We Belong to Allah: Navigating Loss and Sustaining Connection

Things to know about what should be done when a loved one passes away

Fri Aug 01 2025

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/live/c749ackcjGA

A brief guide on Islamic funeral rites and the grieving process. This article covers various aspects, including accepting Allah's decree, the conduct during mourning periods, and proper procedures for Janazah (funeral) prayers and burial. The article also addresses consolation practices, benefiting the deceased through good deeds, and the specific mourning period for widows, all supported by Quranic verses, Hadith, and scholarly opinions from different Islamic schools of thought.

Table of Contents

Test of patience is the Sunnah of Allah

  • ﴿أَمْ حَسِبْتُمْ أَنْ تَدْخُلُوا الْجَنَّةَ وَلَمَّا يَعْلَمِ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ جَاهَدُوا مِنْكُمْ وَيَعْلَمَ الصَّابِرِينَ ۝﴾ (سُورَةُ آل عِمرَان ٣:١٤٢)

3:142 Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while Allah has not yet made evident those of you who fight in His cause and made evident those who are steadfast?

We will all journey to Allah

Every soul tastes death

  • ﴿كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذَائِقَةُ الْمَوْتِ ۗ وَإِنَّمَا تُوَفَّوْنَ أُجُورَكُمْ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ ۖ
    فَمَنْ زُحْزِحَ عَنِ النَّارِ وَأُدْخِلَ الْجَنَّةَ فَقَدْ فَازَ ۗ وَمَا الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا إِلَّا مَتَاعُ الْغُرُورِ ۝﴾ (سُورَةُ آل عِمرَان ٣:١٨٥)

3:185 Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your ˹full˺ compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained ˹his desire˺. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

Good that happens as well as bad is all a test from Allah

  • ﴿كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذَائِقَةُ الْمَوْتِ ۗ وَنَبْلُوكُمْ بِالشَّرِّ وَالْخَيْرِ فِتْنَةً ۖ وَإِلَيْنَا تُرْجَعُونَ ۝﴾ (سُورَةُ الأنبيَاء ٢١:٣٥)

21:35 Every soul will taste death. And We test you with evil and with good as trial; and to Us you will be returned.

Accepting the Decree of Allah

He controls life and death

  • ﴿هُوَ الَّذِي خَلَقَكُمْ مِنْ تُرَابٍ ثُمَّ مِنْ نُطْفَةٍ ثُمَّ مِنْ عَلَقَةٍ ثُمَّ يُخْرِجُكُمْ طِفْلًا ثُمَّ لِتَبْلُغُوا أَشُدَّكُمْ ثُمَّ لِتَكُونُوا شُيُوخًا ۚ وَمِنْكُمْ مَنْ يُتَوَفَّىٰ مِنْ قَبْلُ ۖ وَلِتَبْلُغُوا أَجَلًا مُسَمًّى وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ ۝ هُوَ الَّذِي يُحْيِي وَيُمِيتُ ۖ فَإِذَا قَضَىٰ أَمْرًا فَإِنَّمَا يَقُولُ لَهُ كُنْ فَيَكُونُ ۝﴾ (سُورَةُ غَافِر ٤٠:٦٧)

40:67 It is He who created you from dust, then from a sperm-drop, then from a clinging clot; then He brings you out as a child; then ˹He develops you˺ that you reach your ˹time of˺ maturity, then ˹further˺ that you become elders. And among you is he who is taken in death before ˹that˺, so that you reach a specified term; and perhaps you will use reason. 68 He it is who gives life and causes death; and when He decrees a matter, He but says to it, "Be," and it is.

  • Acknowledging that death is decreed by Allah and inevitable.
  • Allah alone has the right to decree, and we have no right to question or intervene.
  • We may not understand Allah’s wisdom,
  • But we must still trust His decision.
  • Not understanding His wisdom is allowed; but not trusting it is not.
  • Submission to the Decree of Allah is core to faith:
  • He is not questioned, but we will be.

Allah is not questioned about He does

  • ﴿.. فَسُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَرْشِ عَمَّا يَصِفُونَ ۝ لَا يُسْأَلُ عَمَّا يَفْعَلُ وَهُمْ يُسْأَلُونَ ۝﴾ (سُورَةُ الأنبيَاء ٢١:٢٢)

21:22 Had there been within the heavens and earth gods besides Allah, they both would have been ruined. So exalted is Allah, Lord of the Throne, above what they describe. 23 He is not questioned about what He does, but they will be questioned.

