepest abyss called 'Sijjeen.' However, they too recognise the visitors to their cemeteries, and hear what they say. Their souls are however not as free, as the souls of the Muslims, to move about and always remain confined. (Bahar-e-Shariat). See article in Appendix : Visit to the houses by Souls.
There are many authentic books describing talks between the dead and the living and the meeting with souls. Souls meet and talk with good and pious people. The deceased recite the Qur'an-e-Majeed, the kalima's, they state that the Most Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala ' alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam said the truth, the four Khalifa's were true and told their virtues as well as many things to happen in the future. Some talked to their partners and helped them. Imam Baihaqi Rahmatullahi 'alayh writes that the talk of the dead has been authentically written with authentic narrations by the muhadditheen and imams in their books of religion. For those who seek evidence, the books of the full narrations of the sahaba, the Pious and the Saints.
Hadrat Abdullah ibne Umar Radi Allahu anhu stated that the Most Beloved Prophet of Allah, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa Salla Allahu Ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam came to Ahle Kaleeb (the well in whch Abu Jahal, Ibne Hisham, Umaiyah bin Khalak, Utba bin Rubaiyyah and Saiba ibne Rubbiyah - all the Kafirs of Makkah were thrown into) and said, '' Did you obtain the true call of your Rab-Allah?'' Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa Salla Allahu Ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam when asked by the Sahaba-e-Kiram (Allah be pleased with them) if he talked to the dead, replied,
Hadrat Abu Sa'id al-Khudri Radi Allahu Ta'ala anhu narrated that the Most Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu Ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam said that:
Hadrat Umar bin Dinar Rahmatullahi ta'ala 'alaih has related that after death a person's soul remains with an Angel and sees its body being bathed and shrouded and when people praise him, the Angel points this out to him. (Abu Naim). In a Hadith narrated by Umar bin Dinar Rahmatullahi ta'ala 'alaih it has been stated that in addition to these acts, the deceased knows whatever is being done in the house at the time. (Ibn Abi Duniya)
Hadrat Abu Qatada Radi Allahu anhu has narrated that the Most Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu Ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam said,
Hadrat Anas Radi Allahu anhu narrates that the Most Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu Ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam stated that:
It is evident from many Ahadith and from writings of Saints and Scholars that the deceased can hear, feel and understand (know what is happening around them). In the eminent Kitab, 'Hayatul mawaat fibanane amwaat'' by Mujaddid al Azam Hadrat Shah Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Rahmatullahi ta'ala 'alayh, over 75 Hadiths and 375 statements of eminent scholars are listed in support of this belief.
Punishment and tribulations of the grave is a reality and is mentioned in many places in the Qur'an-e-Majeed and in Ahadith, and is part of our belief. Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala has said :
''And undoubtedly these tyrants will have another punishment before the mentioned punishment.'' (Kashfur Rahman)
According to Allama Qurtabi Rahmatullahi 'alayh this ayat points clearly to the tribulations of the grave. However, according to Hadrat Ali Karamallahu wajahu there were still doubts regarding tribulations of the grave. When 'Surah Takasur' was revealed, these doubts were cleared :
The punishment in the grave is the same thing as punishment of barzakh, as both are between this world and the Hereafter. And if Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala decides to punish the dead, he is punished in barzakh. This punishment will take place if the dead is buried, cremated, drowned, hanged or eaten by animals. As punishment normally takes place in the grave, it is called as punishment of the grave. The punishment will last till the 'Day of Judgement'. After that day, the real and severe punishment begins. Those people thinking death and therefore the 'Day of Judgement' is far off for the punishment to be met out are only deceiving themselves. For the sinful, the punishment starts soon after their death on burial or disposal of their bodies by other means.
It is reported by Hadrat Abu Hurayrah Radi Allahu anhu, that the Most Beloved Prophet of Allah, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa Salla Allahu Ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam passed near two graves in which punishment was met out. He said one was careless while urinating and the other used to backbite. Then he took a branch of date tree, broke it into two and put these on the two graves. The Noble Companions (May Allah be pleased with them) asked the Most Beloved Prophet of Allah, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa Salla Allahu Ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam the reason for doing so. He replied that he expected that as long as the branch remained green, it will continue doing dhikr of Allah, and Allah will reduce their punishment. This hadith not only proves punishment in the grave, but also relief to the dead from dhikr and Fateha done on their behalf.
