1. WHAT TO DO WHEN A PERSON IS SEVERELY ILL
Almighty Allah states in the Glorious Quran:
"Every soul must taste Death". (Surah Aale Imraan: Verse 185)
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) 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).'"
(Abu Hurairah - Bukhari)
Death is something that everyone has to face. It is Sunnat-e-Mu'akkadah to
remember death at all times. A Muslim must always be prepared for death. Death can come at
anytime. When it is established that a person is in the last stages of his life, the
following should be done:-
1.1 He or she should be made to lie facing the direction of the Qibla, lying on his or her
right side. If this is not possible, then it is sufficient to let the person lie on his or
her back with the face and soles of the feet facing the direction of Qibla.
1.2 When doing this, the person's head should be lifted slightly to allow the face to be
directed towards the Qibla.
1.3 In the last moments, Surah Yaseen and the Tasbih "Laa ilaaha ilal laa"
should be recited near the person continuously.
1.4 The Kalima should be read in front of him or her, but he or she should not be
commanded to recite the Kalima.
1.5 If the dying person is a minor (Na Baaligh), and able to distinguish between right and
wrong, then too, Kalima should be recited before him or her.
1.6 If the person speaks or makes any other Dhikr, then he or she should be reminded to
recite the Kalima. This will ensure that the Kalima is his or her last
words.
1.7 A person who is ill or who is dying should always be given hope that Almighty Allah is
Most Merciful and Forgiving. They should be reminded to have faith in Almighty Allah at
all times and that His infinite mercy will pardon all sins.
1.8 If a person shows despair or is not confident about the Mercy of Allah, then it is
compulsory to give that person hope.
2. WHAT SHOULD BE DONE WHEN A PERSON PASSES AWAY
2.1 When a person passes away, his or her eyes should be closed immediately.
2.2 Tie a piece of cloth (material) from the chin to the head. This is to keep the mouth
from remaining open.
2.3 Cover him or her with a sheet.
Make preparations for the Ghusl (Bath), Kaffan, Burial order, Janazah
Salaah and the actual burial. These acts for the deceased are all "Fard-i-Kifaayah"
(A compulsory action which is to be performed by all, however if a few persons perform
these duties, then the responsibility is waived off the others. If these are not carried
out by anyone, then all responsible are sinners).
All expenses for the deceased must be taken from the estate of the deceased. If the
deceased did not have any such estate, then the responsibility is on his next of kin, eg.
father, mother, sons, brothers, etc. If none of these relatives are available, or if they
are too poor, then the expenses should come from the 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.
The body of the deceased must be covered with a cloth (Sheet) before removing his or her
clothing. Those people who remove the clothes, must be careful not to allow the Satr-i-Awrah
(parts that are Fard to be covered - navel to knee for men, and from the neck to ankles
for women) to be uncovered. After this has been done, proceed with the Ghusl of
the deceased.
3. IMPORTANT LAWS RELATING TO THE DECEASED
Before explaining the method of Ghusl, please take note of a few important Masaa'il
(Islamic laws) relating to the deceased. These are:
3.1 Where there is a shortage of water for some reason or the other, wash the entire body
of the deceased at least once.
3.2 When washing the back, the deceased should not be made to lie on the stomach, as this
is prohibited.
3.3 The Niyyah (Intention) for the Ghusl should be read. The Niyyah
must be recited when the water is being poured on the head.
3.3.1 The Niyyah for a male is:
Nawaytu an aghsila haadhal Mayyati
"I make Niyyah (intention) to bathe this deceased male"
3.3.2 The Niyyah for a female is:
Nawaytu an aghsila Hadhihil mayyata
"I make Niyyah (intention) to bathe this deceased female"
3.4 Only males are allowed to give the ghusl to a male, and females for the female
deceased. However, if there are no men present, then the wife of the deceased may perform
his Ghusl. If she is not present, then any other female relative (Mahram) may
perform the Ghusl. If none of the Mahaarim are present then a non-Mahram
(a non-relative women) should perform the Tayammum only and not the Ghusl.
