بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْمِ

death and burial of a muslim

THE 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 back with his feet towards 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 PAAK. If moving the MUHTADAR causes him any discomfort then leave him in any convenient position.

• It is desirable to use LAUBAAN, ITR or any other aromatics that are PAAK in the room. Anyone who is in a state of JANAABAT, HAIZ or NIFAAS must leave this apartment.

• At this time the recital of the Surah YASEEN (starting at 17th RUKU' of the 22nd JUZ-part) and Surah RA’D (starting at 6th RUKU' of the 13th JUZ) 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 Surahs or any other portion of the Qur'an.

THE TALQEEN

• TALQEEN is to remind the dying person of the two SHAHAADATS (i.e., Ashhadu allaa ilaaha ill-Allahu wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasooluhu). When the end nears the dying persons breath quickens, the knees become so weak that they cannot move, the nose becomes bent and temples subside. By these signs understand that the person is nearing the end.

• The TALQEEN must 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. This can easily be done by reciting the Kalimah aloud while being present in the room. Once the departing person utters the Kalimah all who are present must remain SILENT. The dying person must not be drawn into any worldly discussions, but if he discusses any worldly affairs then the TALQEEN should be repeated.

• After the MUHTADAR passes away, his mouth should be kept closed by fastening a piece of PAAK material around his chin and over his head, his eyes must also be closed. Both feet should be tied together with a similar piece of cloth, and the body covered with a PAAK sheet.

The one who does this should read:

بِسْمِ اللهِ وَعَلى مِلَّةِ رَسُوْلِ اللهِ

Trans: In the name of Allah and on the creed, religion and faith of Rasoolullah (صلي الله عليه وسلم).

He May further read:

اَللّهُمَّ يَسِّرْ عَلَيْهِ أَمْرَهُ وَسَهِّلْ عَلَيْهِ مَا بَعْدَهُ وَأَسْعِدْهُ بِلِقَائِكَ وَاجْعَلْ مِمَّا خَرَجَ إِلَيْهِ خَيْرًا خَرَجَ عَنْهُ

Trans: O Allah! Ease upon him his matters, and make light for him whatever comes hereafter, and honour him with You meeting and make that he has gone to better than that which he came out from.

All the individuals of the deceased's family may read:

اَللّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِيْ وَلَهُ وَأَعْقِبْنِيْ مِنْهُ عُقْبًا حَسَنًا

Trans: O Allah! Forgive me and him and grant me a good reward after him.

And those who are grieved by this demise may read:

إِنَّا للهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُوْنَ

Trans: To Allah do we belong, and to him shall we return.

اَللّهُمَّ أَجِرْنِيْ فِيْ مُصِيْبَتِيْ وَاُخْلُفْ لِيْ خَيْرًا مِنْهَا

Trans: O Allah! Reward me in my affliction, and requite me with (something) better than this.

• Note: It is MAKROOH (disliked) to recite the QUR’AN near the deceased person's body during the period between DEATH and GHUSL.

WHAT TO DO AFTER A PERSON HAS PASSED AWAY

1. Obtain Doctors certificate.

2. Obtain burial order.

3. Obtain death certificate.

4. If the Body is to be removed from one Municipality to another (e.g. Umzinto to Durban) then you need a REMOVAL ORDER from the police in the town in which the Death took place.

5. If death is due to unnatural causes (e.g. Drowning, Motor accident etc.) then one must comply with the legal requirements.

6. Inform relatives and friends of the death and of the time of Janaazah SALAAT.

7. Prepare QABR.

8. Perform Ghusl.

9. Put on KAFN.

10. Arrange transport if QABRASTAN (cemetery) is at a distance.

REQUIREMENTS FOR MALE AND FEMALE KAFN

a. SHEETING: 4 meters - 140cm, 150cm or 180cm wide according to the size of the body ( 1.75 meters for IZAAR and 2.25 meters for LIFAAFAH). OR

CALICO: 8 meters 90cm wide ( 3.5 meters for IZAAR and 4.5 meters for LIFAAFAH). These have to be CUT in half and sewn together.)

b. CALICO: 180cm, 90cm wide for QAMEES.

d. Any other material 2.5 meters - 115cm wide. This has to be made into two pieces for TAHBANDS approximately 115cm x 115cm. The balance must be used for making up bag like mittens, to be used for covering hands when performing the Ghusl. A few strips must be kept for fastening bags onto the hands and for tying the KAFN after it has been put on.

e. 60 grams camphor cut fine, 60 grams sandal wood powder and rose water for paste to be put on parts of the body that touch the ground when making Sajdah.

One small bottle ITR, HUNOOT if easily available, for males only. (HUNOOT is anything with which a corpse is perfumed, consisting musk, sandal wood, ambergris, and camphor, or any other PAAK fragrant substance)

• ADDITIONAL KAFN REQUIREMENTS FOR FEMALES

a. CALICO: 1.4 meters - 90cm wide for KHIMAAR (Orni).

b. CALICO: 1.8 to 2.5 meters - 90cm wide for woman's breast. (SINABAND)

REQUIREMENTS FOR QABR ( Grave)

• Unbaked bricks, bamboo or timber where ground is soft.