The Prophets alaihim-us salaam are not asked questions in the grave, nor does the grave press or squeeze them. The Prophets alaihim-us salaam, the Awliya Radi Allahu anhum ajma'in, Shuhadaa Radi Allahu anhum, Aalim-e-Deen, Hafiz al-Qur'an, the person who always recites the Durood Shareef and loves the Beloved of Allah, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa Salla Allahu Ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam immensely are all - always physically alive in the grave. Almighty Allah has also made it haraam upon the earth to eat the blessed bodies of the Prophets alaihim-us salaam.
The arsh is the ceiling of Paradise. But the grave also is one of the gardens of Paradise. The mind cannot comprehend this. Belief in this causes one to be saved from torment. But for being able to utter that beautiful word (Kalima Tawhid) in the last breath it is necessary to obey the shariah in the world and to do pious deeds.
It is not permissable to wish for death in order to get rid of illness or worldly troubles. It is sunnah to entreat Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala for death for fear of religious troubles and mischief. So is the case with wishing to be martyred on the way of Allah. It is permissible to wish for death while being in Makkah Mukarrama or Madinah t'al Munawwara. It is mushtahab [desirable] to wish for death for the wish to attain to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala. A hadith declares. ''If a person loves to see Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala, Allah Almighty loves to see him, too.''
It is reported by Hadrat Abu Hurayrah Radi Allahu anhu, that a person asked the Most Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam as to who was better amongst the people ? He replied, it was one who lived longer and did good deeds. Then he asked who was the worst amongst the people ? He replied one who lived long and did bad things.
Hadrat Anas Radi Allahu anhu, has said that the Most Beloved Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam said that when Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala wants to do good to any person, He gives him an opportunity to do good acts before his death. (Hakim)
Hadrat Jabir Radi Allahu anhu said that no-one should desire death. It is the believers good luck that he should have a long life because Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala gives him an opportunity to do good acts. (Ahmad)
Hadrat Abdullah bin Abbas Radi Allahu anhu said that one should have regard for five important things which precede the five following things : youth preceding old age, health preceding illness, wealth preceding poverty, ease preceding engagement, and life preceding death. (Tirmidhi). One should therefore take opportunity in doing good acts in the preceding period before he is afflicted by the following events.
Hadrat Anas Radi Allahu anhu, narrated that the Most Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam stated, ''You should not ask for death if perturbed by some trouble. If you are very much distressed, you should pray in the following words :
(O Allah! Keep me alive for long, as life is good for me, and give me death when death is better for me') (Bukhari)
It is reported in another hadith that every day of the life of a believer is good because he prays Salaat, offers other prayers and remembers Allah. It is reported by Hadrat Abu Hurayrah Radi Allahu anhu that two persons from a tribe became Muslims and went with the Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam on Jihad. One got martyred and the other died a natural death a year later. After his death Talha bin Ubaidullah dreamt that Paradise was decorated and the second person entered Paradise before the Martyr. He was surprised and came to the Beloved of Allah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam to ask the reason for this. The Most Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam replied that the second person fasted during the month of Ramadan, prayed a years fardh Salaat, many Nafl prayers and others. This hadith proves the importance of living a longer life remembering Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala, saying prayers and good deeds, and their continuous commitment can have rewards matching or exceeding Martyrs!
The Will
After the dead person is freed from others' rights either by this way or by other means prescribed by the shari'ah, it is necessary to fulfill his last Will. The will that requests the doing of something sinful is invalid. Such wills are not fulfilled. Thus the dead person is not deprived of the thawab (rewards) and the prayers caused by his will.
Hadrat Abu Hurayrah Radi Allahu anhu has narrated that the Most Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu Ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam has said that some men and women indulge in evil acts for seventy years, but at the time of death, they are just in their Will and for this justice and fair play, they will go to Paradise. (Abu Daud)
Isqaat
If a person has Salaat, or fasting which he left to Qazaa, or Qurbani or zakaat still to pay because he could not perform for some uzar (reason), and he could not perform Salaat even with signs though he could have, it is wajib for him to enjoin in his Will that the isqaat should be done for their kaffara when he is about to die. But he does not have to enjoin the Isqaat if he has not had the power to perform them. Similarly, if a traveller or a sick person who did not fast in Ramadan dies before having time to make Qazaa, he does not have to enjoin isqaat.