In such circumstances, the Tayammum is sufficient.
3.5 If there is no female to give Ghusl to the deceased of a female, then the
very same law will apply. If no close female relative or women is available, then her
husband, grandfather or brother may perform the Ghusl. If none of them are
available, then only Tayammum should be performed by a non-Mahram male.
4. THE GHUSL (BATH) FOR THE DECEASED
NB: Prepare enough luke warm water for the Ghusl.
4.1. The deceased must be made to lie on a raised platform in a closed room.
4.2 The first aspect of Ghusl is to perform the ISTINJA (removal of all
internal and external Najaasat).
4.2.1 The deceased must be made to lie in such a manner, that the head is slightly tilted
to the back.
4.2.2 The right hand should be placed behind the neck in such a manner, that the thumb
supports the nape, so that the neck does not fall backwards completely.
4.2.3 The lower back should be supported by the right knee, and using the left hand,
massage the stomach gently to release any impurities.
4.2.4 The deceased should then be made to lie flat.
4.2.5 A piece of material (doing the job of a glove) must be placed over the left hand of
the person conducting the Ghusl.
4.2.6 Using the left hand in gloves (which must be wet, to allow the Najaasat to be
cleaned out properly), wash any impurity of the private parts thoroughly.
4.2.7 If the Najaasat was not removed the first time, then a new cloth must be
used to clean the impurities for the second time.
4.2.8 When performing the Ghusl, two persons must be responsible for washing the
upper body, and one person for the lower body.
4.3 Now that the Istinja has been completed, WUDU (ablution) should be given to the
deceased. First, make the Niyah which is as follows:
Nawaytul wudu'al masnoona li haadhal (haadhihil) mayyiti (mayyita)
"I make intention for Sunnat wudu for this deceased male (female)".
4.4 Firstly, wash the body with soap and water to remove any dirt or external impurities.
4.5 Clean the teeth and the nasal passages (nostrils) with a soft wet cloth (or cotton
wool).
4.6 After this has been done, the complete Wud`u must be given. Do not be put
water into the mouth and the nostrils, since these parts have already been washed with the
cotton wool.
4.7 The head and the right-hand side of the body must first be washed. The deceased must
then be made to lie on the left-hand side, so that the back of the right-hand side can
also be properly washed.
4.8 The deceased must then be turned onto the right-hand side, so that the back of the
left-hand side is washed.
4.9 After washing with soap, water must be poured over the body in such a manner that all
the soap is removed.
4.10 The actual Ghusl is when water is poured over the entire body. Water should
be poured starting from the head, then onto the entire front of the body, followed by the
right back portion and then the left back portion. It must be remembered that all portions
must be washed thrice (3 times).
NOTE: It is wajib but not a rukn to avoid revealing/seeing the `awra
(private parts) of the deceased even for those washing him/her (satr al-`awra).
The washers should cover the body with a cloth and wash the private parts
under the cloth. i.e. the ghasl or ghusl is valid
although a sin would be committed if the washer saw/touched the `awra
without cover for the dead nor hand-cover for him/herself; and in the Hanafi
madhhab it is only makruh for the secondary `awra and haram
only for the primary i.e. between the navel and knees. And Allah knows best.
4.11 When complete Ghusl is performed, lastly throw camphor water on the entire
body.
4.12 It is preferable to burn incense sticks (agarbati) or lobaan during
the Istinja, and to pour much water over the body to avoid odour.
4.13 It must also be noted that the warm water used is not too hot as this will cause
discomfort to the deceased.
Important Note: Those performing the Ghusl must refrain from publicizing any
deformities or bad experiences of the deceased to others.
5. THE KAFFAN (SHROUD)
After the Ghusl has been completed, the body is dried with a clean towel. The Kaffan
is now put on. One single sheet covering the entire body will accomplish the Fard of the Kaffan
(in certain circumstances or crisis eg. war, etc.)