• Sufficient spades.

• The approximate depth of a grave for adults should be according to the height of the deceased.

THE QABR ( Grave)

Graves are of Two Types:

• The LAHAD: Where the ground and the sides of the QABR are firm, then a recess should be dug on the QIBLAH side allow placing the body in the recess. Unbaked bricks should preferably be used to close the recess, and made to fit neatly.

• The SHIQ: Where the soft nature of the ground does not allow a LAHAD to be made, then a shallow trench should be dug in the center at the bottom of the QABR, to allow the body to be placed in this trench. Timber may be used to cover this. This bamboo or planks must be cut to size and set to fit properly in the grave before burial, to avoid last minute inconvenience.

• Note: It is MAKROOH (undesirable) to dig out and prepare one’s own grave during one’s lifetime

THE KAFN

The KAFN are the grave clothes of the dead. It is desirable that the KAFN be of white material and of medium quality according to the status of the deceased. Rasoolullah (صلي الله عليه وسلم) has said “Do not use expensive cloth in KAFN, because it will very son decay”. It is permissible to prepare ones KAFN during ones lifetime. This will avoid last minute rush and inconvenience.

KAFN FOR MALE:

The MASNOON KAFN for a male is an IZAAR, QAMEES, and LIFAAFAH. The IZAAR in this case is a sheet from the head to the feet, whereas the QAMEES is a long sheet that has to be folded in half and an opening cut to allow it to be put on as a shirt. The latter will have no pockets ,sleeves nor seams. The LIFAAFAH is a sheet from above the head to below the feet. (see diagrams on page 144) only two, the IZAAR and the LIFAAFAH will also suffice but it is SUNNAH to have the three. It is Makrooh to use less than two without a valid reason.

KAFN FOR FEMALE:

The Masnoon KAFN for a female consists of an IZAAR, KHIMAAR (Orni), QAMEES, LIFAAFAH, and a piece of material to hold the breasts (Sinaband). The KHIMAAR is the veil. The piece of material to hold the breasts must preferably be from the breasts to the thighs. Three garments i.e. IZAAR, LIFAAFAH and KHIMAAR will suffice, but it is SUNNAH to have five. It is Makrooh to use less than three except when it is not available, It is the duty of the husband to bear the burial expenses of the wife. The KAFN could be smoked with LAUBAAN etc. But not scented with ITR. Children’s KAFN should be cut to appropriate size.

GHUSL REQUIREMENTS

1. Clean luke warm water.

2. A broad bench, stand or platform.

3. Two large buckets for warm water, one small bucket or utensil, this is for the water to be mixed with a little camphor for use at the end of the Ghusl.

4. Two jugs or mugs for pouring water over corpse.

5. Leaves of BER tree (Zizyphus Jujuba) if easily available, to be mixed with the luke warm water, and a cake of soap.

6. 250g. cotton wool.

7. Two TAHBANDS and two bag like mittens with strips.

8. A scissors for removing the dead persons clothing.

9. LAUBAAN (frankincense - Aromatic gum resin obtained from trees) or any other PAAK incense for smoking the bench, stand or platform.

10. One clean bed sheet for covering the body after Ghusl.

11. One clean towel or piece of material for drying corpse.

WHO SHOULD PERFORM THE GHUSL

The Ghusl is the bath for the body of the dead person. An adult male should be bathed by his father, son or brother. An adult female by her mother, daughter or sister. If none of these persons are present then any near relative could carry out this duty. (male for male, and female for female) If any of these are not in a position to perform the Ghusl, the most pious person present should be requested to carry out this rite. The person giving Ghusl should be assisted by others. The person performing the Ghusl must himself or herself be PAAK and be in a state of Wudhu. It is Makrooh for a woman who is menstruating or in a sate of NIFAAS (period after the birth of a child) to perform the Ghusl.

• If a MALE passes away and there are NO MALES to bathe HIM, then besides HIS WIFE no other woman is permitted to carry out the GHUSL.

• In the case of a WOMAN if there are no LADIES to perform the GHUSL, the HUSBAND CANNOT perform Ghusl of his WIFE.

• In BOTH instances TAYAMMUM should be performed. The TAYAMMUM for GHUSL is the same as that for SALAAT.

• A CHILD who has NOT reached the age of PUBERTY (male or female) may be given GHUSL by any adult MALE or FEMALE, if a member of the SAME SEX is NOT available.

THE GHUSL ( Masnoon Sequence)

1. A bench, stand or platform on which the Ghusl will be carried out must be washed cleaned and fumigated with LAUBAAN or any other PAAK aromatic, three five or seven times.

2. If possible, it is desirable that the body should be made to face the QIBLAH during Ghusl in one of the following two positions:

a. Having the LEGS facing the QIBLAH.

b. Having the FACE towards the QIBLAH.