Everything is already Decreed by Allah

  • ﴿مَا أَصَابَ مِنْ مُصِيبَةٍ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِي أَنْفُسِكُمْ إِلَّا فِي كِتَابٍ مِنْ قَبْلِ أَنْ نَبْرَأَهَا ۚ إِنَّ ذَٰلِكَ عَلَى اللَّهِ يَسِيرٌ ۝ لِكَيْلَا تَأْسَوْا عَلَىٰ مَا فَاتَكُمْ وَلَا تَفْرَحُوا بِمَا آتَاكُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ كُلَّ مُخْتَالٍ فَخُورٍ ۝﴾ (سُورَةُ الحَديد ٥٧:٢٢)

57:22 No disaster strikes upon the earth or among yourselves except that it is in a register before We bring it into being - indeed that, for Allah, is easy - 23 In order that you not despair over what has eluded you and not exult ˹in pride˺ over what He has given you. And Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful

There is no delaying of the time of death

63:11 But never will Allah delay a soul when its time has come. And Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

True guidance is Acceptance and showing Patience over trials

  • ﴿وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُمْ بِشَيْءٍ مِنَ الْخَوْفِ وَالْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍ مِنَ الْأَمْوَالِ وَالْأَنْفُسِ وَالثَّمَرَاتِ ۗ
    وَبَشِّرِ الصَّابِرِينَ ۝ الَّذِينَ إِذَا أَصَابَتْهُمْ مُصِيبَةٌ قَالُوا (إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ) ۝ أُولَٰئِكَ عَلَيْهِمْ صَلَوَاتٌ مِنْ رَبِّهِمْ وَرَحْمَةٌ ۖ وَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُهْتَدُونَ ۝﴾ (سُورَةُ البَقَرَة ٢:١٥٥)

2:155 And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient, 156 Who, when disaster strikes them, say, "Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return." 157 Those are the ones upon whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy. And it is those who are the ˹rightly˺ guided.

Hadith: Dua to make for a calamity

  • «مَا مِنْ مُسْلِمٍ تُصِيبُهُ مُصِيبَةٌ فَيَقُولُ مَا أَمَرَهُ اللَّهُ:
    (إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ اللَّهُمَّ أْجُرْنِي فِي مُصِيبَتِي وَأَخْلِفْ لِي خَيْرًا مِنْهَا)
    إِلاَّ أَخْلَفَ اللَّهُ لَهُ خَيْرًا مِنْهَا.» (مسلم ٩١٨a صحيح)

If any Muslim who suffers some calamity says, what Allah has commanded him, "We belong to Allah and to Him shall we return; O Allah, reward me for my affliction and give me something better than it in exchange for it," Allah will give him something better than it in exchange.

They are in a better place

Hadith: Who do you think the martyrs are?

  • «قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ مَا تَعُدُّونَ الشَّهِيدَ فِيكُمْ؟
    قَالُوا يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ مَنْ قُتِلَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ فَهُوَ شَهِيدٌ
    قَالَ إِنَّ شُهَدَاءَ أُمَّتِي إِذًا لَقَلِيلٌ
    قَالُوا فَمَنْ هُمْ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ؟
    قَالَ (١) مَنْ قُتِلَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ فَهُوَ شَهِيدٌ، (٢) وَمَنْ مَاتَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ فَهُوَ شَهِيدٌ، (٣) وَمَنْ مَاتَ فِي الطَّاعُونِ فَهُوَ شَهِيدٌ، (٤) وَمَنْ مَاتَ فِي الْبَطْنِ فَهُوَ شَهِيدٌ، ۔۔۔ (٥) وَالْغَرِيقُ شَهِيدٌ» (مسلم ١٩١٥a صحيح)

Whom do you consider to be a martyr among you? They (the Companions) said: Messenger, of Allah, one who is slain in the way of Allah is a martyr. He said: Then (if this is the definition of a martyr) the martyrs of my Umma will be small in number. They asked: Messenger of Allah, who are they? He said: (1) One who is slain in the way of Allah is a martyr; (2) one who dies in the way of Allah, is a martyr; (3) one who dies of plague is a martyr; (4) one who dies of an internal disease is a martyr… (5) One who is drowned is a martyr.

The maryrs will say, How I wish my people knew

  • ﴿قِيلَ ادْخُلِ الْجَنَّةَ ۖ قَالَ يَا لَيْتَ قَوْمِي يَعْلَمُونَ ۝ بِمَا غَفَرَ لِي رَبِّي وَجَعَلَنِي مِنَ الْمُكْرَمِينَ ۝﴾ (سُورَةُ يس ٣٦:٢٦)

36:26 It was said, "Enter Paradise." He said, "I wish my people could know 27 Of how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honored."