5.1 The complete Sunnah Kaffan for the male consists of the following 5 pieces:-
5.1.1 2 full sheets,
5.1.2 Izaar (covering from waste down),
5.1.3 Kafni (kurta), and
5.1.4 Amaama (Turban)
5.2 The complete Sunnah Kaffan for the female consists of:
5.2.1 Kurta (which covers the lower half of body as well),
5.2.2 Head Gear (Awrni) which covers the head and extends over the breasts, and
5.2.3 Three full sheets covering the entire body.
Note: Do not delay the Salaatul Janazah and Burial.
6. THE METHOD OF PUTTING ON THE KAFFAN
6.1 It is desirable to use dried lobaan (powder), camphor and sandal in the kaffan.
6.2 Likewise, Ittar can be put by means of cotton wool, but do not stain the Kaffan.
6.3 Both the hands of the deceased should be left on its sides. 6.4 When putting on the Kaffan,
the Ghusl platform (tray) should be dried and the Izaar should be put on
while the deceased is on the Ghusl platform.
6.5 After this, put two sheets on the floor and place the deceased on it.
6.6 After placing the Kaffan on the two sheets, the Kafni should be put
on, followed by the Amaama (Turban) or headgear for the female.
6.7 When tying the Kaffan, the left of the sheet must be wrapped over to the
right, and then the right of the sheet over to the left.
6.8 After the Kaffan has been tied, three straps of cloth must be tied around the
deceased. One strap above the head, the second around the waist and the third below the
feet. When the deceased is placed in the grave, only two straps should be opened. The
strap on the waist should not be released.
Now that the Ghusl is performed and the Kaffan is tied, no time must be
wasted as the Amanah (Deceased) is to be returned. Proceed for Salaatul
Janazah and Burial.
7. THE METHOD OF PERFORMING SALAATUL JANAZAH
As mentioned earlier, it is Fard-e-Kifaayah to perform the Salaatul Janazah.
It is preferable for the lines of Salaatul Janazah to be in odd numbers, in other
words 3,5,7 etc. The method of performing the Salaatul Janazah is as follows:-
STEP 1: The Imaam must stand facing the deceased. If it is a male, then the Imaam stands
in line with the chest - for a female, in line with the waist.
Make the Niyah as follows :
Ussali farda salaatil janazahti alaa hadhal mayyati bi arba'a tabkbeeratin lil laahi
ta'ala.
"I am reading Salaah on this deceased with four Takbeers, obligatroy, for Allah's
sake."
Four Takbeers must be recited in the Janazah Salaah. In these Takbeers, both the
hands should be lifted up to the shoulders (Rafa Yadain).
STEP 2: After the first Takbeer recite Surah Fateha:
Al humdu lil-lahi Rabbil `alameen ar-Rahman ir-Raheem Maaliki Yaumid-deen Iyyaka
na'budu wa Iyyaka nasta'een
Ihdinas Siraatal Mustaqeem Siraatal ladhina an`amta `alaihim ghairil maghdubi `alaihim
walad-daleen.
STEP 3: After the second Takbir, send salaat upon the Prophet (sall Allaahu alaihi
wasallam). The best and most appropriate salaat is the one recited in prayers, namely,
salaat-i-Ibrahimiyya:
Allahuma salli ala Sayyidina Muhammadin wa alaa aale
Sayyidina Muhammadin kama salayta alaa Sayyidina Ibrahima
wa ala aale Sayyidina Ibrahima wa baik allahuma ala Sayyidina Muhammadin wa ala aale
Sayyidina Muhammadin kama
barakta ala Sayyidina Ibrahima wa ala aale Sayyidina
Ibrahima Innaka hameedum-Majeed.
STEP 4: After the third Takbir, read the following D'uas:-
Allahum'maghfir lihayyina wa mayyitina wa shaahidina wa gha'ibina wa sahgeerina wa
kabeerina wa dhakarina wa unthana Allahum'ma man ahyaytahu (ha) mina fa ahyahu (ha) `al
al-Islam wa man tawaffaytahu (ha) minna fa tawaffahu (ha) `al al-Iman.