The isqaat for a sick person's kaffara is performed by his guardian after his death. It is not performed before he dies. It is not permissable for a living person to have isqaat performed for himself. In the Hanafi Madhab, if a person did not enjoin in his Will that the isqaat of kaffara should be done, his guardian does not have to perform the isqaat. For the shafi'i, the guardian has to perform the isqaat even if the deceased did not leave a Will.
Debts
A dead person's debts must be paid as soon as he dies. Unless his debts are paid, his soul will not attain to the grade of the good. The debts will include money for Mahr (money paid at nikah), Zakaat, fitra or by theft or usury, if there are any. If it is impossible to pay his debts, one of the close relatives of the dead person undertakes his debts by means of hawala. The debts then belong to him. It should be remembered that debts cleared by means of bankruptcy or receivership in courts does not absolve a Muslim for unpaid debts cleared by these means which are meant to help people in financial difficulties in the world.
The Most Beloved Prophet of Allah, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa Salla Allahu Ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam did not want to perform the Janazah prayer for a person who had died in debt. One of the Sahaba (Companion) Abu Katada-i-Ansari Radi Allahu Ta'ala anhu undertook the dead person's debt. Upon this, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa Salla Allahu Ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam accepted to perform the Janazah prayers. As it is seen the dead person will be freed from his debt even when a non-relative undertakes the debt. The person who undertakes the debt should say to the creditor, ''Make the deceased halaal (forgive him)!'' By such mutual agreement the dead person will be completely free from his debt.
Note : It is essential for all, that a Will is drawn up as soon as possible as time of death is uncertain. Isqaat should be calculated after death according to shariah, and debts paid off or cleared by way of hawala. As it is not possible to cover this subject in detail here, it is advisable to contact a local scholar [alim] for further details.
Hadrat Abu Saeed Khudri Radi Allahu anhu narrated that the Most Beloved Prophet of Allah, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa Salla Allahu Ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam said that five acts are such that if one does them in a day, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala will record him as a man of Paradise. These acts are: calling on the sick, attending to a funeral, observing fast, performing Friday Prayer (Jum'ah) and liberating a slave.
In another hadith by Hadrat Muaz bin Jabbal Radi Allahu anhu it is narrated that the Most Beloved Prophet of Allah, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa Salla Allahu Ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam stated that if one completed any one of the five actions, then Allah becomes his Surety, and the mentioned actions include calling on a sick person. (Abu Daud)
Hadrat Abu Hurayrah Radi Allahu anhu has narrated that the Most Beloved Prophet of Allah Almighty, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa Salla Allahu Ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam has said that:
On the Day of Judgement, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) will say : ''O' man! I was ill but you did not call on Me!'' The believer will say, ''How can I call on You. You are the Lord of the World's.'' Allah Almighty will say: ''You do not know. Such and such a person was ill, if you had called on him you would have found Me there.'' In the same way, Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) will also inquire about the hungry and the thirsty. If he had given food and water, he would have found Him there. (Muslim)
Hadrat Abu Hurayrah Radi Allahu anhu has said the Most Beloved Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa Salla Allahu Ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam has said a Muslim has six claims over other Muslims, one of them is that when a Muslim falls ill, other Muslims should visit him. (Muslim)
It is described by Hadrat Umar bin Khattab Radi Allahu Ta'ala anhu that the Most Beloved Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa Salla Allahu Ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam told him that when he goes to visit a patient, he should ask him to pray for him, as a patient's prayer is like the prayer of Angels (Ibn Maaja).
Hadrat Abu Hurayrah Radi Allahu anhu has stated that the Most Beloved Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa Salla Allahu Ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam has said that if anyone calls on the sick, a caller calls from heaven,
Hadrat Anas Radi Allahu anhu has said that the Most Beloved Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa Salla Allahu Ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam said when a Muslim goes to visit an ailing Muslim brother, he is separated from Hell to the distance of 70 years journey. (Abu Daud)
Hadrat Jabir Radi Allahu anhu narrated that the Most Beloved Prophet of Allah, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa Salla Allahu Ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam said that if anyone goes to visit an ailing person, he enters the realm of Mercy and if he sits with him, he is as if he has dipped into the sea of Mercy. (Malik)
Hadrat Anas Radi Allahu anhu has narrated that the Most Beloved Prophet of Allah, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa Salla Allahu Ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam has said that when a Muslim visits his ailing Muslim brother during the day, then seventy thousand Angels pray for his forgiveness till the evening (Ibn Haban).