They are rejoicing from the favors of Allah

  • ﴿وَلَا تَحْسَبَنَّ الَّذِينَ قُتِلُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ أَمْوَاتًا ۚ بَلْ أَحْيَاءٌ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِمْ يُرْزَقُونَ ۝ فَرِحِينَ بِمَا آتَاهُمُ اللَّهُ مِنْ فَضْلِهِ وَيَسْتَبْشِرُونَ بِالَّذِينَ لَمْ يَلْحَقُوا بِهِمْ مِنْ خَلْفِهِمْ أَلَّا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ ۝﴾ (سُورَةُ آل عِمرَان ٣:١٦٩)

3:169 And never think of those who have been killed in the cause of Allah as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving provision, 170 Rejoicing in what Allah has bestowed upon them of His bounty, and they receive good tidings about those ˹to be martyred˺ after them who have not yet joined them - that there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.

They are among the best of companies

  • ﴿وَمَنْ يُطِعِ اللَّهَ وَالرَّسُولَ فَأُولَٰئِكَ مَعَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِمْ مِنَ النَّبِيِّينَ وَالصِّدِّيقِينَ وَالشُّهَدَاءِ وَالصَّالِحِينَ ۚ وَحَسُنَ أُولَٰئِكَ رَفِيقًا ۝﴾ (سُورَةُ النِّسَاء ٤:٦٩)

4:69 And whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger - those will be with the ones upon whom Allah has bestowed favor of the prophets, the steadfast affirmers of truth, the martyrs and the righteous. And excellent are those as companions.

For those left behind

Allah is the provider for all

  • ﴿قُلْ مَنْ يَرْزُقُكُمْ مِنَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ ۖ قُلِ اللَّهُ ۖ
    وَإِنَّا أَوْ إِيَّاكُمْ لَعَلَىٰ هُدًى أَوْ فِي ضَلَالٍ مُبِينٍ ۝﴾ (سُورَةُ سَبَأ ٣٤:٢٤)

34:24 Say, "Who provides for you from the heavens and the earth?" Say, "Allah. And indeed, we or you are either upon guidance or in clear error."

He provides for them and for you

17:31 And do not kill your children for fear of poverty. We provide for them and for you. Indeed, their killing is ever a great sin.

He provides and withholds to whom He Wills

  • ﴿إِنَّ رَبَّكَ يَبْسُطُ الرِّزْقَ لِمَنْ يَشَاءُ وَيَقْدِرُ ۚ إِنَّهُ كَانَ بِعِبَادِهِ خَبِيرًا بَصِيرًا ۝﴾ (سُورَةُ الإسْرَاء ١٧:٣٠)

17:30 Indeed, your Lord extends provision for whom He wills and restricts ˹it˺. Indeed He is ever, concerning His servants, Acquainted and Seeing.

Continue to contribute positively for yourself and others

  • ﴿ثُمَّ أَوْرَثْنَا الْكِتَابَ الَّذِينَ اصْطَفَيْنَا مِنْ عِبَادِنَا ۖ فَمِنْهُمْ ظَالِمٌ لِنَفْسِهِ وَمِنْهُمْ مُقْتَصِدٌ وَمِنْهُمْ سَابِقٌ بِالْخَيْرَاتِ بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ هُوَ الْفَضْلُ الْكَبِيرُ ۝﴾ (سُورَةُ فَاطِر ٣٥:٣٢)

35:32 Then we caused to inherit the Book those We have chosen of Our servants; and among them is he who wrongs himself, and among them is he who is moderate, and among them is he who is foremost in good deeds by permission of Allah. That ˹inheritance˺ is what is the great bounty.

Showing true patience over death of a loved one

Hadith: True patience is at the first stroke of a calamity

  • The Prophet ﷺ passed by a woman crying at a grave
  • Advised her:
  • «اتَّقِي اللَّهَ وَاصْبِرِي۔»
  • She responded harshly, not realizing it was the Prophet
  • Said: “Go away, you haven’t suffered my affliction!”
  • Later, realized who it was and went to him and apologized
  • The Prophet ﷺ responded:
  • «إِنَّمَا الصَّبْرُ عِنْدَ الصَّدْمَةِ الأُولَى۔» (البخاري ١٢٨٣ صحيح)

He said, "Verily, the patience is at the first stroke of a calamity."