"O Allah! Forgive our living and our dead and our present and hidden and our elders
and our children and forgive our men and women. O Allah! Those whom you keep alive from
us, keep them alive on Islam and those from us whom you give death, give them death on
Imaan. O Allah! Pardon him and have Mercy on him and Forgive him"
Allahumma ighfir lahu warhamhu wa `afihi wa 'afu `anhu wa
akrim nuzulahu wa was'a madkhalahu wa aghsilhu bil
ma'i wath thalji wal baradi wa naq'ihi minal khataaya
kama yunaq'qa thaubal abyadu min ad-danasi
wa abdilhu daaran khairam min daarihi wa ahlan khairam min ahlihi wa
zawjan khairam min zawjihi wa adkhil hul jannata wa
a'izhu min `adhab il-qabri wa fitnatihi wa min adhaab an-nar.
"O Allah! Forgive him, and have Mercy on him and keep him in protection and forgive
him. Let his arrival into the grave be a very respectable one, and broaden his resting
place, and cleanse him from his sins with water, snow and hail".
(This d'ua is found in the Muslim, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah and is also narrated by Abu Bakr
ibn Shaiba and Auf bin Malik radi Allahu anhuma)
STEP 5: After the fourth Takbir recite the following :
Allahuma la tahrimna ajrahu wa la taftinna ba'dahu
waghfir lana wa lahu warhamna ma`hu bi rahmatika
Yaa Arhamar Raahimeen.
"O Allah! Do not deprive us of his reward and after him, do not put us in fitna and
pardon us and him and with him have Mercy upon us through your Mercy, O Most
Merciful"
STEP 6: After reciting this D'ua, make the two Salaams. This will terminate the Salaat
al-Janazah.
(Note: If the deceased is a female, then in place of "Hu" one must read
"Ha" eg, "ighfir lahu" becomes "ighfir laha"
and the suffix "ka" denoting possession will become "ki"
eg, "Dinika" will become "Diniki")
8. THE ARKAAN (PILLARS) OF SALAATUL JANAZAH
There are seven arkaans (pillars) of Salaatul Janazah. They are:-
8.1 Niyyah
8.2 Four Takbeers
8.3 Qira`at (Sura Fatiha)
8.4 Salaat on the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)
8.5 D'ua for the deceased
8.6 First Salaam
8.7 Standing for those who can (in Salaatul Janazah)
9. WHO MUST BE THE IMAAM FOR Salaatul Janazah
The one most worthy of Imamat of Salaatul Janazah is the father of the deceased,
then his grandfather and all those above him (great grandfather etc.) The person next most
worthy is the son from both parents, then grandsons etc, then that son who is only from
the father, and their sons, then the paternal uncles who are from both parents, then those
only from the father, and then the nephews of the deceased, and then the paternal
grandfather, mother etc. If two people worthy of Imamat are present, eg. two brothers or
two uncles, then the one who is elder should be given this duty. It must be noted that at
all times, I'lm-ad-Din and piety surpasses all ranks.
10. SALAAH FOR THE ABSENT DECEASED
The Salaatul Janazah of a person who passed away outside the town is permissible
in the Shafi'i Madhab. This is commonly known as Salaah of the Unseen or Salaatul
Ghaa'ib. Those persons who are worthy of performing his or her Salaah during his or
her death are the ones who should perform this Salaah. When performing the Salaatul
Janazah of Ghaa'ib, instead of the words "`alaa hadhal mayyati"
one must read, "`alal-mayyatil ghaa'ib".
11. JANAZAH OF A CHILD OF MISCARRIAGE
In the case of a miscarriage which occurs before the child is four months old, the child
must be wrapped in a cloth and buried. If the miscarriage occurred at four months or after
this period, then it is compulsory to give Ghusl and Kaffan. If the child showed
any signs of motion while in the womb of the mother, then Salaatul Janazah must
also be performed.
