Imam Sheikh Mahr at
(415) 306-2204
39 S Benson Rd, Fairfield, CT 06824; Phone: (203) 259-0824
Family members of the dying person and their most pious friends should be present at their side to help turn the final thoughts to Allah, reminding him or her of all the good deeds they did, about Allah’s mercy, and Allah’s favors. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Let no Muslim die except expecting and hoping the best from Allah” (Muslim).
Family members and friends can advise the dying person very gently (encouragement without insistence) to say the shahada: “La Illaha illallah”, which means there is no God but Allah, in a very kind and sincere manner as these may be their last words. Abu Saeed Al-Khuduri reported that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Help Muslims who are dying to say “La Illaha illallah” (Muslim).
Family members should make Dua (supplication) to Allah to help make the final moments easy, and to forgive them.
All efforts are to be made to fulfill any requests that the person may have before dying.
Immediately after the death has occurred and it has been verified, close the eyes of the deceased eyes; the mouth and jaws are tied gently with broad bands or pieces of cloth so that they do not remain wide open; the legs should be tied in the same way. The body should be covered, and must always remain covered, preferably with a white sheet of cloth.
Invoke Allah and say: “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un” (To Allah we belong and to Him is our return).
Crying with no wailing is permitted. The prophet (PBUH) wept on the death of his son, Ibrahim, and said:
“The eyes shed tears and the heart feels pain, but we utter only what pleases our Lord. O Ibrahim! We are aggrieved at your demise.” Contact
Imam Sheikh Maher at (415) 306-2204 or Br. Ebrahim at (203) 545-098
for funeral arrangements without delay; relatives and friends should also be notified. The body must not be kept waiting unnecessarily. Immediate family and friends are to prepare food for the bereaved family for three days.