However, it is preferable to place the body with the FACE towards the QIBLAH, as Rasoolullah (صلي الله عليه وسلم) has mentioned that the KA'BAH is the QIBLAH of both, the living and the dead.

3. No hair of the head, beard or any other part of the body must be cut, shaved, trimmed or combed. The nails too should not be cut. Circumcision is also not permissible. All rings, jewelry, wigs etc. Should be removed. Where the false teeth of the dead person can easily be removed, these should preferably be taken out.

4. Thereafter the body must be put on the stand, the SATR (private parts) covered (for males from the navel to below the knees, and for females from above the breast to the ankles).

5. The stomach must gently be massaged, then both the ISTINJA places must be washed with mittens on without looking at the private parts.

6. The nostrils, ears, and mouth should be closed with cotton wool to prevent water entering the body during the Ghusl.

7. If the deceased has reached the age of puberty, and was on whom SALAAT was Farz, he must be given Wudhu. This Wudhu is similar to that of SALAAT, with the exception of gargling and putting water into the nostrils. The proper sequence should be to wash.

a. The FACE.

b. ARMS to the ELBOWS.

c. MASAH of the HEAD and

d. FEET up to the ANKLES.

8. If the dead person is in a state of JANAABAT, HAIZ, NIFAAS where Ghusl is WAAJIB on him/her the mouth has to be gargled and nostrils be wetted. This can be done with a little wet cotton wool with which the mouth and nostrils be wetted and cleaned.

9. After the Wudhu the head and beard should first be washed with soap, or any other cleansing agent. If these are not readily available pure clean water will suffice. The temperature of the water must be that which a living person normally uses when bathing.

10. Thereafter the body should be tilted onto its left side to allow the right side to be washed first. Warm water must now poured over the body from head to toes once, and the body must be washed with soap until the water has reached the bottom (left side). The body must now be washed again twice by pouring water from head to now the body must be turned onto its right side and the left side bathed similarly.

11. Thereafter the body must be lifted slightly to a sitting position, and the stomach be gently massaged with a downward stroke. Whatever comes out of the body by this must be washed away. The Wudhu and Ghusl need no be repeated in case any impurity does come out.

12. The body must once again be turned onto its left side and camphor water poured over it from head to toe three times.

13. Now all the cotton wool should be removed from the mouth, ears and nose.

14. With this, the Ghusl is complete and the body could be wiped with a towel or piece of material. The SATR must be kept covered. The first TAHBAND will be wet due to the Ghusl so it must be changed for a second one. Care should be taken that while doing this the SATR is not exposed.

15. The body should then be wrapped in a sheet, and carried carefully onto the KAFN.

HOW THE KAFN SHOULD BE PUT ON

(MASNOON SEQUENCE)

MALE:

1. First spread the LIFAAFAH out on the floor the non it the IZAAR and on it that portion of the QAMEES that will be under the body. The portion that will cover the top of the body must be folded and put at the head side.

2. Over the body gently on the KAFN and cover the top of the body up to the calves with the folded portion of the QAMEES.

3. Remove TAHBAND and sheet used for covering the SATR.

4. Rub ITR or HUNOOT on the head and beard.

5. The rub camphor mixture paste, on the places of Sajdah (Those parts of the body that touch the ground in SALAAT. Forehead, nose, both palms, knees and fore feet).

6. First fold the left flap and on it the right flap of the IZAAR over QAMEES.

7. Thereafter fold the LIFAAFAH in the same manner. Remember that the right flap must always be on the top.

8. Lastly fasten the ends of the LIFAAFAH at the head side, feet end and around the middle with strips of cloth.

FEMALE:

1. First spread the LIFAAFAH out on the ground, then the SINABAND on it the IZAAR then the QAMEES in the same manner stated for the male. The SINABAND may also be placed between the IZAAR and QAMEES or lastly over the LIFAAFAH.

2. Lower the body gently onto the KAFN, and cover the top part of the body up to the calves with folded portion of QAMEES.

3. Remove the TAHBAND and sheet used for covering the SATR.

• Do NOT use ITR, Surah or any other makeup.

4. Rub camphor mixture on places of Sajdah (forehead, nose, both, palms, knees and fore feet).

5. The hair should be divided into two parts, and put onto the right and left breast over the QAMEES.

6. Cover the head and hair with ORNI. Do not fasten or fold it.

7. Fold the IZAAR, the left flap first then the right over the QAMEES and ORNI.

8. Now close the SINABAND (breast cover) over these in the same manner.

9. Close the LIFAAFAH, the left flap first then the right.

10. Lastly fasten the ends of the LIFAAFAH at the head side, feet and around the middle with strips of cloth, to keep the complete KAFN in place.