In another Hadith also narrated by Hadrat Anas Radi Allahu anhu the Most Beloved Prophet of Allah, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa Salla Allahu Ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam has stated that when a Muslim goes to see an ailing Muslim and sits with him, then the Mercy of Allah throws its shadows over him and the sins of the patient are forgiven. (Ahmad)
People who come to visit the ill person must not tell stories or start any conversation on such topics as newspapers, property, trade, politics or government. They must tell religious tales and quote the words of the Awliya, Ambiya and the pious. They must elevate his love for them as talking about the pious causes Allah's compassion.
During illness, knowledge of Iman and faith must be the major topic of all conversations. Visitors must talk on this knowledge and, if no one comes, the ill person must read the information about the next world.
The person who is ill or who is dying should always be given hope that Allah the Almighty is Merciful and Forgiving. They should be reminded to have faith in Almighty Allah at all times and His infinite Mercy will pardon all sins. If the person shows despair or is not confident of about Allah's Subhanahu wa Ta'ala's Mercy, it is compulsory to give that person hope. He must be reminded that sins are nothing with Allah's compassion. His hopes of pardon and forgiveness must be very strong. He must say, ''My Allah will forgive me.'' Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala has said in a Hadith-e-Qudsi :
The Most Beloved Prophet of Allah, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa Salla Allahu Ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam said three days before his death : '' Die expecting goodness from Allahu Ta'ala''
When it is seen that he is in the state of death, it becomes wajib to say things that will increase his hope for Allah's compassion. If he has some omitted prayers of salaah, it is sunnah to encourage him to make tawba for them.
It is Sunnah to make the dying person drink some water. This becomes wajib (a religious command) if it is seen that he needs water. And this necessity becomes stronger if it seen that he feels relieved upon drinking the water. It is declared in a hadith that at the moment of death shaitan shows shows the dying person some pure water, saying, '' I shall let you drink this if you say that you worship none but me.''
Hadrat Huzaifa Radi Allahu anhu has narrated that whoever recited 'La ilaha illallaho' for the pleasure of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala and died and went to paradise, and whoever kept fast for Allah's pleasure and died, he also went to Paradise. (Ahmad)
The Most Beloved of Allah, Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam has declared,
''When a Surah is said (or read) in the presence of a dying person, an Angel for each letter (of the Surah) will come and pray so that his soul will leave him with ease. As he is washed they keep him company. As his Janazah is carried they will go with him. They will attend at his Janazah Salaat. They will be with him during the internment. They will pray for him all the time.''
Another Hadith Shareef declares, ''If Yaseen Shareef is said in the presence of a person who is ill, the Angel named Radwan will bring him sherbet from Paradise. He will give away his soul sated with water. He will go to his grave stated. He will not need water. '' The person will not feel the thirst caused by the throes of death. Surah Yaseen tells about the things that will happen after the resurrection, explains that this world is transitory and foretells the blessings of Paradise and the torments in Hell, when it is said in the presence of the ill person he will have heard the things that will cause him to die with Iman.
The Beloved of Allah, Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam has stated that when a person recites Kulhuwallah ... during an illness or at a time just prior to death, the person will be saved from the contraction of the grave and the pressing of the grave. The Surah will escort the person hand in hand over 'Pulsirat' and take him into Paradise. (Abu Naim in 'Hilya')
According to Hadrat Mu'az bin Jabal Radi Allahu anhu, the Beloved of Allah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam has said that he, who recites 'La ilaha illallah' at the final moments of his death, will surely go to Paradise'' (Ahmad, Abu Daud, Hakim)
Hadrat bin Aslam Radi Allahu anhu has quoted Sayyadina Hadrat Uthman Ghani Radi Allahu Ta'ala anhu saying : '' ...when you happen to visit anyone who is approaching death, preach him to recite ' La ilaha illalaho '' because this Kalima proves a gift for one who expires with this Kalima on his tongue.'' (Ibn Abidduniya)
It has been reported in Tibrani by Hadrat Abu Hurayrah Radi Allahu anhu and Hadrat Abu Saeed Khudri Radi Allahu anhu that anyone who at the time of death recites the following, the fire of Hell will not touch him :
Sometimes involvement in a sin prevents a dying person from reciting the kalima. Ulema-e-Kiram say that the drug opium has seventy disadvantages, one of which is that the opium-eater cannot recollect the kalima at the time of death. On the other hand, brushing one's teeth with miswak carries seventy benefits, one of which is that of reciting of kalima at the time of his death. It is related that a person was persuaded to recite the kalima, he stated that he was unable to do it because he used to cheat through under-weighing. Another person could not recite because he was tempted to cast sinful looks at a woman who came to his shop. Many such examples are known. It is also related that when a person commits certain major sins, his Imaan strays out of his heart, and if his death occurs during this act, the person could die without Imaan.