  • Meaning that everyone heals after a while, but true patience is showing restraint and acceptance of Allah's decree when one is first struck with calamity.

Hadith: Crying for a loss is a mercy from Allah

  • A messenger from Zaynab, one of Prophet's ﷺ daughters, came to him.
  • Told him to come to her dying child.
  • The Prophet ﷺ told the messenger to tell her:
  • «أَنَّ لِلَّهِ مَا أَخَذَ، وَلَهُ مَا أَعْطَى، وَكُلُّ شَىْءٍ عِنْدَهُ بِأَجَلٍ مُسَمًّى
    فَلْتَصْبِرْ وَلْتَحْتَسِبْ»
  • The daughter insisted that he must come.
  • His eyes overflowed with tears and the Sahabah were surprised
  • The Prophet ﷺ replied:
  • «هَذِهِ رَحْمَةٌ جَعَلَهَا اللَّهُ فِي قُلُوبِ عِبَادِهِ
    وَإِنَّمَا يَرْحَمُ اللَّهُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ الرُّحَمَاءَ» (البخاري ١٢٨٤ متفق عليه)

The Prophet ﷺ said, "This is mercy which Allah has put in the heart of His slaves, and Allah bestows His mercy only on those of His slaves who are merciful (to others)."

  • It is human and a mercy from Allah to express grief due to pain but it must be done with restraint.

Hadith: Even when heartbroken we never say that which displeases Allah

  • The Prophet ﷺ son, Ibrahim, was dying.
  • He held him, kissed him, and smelled him lovingly.
  • The he began to shed tears and the Sahabah were surprised.
  • He replied:
  • «إِنَّهَا رَحْمَةٌ … إِنَّ الْعَيْنَ تَدْمَعُ وَالْقَلْبَ يَحْزَنُ، وَلاَ نَقُولُ إِلاَّ مَا يَرْضَى رَبُّنَا. وَإِنَّا بِفِرَاقِكَ يَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ لَمَحْزُونُونَ۔» (البخاري ١٣٠٣ متفق عليه)

"It is a mercy… the eyes shed tears and the heart grieves, but we do not say except what pleases our Lord. And we are, by your separation O Ibrahim, truly saddened."

Hadith: Crying loudly is strongly discouraged

  • «ابْكِينَ، وَإِيَّاكُنَّ وَنَعِيقَ الشَّيْطَانِ ..
    إِنَّهُ مَهْمَا كَانَ مِنَ العَيْنِ وَالْقَلْبِ فَمِنَ اللهِ وَمِنَ الرَّحْمَةِ
    وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ اليَدِ وَاللِّسَانِ فَمِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ» (أحمد ٢١٢٧ إسناده ضعيف)

He ﷺ said: Weep and beware of Satan's incitement. Then he said: Indeed, whatever arises from the eye and the heart is from Allah and His Mercy, and whatever arises from the hand and the tongue is from Satan.

Mourning period

Hadith: Not to mourn for more than three days

  • «لاَ يَحِلُّ لاِمْرَأَةٍ مُسْلِمَةٍ تُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ أَنْ تُحِدَّ فَوْقَ ثَلاَثَةِ أَيَّامٍ إِلاَّ عَلَى زَوْجِهَا أَرْبَعَةَ أَشْهُرٍ وَعَشْرًا» (البخاري صحيح)

The Prophet ﷺ said, "It is not lawful for a Muslim woman who believes in Allah and the Last Day to mourn for more than three days, except for her husband, for whom she should mourn for four months and ten days."

  • Mourning is optional and may end before three days
  • Not to exceed three days

Offering condolences (taziyah)

Hadith: Reward for visiting the family of the deceased

  • «مَنْ عَزَّى مُصَابًا فَلَهُ مِثْلُ أَجْرِهِ» (الترمذي ١٠٧٣ ضعيف)

The Prophet ﷺ said: Whoever consoles a person with an affliction, then he gets the same reward as him.

  • Visiting the loved ones is from the Sunnah
  • Visit length relative to the need
  • Express duas and offer help
  • Take on responsibilities on behalf of the family

Duas of condolences

  • «إِنَّ لِلَّهِ مَا أَخَذَ وَلَهُ مَا أَعْطَى وَكُلٌّ عِنْدَهُ بِأَجَلٍ مُسَمًّى فَلْتَصْبِرْ وَلْتَحْتَسِبْ» (البخاري ١٢٨٤ متفق عليه)

Whatever Allah takes is for Him and whatever He gives, is for Him, and everything with Him has a limited fixed term (in this world) and so she should be patient and hope for Allah's reward."