PROHIBITED ARTICLES IN THE KAFN

1. It is prohibited to enclose any charter or any DUA in the KAFN.

2. It is forbidden to write the Kalimah or any other DUA on the KAFN or chest of the dead person with camphor, ink etc.

WHAT TO DO AFTER KAFN

With the completion of the Ghusl and the KAFN the MAYYIT (deceased person) is ready for the DAFN (burial). No time should be wasted and the SALAAT of Janaazah should be arranged without delay. Rasoolullah (صلي الله عليه وسلم) has said, If a person passes away, hasten him to his grave and do not keep him away. The JANAAZAH SALAAT must be arranged quickly and the MAYYIT should be buried in the nearest-Muslim Qabrastan (cemetery). To transport the body over long distances is undesirable. It is also Makrooh to delay the Janaazah SALAAT and wait for the late comers to increase the JAMAA'AT.

IMPORTANT

• It is ONLY permissible for Mahram WOMAN folk of the deceased MALE to see his FACE.

• They are HIS WIFE, MOTHER, GRAND MOTHERS, (paternal & maternal) SISTER, AUNTS and GRAND DAUGHTERS, ETC.

• Similarly only the Mahram MALES should view the FACE of the deceased FEMALE.

• They are HER HUSBAND, FATHER, GRAND FATHER (paternal & maternal), BROTHERS, UNCLES, SONS and GRAND SONS, ETC.

• In BOTH cases of MALE and FEMALE MAYYIT the FACE of the dead person should NOT be kept OPEN after KAFN is put on.

• It is permissible to recite the QUR'AN after GHUSL has been performed.

HOW THE JANAAZAH SHOULD BE CARRIED

1. If the deceased is an adult it should be put on a Janaazah (bier) and carried on the shoulders by four men. It is Makrooh to transport the corpse by hears over short distances unnecessarily.

2. If the deceased is an infant or small child, it should be carried in the arms individually by different persons.

3. All those who lift or carry the Janaazah should recite Bismillah.

4. When carrying the Janaazah the MAYYIT's head should be towards the front.

5. The Mustahab manner of carrying the Janaazah is the every bearer has to carry the Janaazah forty steps. To do this observe the following procedure:-

a. Carry Janaazah LEFT FRONT for ten steps (MAYYIT's RIGHT shoulder).

b. Carry Janaazah LEFT REAR for ten steps (MAYYIT's RIGHT foot).

c. Carry Janaazah RIGHT FRONT for ten (MAYYIT's LEFT shoulder).

d. Carry Janaazah RIGHT REAR for ten steps (MAYYIT's LEFT foot).

This method should only be adopted if it does not cause inconvenience to others.

6. Those accompanying the Janaazah should not sit before the Janaazah is lowered to the ground. The sick and infirm are excused.

7. It is Masnoon to carry the Janaazah hastily, but not in a manner that the body is jolted or shaken about.

8. It is Mustahab to follow the Janaazah, and not go ahead of it.

9. It is Makrooh for those accompanying the Janaazah to recite any DUA or Aayat of the Qur'an loudly. They may however read "LAA ILAHA ILLALLAH" softly. One should abstain from speaking of worldly affairs, or laughing and joking.

WHERE SHOULD THE JANAAZAH SALAAT BE PERFORMED

This Salaat should NOT be performed in the MOSQUE. It could be performed on any open space or in a building specially built for Janaazah Salaat. It is important to remember that when making Janaazah Salaat in the Qabrastan there must be no Grave immediately in front of the JAMAA'AT. It should be said as far away from the Graves as possible, or there should be an obstruction between the Graves and worshippers.

TIME WHEN JANAAZAH SALAAT COULD BE PERFORMED

It is MAKROOH to perform the Janaazah Salaat while the sun rises, when it passes the meridian (Zawaal) and when it sets. Besides these three times which last for a very short period, this Salaat could be performed at any time during the day or night. It could also be read after ASR Salaat.

THE JANAAZAH Salaat

The Janaazah Salaat is Farz KIFAAYAH on all Muslims present. It consists of Four TAKBEER, THANA, DUROOD, and a Masnoon DUA for the deceased and two Salaams. All these are said silently by both, the Imaam and the MUQTADIS. Only the Imaam must say the TAKBEERS and Salaams loudly.

There are TWO FARZ in Janaazah Salaat:

a. To stand and perform Salaat

b. T recite all the four TAKBEERS.

THE MASNOON MANNER OF PERFORMING THE JANAAZAH SALAAT

1. The body of the MAYYIT should be placed with the head on the right side of the Imaam, who will face the QIBLAH.

2. The Imaam must stand in line with the chest of the deceased when performing the Salaat.

3. It is Mustahab to make an odd number of SAFS (rows). The SAFS or Janaazah Salaat should be close to one another because there are no SAJDAHS to be made.

4. After the SAFS are straightened the NIYYAH should be made. They NIYYAH must be that: I am performing this Janaazah Salaat for Allah behind this Imaam. (The Salaat being a DUA for the MAYYIT). After the NIYYAH the hands should be raised up to the ears, and the Imaam shall say ALLAHU-AKBAR loudly, and the MUQTADIS softly. Then fold them under the navel similar to all daily Salaats.