Hadrat Abdullah bin Abbas Radi Allahu anhu narrated that the Beloved Prophet of Allah Salla Allahu Ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'alaihi wa Sallam stated that if anyone recites :
Then Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala gives him three benefits :
If eyes are open : If upon passing away, the eye of the deceased are open, one should close the lids by passing the hands over the eyes of the deceased and read the following dua : '' Bismillahi wa alaa millati Rasoolillahi. Allahumma Yassir alaihi wa Sah'lihi alaihi ma ba'dahu wa as'dahu bil liqaa'ika waj-al maa kharaja Illahi Khairan mim'ma kharajaa anhu'' (Durr-e-Mukhtar)
Mouth : Tie a piece of cloth from the chin to the head. This is to keep the mouth from remaining open.
Cover : The body must be covered with a sheet. The body of the deceased must be given great respect at all times.
Preparations : Make immediate preparations for Ghusl, Kaffan and Janazah Salaah and the burial. These acts for the deceased are all 'Farz-e-Kifaayah' (A compulsory action which is to be performed by all. However, if a few persons perform these duties, then the responsibilities is waived off the others. If these are not carried out by anyone, then all responsible are sinners).
If a Muslim funeral director is used, ensure all parties are aware of all arrangements and times for a smooth funeral. Call the doctor where necessary to obtain essential papers, obtain Death Certificate from Registrars and contact the local cemetery for the grave and burial timings, emphasising to these authorities at all times the necessity of burying the deceased without any delay. Inform all relations, freinds, the Mosque and others, the timing of the Janazah Salaah and the burial. It is essential to provide maps of the cemetery to those coming to the funeral from distant places. One always comes across people who get lost and miss the burial ceremony having made long journeys for the occasion.
Expenses for the Funeral : All expenses for the deceased must be taken from the estate of the deceased. If the deceased did not have any estate , then the responsibilty is on the next of kin, e.g. father, mother, sons, brothers, etc. If none of the relatives are available or if they are too poor, then the expenses should come out from the mosque or an organisation responsible for the welfare of the community. If no such organisation is in existence, then every member of the congregation must contribute towards the expenses incurred to the best of their means. However, one must during their lifetimes make some provision for this certain eventuality. If we can save to for holidays and leisure, then we must do so for this purpose.
In a Hadith, Allah's Most Beloved Prophet, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa Salla Allahu Ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam stated,
All actions that are worthy of thawaab and blessing and can be recited at the Janazah should be recited and these include Zikr'Allah (rememberance of Allah) including reciting the Qur'an al kareem, various tasbihs; Darood Sahreef, Salaams and Naat Shareef (praises of the Beloved Prophet Muhammad - alayhi salam). There is nothing wrong with any of these practices and none of them have been prevented by the shari'ah. What better way to send a servant of Almighty Allah to meet with His Creator than with the words of Zikr'Allah and praise and salutations of our Most Beloved Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa Salla Allahu Ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam!