12. JANAZAH OF A SHAHEED (MARTYR)
A Shaheed is that person who is killed in defence of Islam against the Kuffar.
The Martyr will neither be given Ghusl nor will Salaatul Janazah be read
for him. This will also apply if he passed away in the state of Janabat. One who
dies after the battle is not regarded as a Shaheed. The Shaheed must be
covered with his clothes of Shahadah, even thought they be stained with blood
13. BURIAL OF THE DECEASED
The grave should be dug deep enough so that no odour will emerge from it and no scavengers
may enter the grave. It is Mustahab (desirable), to make the grave as wide as
both hand lengths and that the depth of the grave should be that of the height of the
deceased. Only males are allowed to enter the grave. Those more worthy of entering the
grave are those who are worthy of performing the Janazah Salaah. It is best for the
husband to lower his wife into the grave. It is not permissible to take the deceased from
the city of demise to another city. However, if you are close to Makkatul Mukarramah,
Madinatul Munawwarah or Baitul Muqqadas, then you should take the deceased there. If the
deceased had made a Wasiyah (will) to be buried in another city, then this must
not be carried out.
It is Haraam to exhume the body from the grave or to take the body elsewhere for
any invalid reason. However, the grave can be opened for a valid reason, eg. if the person
was buried without Ghusl or made to face another direction other than the Qibla, or if
anything very important fell into the grave, or if the deceased was buried in a plot which
was embezzled or if the person was given stolen Kaffan. In the above cases, it
becomes compulsory to open the grave and make the necessary changes. All these can only be
done if the body is in a good state.
14. LOWERING THE DECEASED INTO THE GRAVE
14.1 The deceased must be brought as close as possible to the grave.
14.2 The head should be lowered into the grave followed by the feet, or otherwise the
whole body at once.
14.3 While the body is being lowered into the grave, the following D'ua is recited:-
Bismillahi wa `ala millati Rasoolillaahi sall-Allahu alaihi wasallam.
"In the name of Allah and on the tradition of Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam)".
14.4 The deceased must be made to lie on his or her right-hand side, so that the face and
chest faces the Qibla.
14.5 A small amount of sand may be placed at the back to keep the body in place. A small
amount of sand should also be place under the head.
14.6 The grave should then be closed with pieces of timber, and then covered (filled) with
sand. While doing this, it is Sunnah to throw three handful of sand into the grave,
reciting the following Ayah:-
1st hand:
Minhaa Khalaqnaakum
"Out of this earth we have created you".
2nd hand:
wa Feeha Nu`eedukum
"And into this earth we return you".
3rd hand:
wa min haa Nukhrijukum Taaratan Ukhra
"And out of this earth shall we raise you the second time".
14.7 It is Sunnah to sprinkle water over the grave after the burial. While sprinkling
water, read:-
Saqa Allahu Sarahu (ha) wa Barrad-Allahu
Madja'ahu (ha) wa ja`l al-Jannata maswahu (ha)
"May Allah his dust and make his resting place cool
and make Jannah his home".
15. COMFORTING THE FAMILY OF THE DECEASED
It is Mustahab (desirable) to comfort the family of the deceased. When comforting,
say: "May Almighty Allah bless you greatly, and may He bless you with something in
change of your sorrow and may Allah forgive the deceased". It is Mustahab for the
neighbours to give food for one day and one night to the family.