5. Then recite the Thana softly.

سُبْحَانَكَ اللّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ وَتَبَارَكَ اسْمُكَ وَتَعَالى جَدُّكَ وَجَلَّ ثَنَاءُ كَ وَلآ اِلهَ غَيْرُكَ ط

Trans: Glory be to You O Allah, and praise be to You, and blessed is your name, and exalted is Your Majesty, and there is none to be served besides You.

6. Now the Imaam will recite the TAKBEER loudly, and the MUQTADIS softly for the second time. The hands must not be raised when saying this and all subsequent TAKBEERS. The DUROOD IBRAHEEMI must now be read.

اَللّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلى مُحَمَّدٍ وَّعَلى آل مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلِّيْتَ عَلى اِبْرَاهِيْمَ وعلى آل اِبراهيم اِنَّكَ حَمِيْدٌ مَّجِيْدٌ ط

اَللّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلى مُحَمَّدٍ وَّعَلى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلى اِبْرَاهِيْمَ وَعَلى آلِ اِبْرَاهِيْمَ اِنَّكَ حَمِيْدٌ مَّجِيْدٌ ط

Trans: O Allah! Shower Your Mercy upon Muhammad and the followers of Muhammad, as You showered Your Mercy upon IBRAHEEM and the followers of IBRAHEEM. Behold You are Praiseworthy, Glorious.

O Allah! Shower Your Blessings upon Muhammad, and the followers of Muhammad, as you showered You Blessings upon IBRAHEEM and the followers of IBRAHEEM. Behold, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious.

7. Now the TAKBEER should be said for the third time, and the following DUA recited for an adult male or female.

اَللّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِحَيِّنَا وَمَيِّتِنَا وَشَاهِدِنَا وَغَآئِبِنَا وَصَغِيْرِنَا وَكَبِيْرِنَا وَذَكرِنَا وَاُنْثنَا اَللّهُمَّ مَنْ اَحْيَيْتَه مِنَّا فَاَحْيِه عَلَى الاِسْلاَمِ ط وَمَنْ تَوَفَّيْتَه مِنَّا فَتَوَفَّه عَلَى الاِيْمَانِ ط

Trans: O Allah! Forgive those of us that are alive and those of us that are dead; those of us that are present, and those of us that are young and those of us who are adults; O! Allah, whomsoever of us You keep alive, let him live as a follower of Islam; and whomsoever of us You cause to die, let him die a believer.

• For a child who has not reached puberty the following DUA must be recited after the third TAKBEER.

DUA for Boy:

اَللّهُمَّ اجْعَلْهُ لَنَا فَرَطًا وَّاجْعَلْهُ لَنَا اَجْرًا وَّذُخْرًا وَّاجْعَلْهُ لَنَا
شَافِعًا وَّمُشَفَّعًا ط

DUA for Girl

اَللّهُمَّ اجْعَلْهَا لَنَا فَرَطًا وَّاجْعَلْهَا لَنَا اَجْرًا وَّذُخْرًا وَّاجْعَلْهَا لَنَا شَافِعَةً ومُشَفَّعَةً ط

Trans: O Allah! Make him/her (this child) a source for our salvation; and make him/her a source of reward and treasure for us, and make him/her an intercessor for us, and one whose intercession is accepted.

8. The Imaam will say the fourth TAKBEER and thereafter recite the Salaam aloud TWICE, while turning his face first towards the RIGHT shoulder and then once again while turning his face towards the LEFT shoulder. The MUQTADIS must follow by saying the TAKBEER and Salaam SOFTLY.

LATE COMERS TO THE JANAAZAH SALAAT

When the late comer fears that if he gets engaged in performing Wudhu he will miss the JANAAZAH Salaat then only it is permissible for him to make TAYAMMUM, and join the JAMAA'AT. This rule applies to the JANAAZAH Salaat only.

Whomsoever arrives for the Janaazah Salaat after the Imaam has recited one or more TAKBEERS, should wait and join the Imaam when he says the next TAKBEER. After the Salaam he should complete the missed Takbeers by merely saying ALLAHU-AKBAR once for every TAKBEER missed. No DUA should be read. If the Imaam has completed the fourth TAKBEER then too the late comer should join and complete all the missed Takbeers (before the Imaam says the Salaam).

THE SHARI’AH METHOD OF DAFN ( Burial)

1. After Janaazah Salaat is performed the MAYYIT should be buried as soon as possible. The JANAAZAH should be carried and placed on the QIBLAH side of the grave. The head should be on the right side of the grave if one faces the QIBLAH.

2. It is desirable that, MAHRAMS or close relatives (of female MAYYIT) should enter the grave to lower the body. The husband should not enter the grave to bury his wife. It is NOT Masnoon (Sunnah) that they be an odd number. All those who enter the grave must face the QIBLAH.

3. It is Mustahab to hold a sheet over the grave while lowering and burying a female. If there is fear of her KAFN opening then it is Waajib to do so

4. It is Mustahab for those present to read this DUA while lowering the body.

بِسْمِ اللهِ وَعَلى مِلَّةِ رَسُوْلِ اللهِ ط

Trans: In the name of Allah and on the creed, religion and faith of Rasoolullah (صلي الله عليه وسلم).

