At the Approaching of Death

When it seems that someone is approaching his time of death, family members and very close friends should be present. They should offer the dying person hope and kindness, and encourage the dying person to say the “shahada,” confirming that there is no God but Allah. It is also common practice to recite Surah Ya Sin (Chapter 36 of the Holy Qur’an) the reason for this choice is that the topics dealt with in this Sura are of a nature which alleviate the suffering of the person concerned and give him (or her) a kind of spiritual comfort. One should also recite, in low but audible tone, the “Takbeer”, and “Kalima Shahadah” near the person concerned. As soon as death has occurred, those present should say, “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un” (“Verily we belong to Allah, and truly to Him shall we return”). Those present should close the deceased’s eyes and lower jaw, and cover the body with a clean sheet. They should also make “du’a’” (supplication) to Allah to forgive the sins of the deceased.

The eyes of the deceased should be closed by hands and a cloth band should be used round his/her chin, head so that his/her mouth is. Instead of bewailing, one should remain calm and patient and attend to the funeral and burial arrangements.