16. SAWG (MOURNING THE DECEASED)
Sawg means to abstain from decorating and beautifying oneself. It is compulsory for a
women to be in Sawg during the Iddat period after the death of her husband. It is haraam
to wear colourful clothing for adornment during Sawg. It is also not permissible to oil
the hair, wear gold and other jewellery, use perfume or surma. It is permissible to use at
night due to weakness of the eye but it must be removed before morning. Women are allowed
to clean their house, make the beds, and comb their hair. When the Iddat has been
completed, women can marry again. With the exception of the death of her husband, the wife
is not allowed to make Sawg for more than three days. (Iddat period after death is three
months, and after divorce is 4 months 10 days)
17. TALQEEN
The Talqeen should be read at the grave of the deceased after everyone has left. Talqeen
is recited to assist the deceased in the grave. It assists the deceased to answer the
questions of the grave when facing Munkar and Nakeer the two Angels of the grave. The Talqeen
should be read while sitting beside the grave and facing the direction of the Qibla.
17.1 First Talqeen
Laa ilaaha illallahu Muhammadur Rasoolullah. La ilaaha ill allahu Wahdahu la Shareeka
lahu lahul Mulku wa lahul Hamdu Yuhyi wa Yumitu wa Huwa Hayyun Daaimun Qaa'imun Qaahirun
Qaadirun Aadilun Faadilun Kaamilul laa Yanaamu wa laa Yamutu wa laa Yafutu wa la yahulu wa
laa Yazulu Abadan Abada. Dhul-jalaali Wal Ikraam. Biyadihil Khairu wa Huwa `ala Kulli
Shayyin Qadeer. Kullu Man `alaiha faaniw wa yabqa wajhu Rabika zuljalaali wal Ikraam.
Kul'loo Nafsin Zaa'katul Mawti wa Innama tuwaf'fawna Ujoorakum Yaumal Qiyaamah. Fa man
Zuhzihaa anin Naari wa udkhilal jannata faqad faaz. wa Mal Hayaatud Dunya Il'la Mata'ul
Ghuroor. Minha Khalaqnaakum lil amali was sawaabi wa fee haa nueedukum lil qabri wat
Turaabi wa min haa Nukhrijukum Taaratan Ukhra lil Ba si wal Hisaab.
"There is none worthy of worship but Allah, Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)
is the Messenger of Allah. There is none worthy of worship but Allah, There is none equal
to Him. The entire universe belongs to Him and all Praise is for Him. It is He who gives
life and it is He who causes death and He is existing. He is from eternity. He is the one
with Wrath and The powerful, He is Just, One who blesses and full of Perfection. He does
not sleep and nor can He die. He can neither be changed or destroyed and there is no end
to His existence. He will always be in existence, One who is full of wonders and
splendour. Every soul will taste death and without any doubt, he will get his full share,
(what is due to you) on the day of reckoning. Thus he who has been kept away from Hell and
put into Heaven has been successful. And what is the life of this world except commodities
of deception. We have created you from dust and we return you towards it in the grave and
the sand and we will raise you from the same (earth) to answer for your deeds in the
Hereafter".
17.2 Talqeen for Adult Male and Female
(Commence with the following words if the deceased is a male):
Ya Abdallahi Ya ibna Amatallaahi Udhkuril Ahdal lazi Kharajta
"O Servant of Allah! O son of the slave of Allah! Remember that pledge...."
(Commence with the following words if the deceased is a female):
Ya Ammatallaahi binta Haw'wa Udhkur il-Ahd alladhi Kharajti
"O Slave (female) of Allah! O daughter of Haw'wa!