5. After putting the body into the recess of the grave it is Masnoon to turn it onto its right side to face the QIBLAH.

6. The strips of cloth tied at the head side, chest and leg side should now be united.

7. The recess must then be covered with unbaked bricks, bamboo or timber.

HOW THE GRAVE SHOULD BE FILLED AND SHAPED

1. It is MUSTAHAB to begin closing the recess or trench from the LEG side for MALES, and from the HEAD SIDE for FEMALES. All the remaining little openings must be closed with MUD or GRASS. The use of any fabric or blankets is unnecessary and wasteful.

• All those present should participate to fill the GRAVE with the least THREE hands full of SOIL.

When throwing the FIRST hand full in the GRAVE READ:

مِنْهَا خَلَقْنكُمْ

Trans: From the (earth) did we create you.

While the SECOND hand full:

وَفِيْهَا نُعِيْدُكُمْ

Trans: And into it shall We return you.

And at the time of the THIRD hand full:

وَمِنْهَا نُخْرِجُكُمْ تَارَةً اُخْرى

Trans: and from it shall we bring you out once again.

2. It is Makrooh to add more soil to the Grave than that which was dug out from it.

3. The shape of the Grave when filled should be like the HUMP of a camel. The height should be approximately 25 to 30 cm. It should not be made square or in any other shape. All types of building and enclosures on or around the Grave are not permissible. Buildings on Graves have been emphatically denounced in the Hadith of Rasoolullah (صلي الله عليه وسلم).

4. It is Mustahab to sprinkle water on the grave from head side to leg side thrice after the Grave has been shaped.

5. To recite the Qur'an and make Dua for the deceased at his grave side, after the grave is filled and shaped is also Mustahab.

6. It is related from Hazrat UTHMAN ( رضي الله عنه ) that after Rasoolullah (صلي الله عليه وسلم) buried the dead, he paused and said “Beseech forgiveness from Allah for your brother, and make DUA for his steadfastness, because he is going to be questioned now (by the MUNKAR and NAKEER)".

7. After the burial the first RUKU' of Suratul BAQARAH ("Alif Laam-Meem Zaalikal Kitaabu" to "Humul Muflihoon") should be read at the head side of the Grave and the last RUKU' of Suratul BAQARAH ("Aamanar-rasoolu" till the end of the Surah, "Fansurna 'alal qaumil-kaafireen") should be read at the leg side.

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْمِ ~

الـم ~ ذلِكَ الْكِتبُ لاَ رَيْبَ فِيْهِ ~ هُدًى لِّلْمُتَّقِيْنَ اَلَّذِيْنَ يُؤْمِنُوْنَ بِالْغَيْبِ وَيُقِيْمُوْنَ الصَّلوةَ وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنهُمْ يُنْفِقُوْنَ ~ وَالَّذِيْنَ يُؤْمِنُوْنَ بِمَا اُنْزِلَ اِلَيْكَ وَمَا اُنْزِلَ مِنْ قَبْلِكَ وَبِالآخِرَةِ هُمْ يُوْقِنُوْنَ ~ اُلئِكَ عَلى هُدًى مِّنْ رَبِّهِمْ وَاُلئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُوْنَ ~

آمَنَ الرَّسُوْلُ بِمَا اُنْزِلَ مِنْ رَّبِّه وَالْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ ط كُلٌّ آمَنَ بِاللهِ وَمَلئِكَتِه وَكُتُبِه وَرُسُلِه قف لاَ نٌفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ اَحَدٍ مِّنْ رُّسُلِه وَقَالُوْا سَمِعْنَا وَاَطَعْنَا غُفْرَانَكَ رَبَّنَا وَاِلَيْكَ الْمَصِيْرٌ ~ لاَيُكَلِّفُ اللهُ نَفْسًا اِلاَّ وُسْعَهَا لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتْ وَعَلَيْهَا مَا اكْتَسَبَتْ رَبَّنَا لاَ تُؤَاخِذْنَآ اِنْ نَّسِيْنَا اَوْ اَخْطَاْنَا ج رَبَّنَا وَلاَ تَحْمِلْ عَلَيْنَآ اِصْرًا كَمَا حَمَلْتَه عَلَى الَّذِيْنَ مِنْ قَبْلِنَا ج رَبَّنَا وَلاَ تُحَمِّلْنَا مَا لاَ طَاقَةَ لَنَا بِه ج وَاعْفُ عَنَّا قف وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا قف وَارْحَمْنَا قف اَنْتَ مَوْلنَا فَانْصُرْنَا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْكفِرِيْنَ ~

MASNOON DUAS THAT MAY BE READ IN THE JANAAZAH SALAAT

اَللّهُمَّ إِنْ كَانَ مُحْسِنًا فَزِدْ فِيْ إِحْسَانِهِ وَإِنْ كَانَ مُسِيئًا فَتَجَاوَزْ عَنْ سَيِّئاتِهِ ~ اَللَّهُمَّ لا تَحْرِمْنَا أَجْرَهُ وَلاَ تَفْتِنَّا بَعْدَهُ ~

Trans: O Allah! If he was righteous, then increase his reward, and if he had erred then pardon his mistakes and deprive us not of his reward, and try us not after him.

اَللّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُ وَارْحَمْهُ وَارْفَعْ دَرَجَتَهُ

Trans: O Allah! Forgive him, and have mercy upon him. And raise his rank.

اَللّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُ وَارْحَمْهُ وَعَافِهِ واعْفُ عَنْهُ ~ وَأَكْرِمْ نُزُلَهُ ~ وَوَسِّعْ مَدْخَلَهُ ~ وَاغْسِلْهُ بِالْمَاءِ وَالثَّلْجِ وَالْبَرَدِ وَنَقِّهِ مِنَ الْخَطَايَا كَمَا يُنَقَّى الثَّوْبُ الأَبْيَضُ مِنَ الدَّنَسِ ~ وَأَبْدِلْهُ دَارًا خَيْرًا مِنْ دَارِهِ ~ وَأَهْلاَ خَيْرًا مِنْ أَهْلِهِ ~ وَأَدْخِلْهُ الْجَنَّةَ وَقِدِ فِتْنَةَ الْقبْرِ وَعَذَابَ النَّارِ ~

Trans: O Allah! Forgive him. Have mercy upon him. Give him peace and absolve him. Receive him honorably, and make his grave spacious. Wash him with water, snow, and hail. Cleans him from faults as You cleanse a white garment from impurity. Requite him with an abode better than his abode, with a household better than his household. Admit him to JANNAH and protect him from the torment of the grave and punishment of the Fire.

اَللّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُ وَارْحَمْهُ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْغَفُوْرُ الرَّحِيْم

Trans: O Allah! Protect him from the punishment of the grave.

TA’ZIAT

(To sympathize with the bereaved)

It is from the teachings of Rasoolullah (صلي الله عليه وسلم) that one should console and comfort a Muslim who is in distress. Rasoolullah (صلي الله عليه وسلم) has said: "He who consoles the one in distress shall be rewarded as much as the bereaved".

WHEN MAKING TA’ZAIT:

ONE SHOULD TAKE NOTE OF THESE FEW POINTS:

• One should be most HUMBLE.

• Express his GRIEF.

• Speak less about WORLDLY affairs.

• Should not JOKE or LAUGH.

• Mention the good acts and deeds of the deceased and abstain from the ill ones.

• Rasoolullah (صلي الله عليه وسلم) has said: Mention the GOOD actions of your deceased, and abstain from the OFFENSIVE ones.

The time for TA'ZIAT extends for three days after the time of death. It is Makrooh to make TA'ZIAT after this period, except in cases where one is not present at the Janaazah or when the bereaved is absent. TA'ZIAT before the burial is permissible.

VISITING THE QABRASTAN

Rasoolullah (صلي الله عليه وسلم) has said Visit the graves, for surely visiting the graves lessens worldly love, and reminds you of the hereafter.

The Qabrastan could be visited on any day. Friday is preferred for this visit, and if possible it should be a weekly visit. It is related in the Hadith that “Who ever will visit his parent's grave every Friday will be granted Maghfirat, and he will be recorded as an obedient son of his parents.

WHAT TO READ WHEN ENTERING THE QABRASTAN

Rasoolullah (صلي الله عليه وسلم) has taught the Sahaabah ( رضي الله عنهم ). These words to send salutations to the people of the graves and pray for their forgiveness.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ اَهْلَ الدّيَارِ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ وَالْمُسْلِمِيْنَ وَاِنَّآ اِنْ شَآء اَللهُ بِكُمْ لاَحِقُوْنَ ط نَسْئَلُ اللهَ لَنَا وَلَكُمُ الْعَافِيَةَ ط

Trans: Peace be upon you, O you of the believers and Muslims dwelling in these abodes, Behold, If Allah wills, we shall meet you. We beseech of Allah safety for us and for you.

WHAT TO RECITE WHEN IN THE QABRASTAN

There are many supplications that may be read at the graveside, the best deign the recital of the Qur'an. Stand facing the grave (back to QIBLAH) and recite as much of the Qur'an as possible, and make DUA for the Maghfirat of the departed. A few ways of praying for the dead, as related in the Hadith, are given:

• It is related in a Hadith that whoever visits the Qabrastan and recites:

SURAH IKHLAAS ~ قُلْ هُوَ اللهُ اَحَدُ

• ELEVEN times, and prays for the dead, will be rewarded as many fold as the number of dead in the Qabrastan.

• In a Hadith it is reported that whoever visits the Qabrastan and reads:

SURAH FATIHAH ~ اَلْحَمْدُ للهِ رَبِّ الْعلَمِيْنَ

SURAH IKHLAAS ~ قُلْ هُوَ اللهُ اَحَدُ

SURAH TAKAATHUR ~ اَلْهكُمُ التَّكَاثُرُ

and then prays for the dead, the people of the grave will also ask Allah for such a persons forgiveness.

