CONTENT PAGE

INTRODUCTION..........................................................................3 EVENTS PRECEDING DEATH.........................................................3 WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMEONE DIES..........................................5 PRACTICAL TASKS IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE

MOMENT OF DEATH....................................................................9CHECK LIST FOR WASHING & SHROUDING ..............................11THE METHOD OF WASHING......................................................12PURCHASING THE SHROUD......................................................17HOW TO LAY THE DEAD IN THE KAFN (SHROUD)......................19JANAZAH PRAYER.......................................................................23THE SHAR’I METHOD OF DAFN (BURIAL)...................................31TA’ZIAT (SYMPATHISING WITH THE BERIEVED)...........................38VISITING THE GRAVEYARD.........................................................38IDDAH AND OTHER MASA’IL......................................................44HOW TO STAND IN JANAZAH SALAAH ......................................46POINTS TO PONDER OVER ........................................................47

INTRODUCTION

There is no doubt that the only guaranteed event that will definitely face each and every single living being; be they male or female, rich or poor, black or white, sick or healthy, is death. Despite the uneasiness people feel in talking about or even merely thinking about this dark topic, due to it’s unavoidable and inevitable nature, it only makes sense to prepare for it. This publication is designed to allow people to fully prepare for it’s occurrence in the event of someone in the near family passing away. It features a practical guide of what needs to be done, fulfilling both governmental and Islamic requirements. Thereafter it goes through the complete Islamic rites of passage, including the relevant prayers, avoiding customs which are usually adopted by people ignorant of the correct Sunnah method.

This treatise covers what needs to be performed at the time of someone else’s death, it is also hoped that it can be a reminder for each of us to prepare for our own inevitable end.

EVENTS PRECEDING DEATH

MUHTADAR: A person on whom the signs of death are clearly seen is called a muhtadar. It is sunnah to let him lie on his right side facing the Qiblah. It is permitted that he be positioned to lie on his back with his feet towards the Qiblah, and the head slightly raised with a cushion so that it faces the Qiblah. All the bed linen must be tahir (clean). If moving the muhtadar causes him any discomfort then leave him in any convenient position.

It is desirable to use loban (Frankincense), Itr (perfume) or any other aromatics that are tahir in the room. Anyone who is in the state of janabah (Impurties), haydh (menustrual Bleeding) or nifaas (post-natal bleeding) must leave the room.

At this time the recital of Surah Yasin and Surah Ar Ra`d is recommended. This may be done in the same room. When one is incapable of reciting the Qur'an, someone else may be requested to recite these chapters or any other portions of the Qur'an.

Talqin: Talqin is to remind the dying, of the Shahadah.

ASH-HADU ’ALL ILHA ILLAL-LHUWA ASH-HADU ANNA MUAMMADAN `ABDUHWA RASLUH.

I testify that there is none worthy of worship but Allah and I testify that Muhammad is His servant and His messenger.

When the end nears, the dying person's breath quickens, the knees become so weak that they cannot move, the nose becomes bent and the temples subside. By these signs understand that the person is nearing his end.

The talqin should be read before the dying person takes his last breaths, the muhtadar must not be asked or ordered to read the kalimah, but must be helped to recall it. i.e. those present should continually repeat it aloud, in front of the dying.

Once the departing person utters the kalimah, all who are present should remain silent. The dying person should not be drawn into any worldly discussions, but if he discusses any worldly affair, then the talqin should be repeated.