Contemplating death, seeking forgiveness for sins, and preparing for the final journey are practices recommended (Sunnah) in Islam. However, yearning for death for non-spiritual or escapist reasons is considered blameworthy. When a person approaches death, they should be laid facing the Qibla (direction of prayer). Their righteous deeds and acts of compassion should be gently recalled, encouraging hope in Allah’s mercy.

It is Sunnah to help the dying person recite the testimony of faith (La ilaha illallah – “There is no god but Allah”). However, this should not be forced. If a legal heir does so, it might appear as though they are anticipating the person’s death for inheritance purposes. Therefore, it is better for someone else to prompt the words. If the dying person is a non-Muslim, they should be invited to recite the two declarations of faith and be gently encouraged to say them.

Reciting the Qur’an, particularly Surah Ya-Sin and Surah Ra’d, near a dying person is also a Sunnah practice.

Immediately After Death

When a believer passes away, it is Sunnah to recite:

“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un”

(“Truly, to Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.”)

The deceased’s eyes should be closed gently. The one performing this act should say:

“Bismillahi wa ’ala millati Rasoolillah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam”

(“In the name of Allah and upon the religion of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him.”)

A piece of cloth should be tied from under the chin to the top of the head to keep the mouth closed. All joints should be softened. The deceased’s clothing should be removed and the body covered with a light cloth that conceals it completely. A light object may be placed on the stomach to prevent swelling.

The body should be laid on an elevated surface such as a cot, without padding. The death should be publicly announced so that people may gather for funeral rites and prayers.

Reciting Qur’an for the Deceased

It is highly recommended to recite the Qur’an for the deceased. Reciting near the body or the grave, making supplications, or remembering the deceased will bring reward to them. Reciting Surah Ya-Sin is especially emphasized. Idle talk near the deceased should be avoided; instead, the Qur’an should be recited.

Washing the Body (Ghusl al-Mayit)

Washing the deceased, shrouding them (kafan), and offering the funeral prayer (Janazah) are communal obligations (Fard Kifayah). Even if a person drowned, they must be washed. If washing becomes impractical (e.g., due to burns), Tayammum (dry ablution) must be performed.

Men should be washed by men, and women by women. Ideally, close family members should handle the washing. After washing, the body should be shrouded. At the minimum, the shroud must cover the entire body. The full Sunnah is for a man to be wrapped in three pieces of cloth and a woman in five.

Used but clean white cloth of reasonable quality is preferred. Applying perfume to the body and the shroud is Sunnah. However, if the deceased had entered into the state of Ihram for Hajj, perfume should not be applied, and the head must remain uncovered.

Accompanying the Funeral

Accompanying the funeral and offering the Janazah prayer are rights and mutual duties of believers. The Prophet ﷺ taught that whoever accompanies a Muslim’s funeral out of faith and the hope of reward, and remains until burial, returns with a reward equivalent to two great mountains.

The body must be carried with reverence and dignity. While transporting it, the head should be positioned forward. Reciting La ilaha illallah during this procession is recommended.

The Funeral Prayer (Salat al-Janazah)

The Janazah prayer is distinct from regular prayers. After making the intention (niyyah), four Takbirs (saying “Allahu Akbar”) are recited. After each Takbir, specific supplications are made. The prayer concludes with Salam.

The Seven Essential Elements of Janazah Prayer:

1) Intention (Niyyah):

If the body is present, intend to pray for the person by name. If praying in absentia (e.g., in another country), the name of the deceased must be specified.

2) Standing:

Those who are able must pray standing.

3) Four Takbirs:

The prayer includes four declarations of “Allahu Akbar.”

4) Recitation after the First Takbir:

Surah al-Fatihah is recited after the first Takbir.

5) Salutations upon the Prophet (after the Second Takbir):

After the second Takbir, send blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The standard salutation used in regular prayer (Tashahhud) is appropriate here.

6) Supplication for the Deceased (after the Third Takbir):

The best prayer is:

اللَّهمَّ اغفرْ لَهُ وارحمهُ ،  واعفُ عنهُ ،وعافِهِ، وأكْرِم نُزَلَهُ ، ووسِّع مَدْخلَهُ ، واغسلْهُ بالماءِ والثَّلجِ والبَردِ ، ونقِّهِ منَ الخطايا كما يُنَقَّى الثَّوبُ الأبيضُ منَ الدَّنسِ ، وأبدِلهُ دارًا خَيرًا مِن دارِهِ ، وأهلًا خَيرًا مِن أهلِهِ ، وزَوجًا خَيرًا مِن زَوجِهِ ،وَ جِيرَانًا خَيرًا مِن جِيرَانِهِ،

 وأدخِلهُ الجنَّةَ  ، وأَعِذْهُ مِن عذابِ القبرِ وَ مِنْ فِتْنَتِهِ وَ مِنْ عَذَابِ النَّارِ

“O Allah, forgive him, have mercy on him, pardon him, grant him well-being. Honor his resting place and expand his entrance. Wash him with water, snow, and hail, and cleanse him of sins as a white cloth is cleansed of dirt. Replace his home with a better home, his family with a better family, his spouse with a better spouse, and his neighbors with better neighbors. Admit him to Paradise. Protect him from the punishment of the grave and the torment of the Fire.”

7) Salam after the Fourth Takbir:

After the fourth Takbir, offer Salam. It is Sunnah to recite the following supplication:

اللَّهُمَّ لاَ تَحْرِمْنَا أَجْرَهُ وَلاَ تَفْتِنَّا بَعْدَهُ وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَلَهُ

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

“O Allah, do not deprive us of the reward for this, do not lead us astray after him. Forgive us and him.

Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”

Positioning During the Prayer

If the deceased is a man, the one leading the prayer should stand near his head. If a woman, the Imam stands near her waist. In congregational prayer, at least three or more followers should line up behind the Imam. According to the Prophet ﷺ, such a prayer results in forgiveness and entry into Paradise for the deceased.

If someone joins the prayer late and misses a Takbir, their prayer is invalid, as each Takbir takes the place of a Rak‘ah. One who missed part of the prayer must complete it in sequence after the Imam finishes. They should not attempt to complete Surah al-Fatihah if the Imam moves on to the next Takbir.

After the Imam offers Salam, the latecomer must then complete the remaining Takbirs and associated supplications.