• In a Hadith it is reported that if a person reads:

SURAH YASEEN ~ يس

in the Qabrastan, the punishment of the dead will be eased and the reader will be rewarded just as much as the dead.

• In this manner the Sahaabah of Rasoolullah (صلي الله عليه وسلم) visited the Qabrastan. The words in the Hadith indicate only salutations and DUAS for the dead and remembering death. All other ways such as placing wreathes, flowers, paying homage etc. are incorrect according to the SHARI'AH, and one should abstain from wrongly.

PERIOD OF IDDAH

1. The period of waiting after ones husband dies is called IDDAH. This is four months and ten days.

2. During this period she should remain in the dwelling that they occupied at the time of the demise of her husband. She is not allowed to leave this house if she has sufficient provision. If she is the sole bread winner with no other means of income, then only she is permitted to leave her house during the day. At night she must return to this house.

3. The widow that is expecting a child at the time of the death of her husband, her IDDAH will be until the birth of that child. The four month ten days must not be reckoned in this instance.

4. If a woman is not at home at the time of her husband’s death. She should return as soon as possible, and pass the period of IDDAH at home. The days of IDDAH are calculated from the time of the demise.

5. A woman in IDDAH should abstain from using fancy clothing, make up or jewelry.

A FEW NOTEWORTHY MASAA’IL

The trustees of the deceased should pay all debts as soon as possible.

• ISAAL THAWAAB for the deceased should be made by feeding the poor, or by giving SADQAH, making Istighfar etc. No specific dates or days such as the third, seventh, eleventh or fortieth are mentioned in the Shar'iah for such devotions, When giving charity on behalf of a deceased, it is desirable to make NIYYAH for fulfillment of QAZAA Salaat.

• The Shar'iah has not specified any particular type or colour of clothing that should be worn by those who are bereaved.

• A MAYYIT is one who was born alive, then passes away. It must be named Ghusl, KAFN and Janaazah Salaat must be performed.

• A still born baby must be NAMED given GHUSL and wrapped in a piece of CLOTH (NO KAFN) and buried.

• In case of MISCARRIAGE, if the Limbs are formed then too like a still born baby it will be NAMED, given GHUSL and wrapped in a piece of CLOTH and buried.

• There is NO JANAAZAH SALAAT for STILL born babies.

• It the LIMBS are NOT formed, NO NAME will be given and there will NO GHUSL just wrap the Malformed baby) in piece of cloth and bury.

• If any one of the parents of a dead child is a Muslim, then that child will be regarded as a Muslims. And Janaazah Salaat must be performed for him.

• Janaazah Salaat shall be said for a person that has committed suicide. It is desirable that someone other than the appointed Imaam or reputable person of the community lead this prayer. Janaazah Salaat will be said for all Muslims, be they pious or sinful.

• Women do not follow the Janaazah, nor visit the Qabrastan.

• It is related from Hazrat Abu HURAIRAH ( رضي الله عنه ). That Rasoolullah (صلي الله عليه وسلم) said: One that accompanies the Janaazah of a Muslim with sincerity and with the NIYYAH of THAWAAB, and remains with it till the Janaazah prayers are performed, and (the MAYYIT) buried. He will come home with two QIRAAT THAWAAB, of which one QIRAAT is equal to the mountain of HUD. And a person who only performs the Janaazah Salaat and returns, he will return with one QIRAAT THAWAAB.

QUESTIONS

I. Explain the term MUHTADAR.

2. How should a MUHTADAR be made to lie (the Sunnah method)?

3. If possible, which SURAHS should be recited in the presence of the MUHTADAR?

4. What is TALQEEN?

5. What are the signs of a person nearing his end?

6. Mention the ten important things to be carried out after a person has passed away.

7. What are the requirements for a male and female KAFN.

8. What are the requirements for the QABR?

9. Draw sketches and explain the two different types of QABRS.

10. It is (Makrooh, Haraam, Mustahab) to have ones grave prepared during ones lifetime.

11. Write down all the requirements for Ghusl.

12. If there are no women, can the husband perform the Ghusl of his wife?

13. How should the KAFN be put on for the male?

14. Is it permissible to include any DUA, Aayat or any other charter in the KAFN?

15. Is it permissible for GHAIR MAHRAM women to see the face of any male Janaazah?

16. Can the Janaazah Salaat be performed in the Mosque?

17. The Janaazah Salaat is (Farz 'Ain, Farz Kifaayah, Sunnah) on all Muslim males.

18. Mention the Farz of Janaazah Salaat.

19 How should late comers join and complete the Janaazah Salaat?

20. How should the QABR be shaped?

21. What is TA'ZIAT ?

22. What are the points to be noted during TA'ZIAT?

23. Is It necessary to set aside a specific day to visit the Qabrastan?

24. Mention the SURAHS preferable to be recited at the Qabrastan.

25. What is IDDAH and what is the period of IDDAH?

26. Who is a MAYYIT? Is a still‑born child called a MAYYIT? Should it be given Ghusl?