Remember that pledge..... "
and continue with the following Talqeen:
`Alaihi min daar id-dunya ila daar il-akhirati. wa huwa shahaadatu Al laa ilaaha
il-allahu wa An na Muhammadar Rasoolullahi wa annal-Jannata Haqqu wa an-nan Naaru Haqqu wa
anna al-Mowtu Haqqu wa anna Munkar wan Naqeera Haqqun wa annas Su'ala Haqqun wa
annal-Jawaaba Haqqun wa annal-Hisaaba Haqqun wa annal-Mizaana Haqqun wa annal-Ba`atha
Haqqun wa annal-Hawda Haqqun wa annal-Qisausa Haqqun wa Annash Shafa ata Haqqun wa Annas
Sirauta Haqqun wa annal-Hashra Haqqun wa Anna Rooyatallahi ta'aala fil jannati lil
momineena Haqqun wa Annas Sa`ata atiyatun laa raiba Feeha wa ann-Allaaha Yab`athu man fil
qubur. Al aana Ya Tiyaanikal (kil) malakaanil muwakalaani falaa yufziaka (ki) wa laa
Ya`uaka (ki) wa laa Yurhibaka (ki) Fa innama huma khalqum min khalq illaahi fa idhaa
sa'alaka (ki) `an Rabbika (ki) wa `an Nabbiyika (ki) wa `ani Deenika (ki) wa `an Qiblatika
(ki) Faqul (Faqooli) lahumaa Allahu Rabbi wa Muhammadun Nabiyyi wal Islaamu Deeni wal
Kaabatu Qiblati wal Quraanu Imaami wal Muminoona kulluhum Ikhwaani. Thabbataka(ki)-allaahu
wa Iyy'ana wa Jami` al-Mu'mineena Bil qawl ith-thaabiti. Thabbat allaah-ulladhina Aamanu
bil qawl ith-thaabiti fi dunya wal Aakhirah. wa Yudillullahudh-dhaalimeen. wa
Yaf`alullaahu Ma Yasha'a. Ya Ayyatu-han Nafsul Mutma'ina-turji`ee ila Rabbiki Raadiyatam
Mardiyya, Fadkhuli Fi `Ibaadi wa adkhuli Jannati. Allahumma ighfirli Ahlil Quboori minal
mu'mineena wal mu'minaat wal Muslimeena wal muslimaat. Wa `jal-illahumma fi Quburihim
ud-Diya'a Wan Nura Wal-Maghfirata `alaa Ahlil Quburi Bi Rahmatika Ya Arhamar
Raahimeen"
pledge.... "with which you have left the abode of the world for the abode of the
Hereafter and which is testimony to this, that there is none worthy of worship except
Allah and without any doubt Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is His Messenger and
without doubt, Jannat, Jahannum, death, Munkar and Nakeer, Questioning of the grave,
Answering in the grave, Answering for your deeds, The Mizaan (scale), to be raised again,
to repay (for your sins), intercession, Siraat (The bridge), the Day of Reckoning and the
seeing of Almighty Allah for the believers in Jannat are all Haq (True), and it is a
reality that Qiyamah will come, and there is not doubt in it. Without any doubt, Allah
will raise those who are in their graves. Very soon the two appointed Angels of the grave
will come to you, then they should not alarm you and they should not frighten you nor put
fear into you, Without doubt, even both of them, are the servants of Allah. When they
question you concerning, Your Allah, and Your Nabi, and your Religion, and Your Qibla,
then you say to them, Allah Almighty is my Lord, and Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam) is my Nabi and Islam is my religion and the Holy Kaaba is my Qibla, and the
Quran is my guide, and all the believers are my brothers. May Almighty Allah keep you and
I, and all the believers' established on the words of firmness. Almighty Allah will keep
all the believers steadfast on the words of steadfastness in this world and in the
Hereafter, and Almighty Allah will drive away the oppressors. Allah does as He pleases. O
peaceful soul! return towards your Creator. Happily and with pleasure, join the register
of my servants and enter my Jannat. O Allah pardon the dwellers of the grave who are
Muslim men and Muslim women, and believing men and believing women and O Allah establish
light and brightness on their graves and forgive the dwellers of the grave through your
Mercy, O Most Merciful".
17.3 Talqeen for a Male and Female Child
Bismillahir Rahmaan nir Raheem la ilaaha illal laahu Muhammadur Rasoolullah. La ilaaha
ill -allahu wahdahu la shareeka lah lahul mulku wa lahul hamd yuhi wa yumeetu wa Huwa
Hayyun Daa'imun Qaa'imun Qaahirun Qaadirun `Adilun Faadilun Kaamilul laa Yanaamu wa Laa
yamutu wa yahoolu wa laa yazulu abadan abada. Dhul Jalaali wal Ikraami biyadihil khairu wa
huwa `alaa kulli shayyin Qadeer. Allahumma wa haadhat-tiflul ladhi lam yablugh il-ahlaama
wa lam yajri `alaihil aqlaamu wa lam yaksib il-khataaya wal aathaam. Khalaqtahu (ha) bi
rahmatika wa tawafaytahu (ha) bi iraadatika wa huwa (hiya) min `ibaadik as-saaliheen.