Khatam-e-Tehleel : There is mention in Maqamaat-e-Mazharriya that a hadith shareef of doing Khatam-e-Tehleel, i.e. of reciting ' La-ilaha illallaho ' 70,000 times for the deceased which states : '' If a person says Kalima-e-Tawheed seventy thousand times for himself or for someone else, his (or some other person's) sins will be forgiven. ''
Shaykh Abu Yazeed Kartabi Rahmatullahi alaih writes :
Shaykh Abu Yazeed Rahmatullahi alaih further states : '' This incident proved useful to me in two ways : Firstly, the blessing of reciting the Kalima seventy thousand times was proved by actual experience and secondly that the young man was truly blessed with the power of 'Kashf.' ''
It is permissable to weep tears for the deceased person, however, screaming and crying is not allowed. Hadrat Abu Hurayrah Radi Allahu Ta'ala anhu has narrated that the Most Beloved Prophet of Allah, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa Salla Allahu Ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam has stated : ''Allah says, 'I have nothing to give but Paradise as a reward to my believer slave, who, if I cause his dear friend (or relative) to die, remains patient (and hopes) for Allah's reward)' '' (Bukhari)
Hadrat Abu Musa Radi Allahu Ta'ala anhu said that the Most Beloved of Allah, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa Salla Allahu Ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam stated that if any bears patiently the death of his child, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala asks the Angels if they had taken away the soul of His Believer's child. The Angels will reply that they have carried out His command. Allah will again ask if if they have taken away the heart's love of His believer. The Angels will say the same again. Then Allah will ask how His believer took it and what he had said. The Angels will say that he praised Him and said,
Allah will then say, '' Build a house for My believer in paradise and name it the abode of praise.'' (Tirmidhi)
It is narrated by Hadrat Alqama Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu that patience is half of the faith, whilst trust is the fully fledged faith. (Tibrani)
Hadrat Abu Saeed Khudri Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu has stated that the Most Beloved Prophet of Allah, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa Salla Allahu Ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam has stated whosoever seeks patience, receives patience from Him. Nothing is better than the ability of being patient. (Bukhari,
Muslim)
Hadrat Umme Salma Radi Allahu ta'ala anha said that when her husband Abu Salma died, she informed the Beloved of Allah, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa Salla Allahu Ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam about it and he asked her to pray as follows: ''Allahum-maghfirli walahu waqabni min-hu uqba hasanah.'' (O' Allah forgive my sins and the sins of this man and give me a better substitute). (Muslim)
Hadrat Umme Salma Radi Allahu ta'ala anha also narrated that the Most Beloved Prophet of Allah - Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa Salla Allahu Ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam said that one should recite the following in distress : ''Inna lillahi wa Inna ilayhi raji'oon. Allahumma ajirni fi-musi-bati wakhluf-li khairam minha.'' (We are all from Allah and we are to return to Him. O' Allah remove this distress from me and give me a good substitute for it).
Then Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala will remove his distress and make up for his loss and grant him a better substitute. Hadrat Umme Salma Radi Allahu ta'ala anha said that when she prayed thus on the death of her first husband, she got a much better substitute : the Most Beloved Prophet of Allah - Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa Salla Allahu Ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam himself as her husband. (Abu Daud)
One is not allowed to scream and cry at funerals as this is not the practice of the Muslim, but of the kuffar. It is stated in a hadith that crying with small teardrops is out of love, but crying aloud by beating the chest is the way of the Satan. Mourning of the dear ones is not unlawful because the grief which arises sincerely in the heart is natural and it cannot be prevented. One should however refrain from loud wailing, striking one's cheeks and tearing his or her clothes as these are abominable acts, also crying out aloud torments the deceased person.
It has been narrated by Hadrat Bakr bin Abdullah Mazni Radi Allahu anhu that after the death, the soul of the dead is in the hand of the 'Angel of Death'. He sees everything that is being done to perform the last rituals. Had he possessed the power of speech he would have forbidden the people of his household to lament or mourn his death. (Ibn Abi Duniya)
It is mentioned in a hadith that loud wailing causes the deceased to suffer pain. It is ordered :
The Most Beloved Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa Salla Allahu Ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam also stated that;
The Most Beloved Prophet of Allah, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa Salla Allahu Ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam has said to comfort a bereaved person is a mustahab (desirable) action. He said whosoever went to condole a person after death, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala will adorn that person with the Gown of karamah. (Shami)
When comforting say :
Hadrat Abu Hurayrah Radi Allahu Ta'ala anhu has said that the Most Beloved Prophet of Allah, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa Salla Allahu Ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam stated that whosoever condoles a woman whose child is dead, will be admitted to Paradise, and covered with the cover of Paradise. (Tirmidhi)
Hadrat Abdullah Radi Allahu Ta'ala anhu said that if any person condoles a distressed man, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala gives as much reward as he gives to the distressed man. (Tirmidhi)
It is considered makrooh [undesirable] for condoling the bereaved at three places : at or near the doorway of the deceased's house, at the graveside and in the Mosque. (Durr-e-Mukhtar)
Giving Food : It is mustahab [desirable] for the neighbours to give food for one day and one night to the family. When Hadrat Jafar Tayyar Radi Allahu Ta'ala anhu was martyred with more than seventy wounds, the Beloved of Allah, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa Salla Allahu Ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam commanded to send food to his home. One reason for doing so is that the bereaved family are too grieved to think about food at that time.