Allahum `ajalhu (ha) li-waalidayhi (ha) fartan wa zukhra wa `izzatan wa I'tibaaran
wasalafan wa shafee'an wa thaqqil bihi (ha) mawaazinahuma wa afrigh is-sabra `alaa
quloobihima wa laa taftin huma ba'dahu (ha) wal laa tahrimhuma ajrahu (ha) bi Rahmatika ya
Arhamar Raahimeen.
"Allah in the name of, The Compassionate Most Merciful. There is none worthy of
worship except Allah. Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the Messenger of Allah.
There is none worthy of worship except Allah, and He is One. There is none equal to him.
Everything belongs to Him and all Praise is for Him. He who gives life and causes death.
He is existing. Forever existing. He is the powerful, the One who gives punishment. He is
full of Perfection. He does not feel sleep, He cannot be destroyed, nor can He be changed
and there is no end for Him. He will always be existing. He is the one who is full of
Miracles and Wrath. In his power is benefit and He has control over everything. O Allah,
This child is such, that he did not reach maturity and the pen (of Hisaab) has
not been applied on him, and no errors and sins have been made by him. You have created
him with Your Mercy and You have given him death with Your Judgement, and he is from Your
pious servants. O Allah, You make him a means, a treasure, advice, comforter and
intercessor unto his parents. And give weight to their scales (mizaan) on his
behalf and give patience in their hearts, and do not allow them into any sedition and do
not deprive them of his reward via your Mercy, O Most Merciful".
18. ETHICS OF VISITING THE GRAVE
It is Mustahab (desirable) for the men to visit the grave. It is sunnah to visit the
graves of relatives especially the graves of one's parents, even though they be far away.
It more excellent to visit the graves on Fridays. The manner and ethics of visiting the
graves is that the person going to the graveyard should be in a state of Taharah
(cleanliness). When proceeding towards the graveyard, one should be engrossed in dhikr
and Tilawah. One should remove his shoes outside the graveyard. One should stand
at the leg-side, and not the head-side of the grave. When entering the grave one should
read the following:
As Salaamu Alaikum daara qaumim mu'mineena wa innaa Inshaa Allahu bikum laahiqoon.
Nas'al-ullahu lana wa lakum ul-`aafiyata. Allahuma la tahrimnaa ajrahum wa laa taftinna
ba'dahum waghfir lana wa lahum war-hamna ma`ahum.
"Peace be upon you, O dwellers of the grave, Group of believers and if Allah
wins, then very soon we will unite with you. We pray to Almighty Allah for our and your
harmony. O Allah do not deprive us from his reward and after him, do not test us and
forgive all of us and all of them and with them, have Mercy on us".
The person should then sit towards the face of the deceased, recite the verses of the
Quran and make D'ua-i-Maghfirah with both hands lifted towards the sky. It is
also permissible and a means of great Thawaab to make Ziyaarah to the
graves of the Awliya Allah.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. ARKAANUS SALAAH SHAFI'I, Muhammad Ibrahim Wazir Mia Rumaanul Qadri
2. FIQH-E-MAKHDOOMI, Qutb-e-Kokan, Hazrat Makhdoom Maahimi (radi Allahu anhu)
3. I'AANATUT TAALIBEEN, As Sayyid Abi Bakr
4. KITAABUL UMM, Imam Shafi'i (radi Allahu anhu)
5. SHAFA'I BAHISHTI ZEWAR, Mawlana Muhammad Ismat
Compiled by the Imam Ahmed Raza Academy South Africa