  • (أَعْظَمَ اللهُ أَجْرَكَ، وَأَحْسَنَ عَزَاءَكَ، وَغَفَرَ لِمَيِّتِكَ)

May Allah magnify your reward, beautify your consolation, and forgive your deceased.

Advise the Truth and Patience

  • ﴿وَالْعَصْرِ ۝ إِنَّ الْإِنْسَانَ لَفِي خُسْرٍ ۝ إِلَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالْحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالصَّبْرِ ۝﴾ (سُورَةُ العَصْر ١٠٣:١)

103:1 By time, 2 Indeed, mankind is in loss, 3 Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

Janazah

Following the janazah

Hadith: Rights upon a Muslim for another (various wordings)

  • «حَقُّ الْمُسْلِمِ عَلَى الْمُسْلِمِ خَمْسٌ: (١) رَدُّ السَّلاَمِ، (٢) وَعِيَادَةُ الْمَرِيضِ، (٣) وَاتِّبَاعُ الْجَنَائِزِ، (٤) وَإِجَابَةُ الدَّعْوَةِ، (٥) وَتَشْمِيتُ الْعَاطِسِ» (البخاري ١٢٤٠ متفق عليه)

The rights of a Muslim on the Muslims are five: to respond to the salaam, visiting the sick, to follow the funeral processions, to accept an invitation, and to reply to those who sneeze.

Hadith: Praying the janazah and attending the burial

  • «مَنْ شَهِدَ الْجَنَازَةَ حَتَّى يُصَلِّيَ عَلَيْهَا فَلَهُ قِيرَاطٌ
    وَمَنْ شَهِدَ حَتَّى تُدْفَنَ كَانَ لَهُ قِيرَاطَانِ … مِثْلُ الْجَبَلَيْنِ الْعَظِيمَيْنِ» (البخاري ١٣٢٥ متفق عليه)

Whoever attends the funeral procession till he offers the funeral prayer for it, will get a reward equal to one Qirat, and whoever accompanies it till burial, will get a reward equal to two Qirats." It was asked, "What are two Qirats?" He replied, "Like two huge mountains.

Janazah prayer

Main purpose of the prayer is to make dua.

Hadith: Intercession of 100 accepted

  • «مَا مِنْ مَيِّتٍ يُصَلِّي عَلَيْهِ أُمَّةٌ مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ يَبْلُغُونَ مِائَةً كُلُّهُمْ يَشْفَعُونَ لَهُ إِلاَّ شُفِّعُوا فِيهِ» (مسلم ٩٤٧ صحيح)

If a company of Muslims numbering one hundred pray over a dead person, all of them interceding for him, their intercession for him will be accepted.

Hadith: Reward of the one who has three rows
Division into at least three rows is done in hope that the deceased is forgiven and enters Jannah.

  • «مَا مِنْ مُسْلِمٍ يَمُوتُ فَيُصَلِّي عَلَيْهِ ثَلاَثَةُ صُفُوفٍ مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ إِلاَّ أَوْجَبَ
    قَالَ فَكَانَ مَالِكٌ [بْنِ هُبَيْرَةَ] إِذَا اسْتَقَلَّ أَهْلَ الْجَنَازَةِ جَزَّأَهُمْ ثَلاَثَةَ صُفُوفٍ لِلْحَدِيثِ» (أبو داود ٣١٦٦ لا نعرف حكم له)

The Prophet ﷺ said: If any Muslim dies and three rows of Muslims pray over him, it will assure him (of Paradise). When Malik considered those who accompanied a bier to be a few, he divided them into three rows in accordance with this tradition.

Method of the janazah prayer

Hadith: Hadith of how to pray the Salat al-Janazah

  • «السُّنَّةَ فِي الصَّلَاةِ عَلَى الْجِنَازَةِ أَنْ يُكَبِّرَ الْإِمَامُ، ثُمَّ يَقْرَأُ بِفَاتِحَةِ الْكِتَابِ بَعْدَ التَّكْبِيرَةِ الْأُولَى سِرًّا فِي نَفْسِهِ، ثُمَّ يُصَلِّي عَلَى النَّبِيِّ ﷺ، وَيُخْلِصُ الدُّعَاءَ لِلْجِنَازَةِ فِي التَّكْبِيرَاتِ، لَا يَقْرَأُ فِي شَيْءٍ مِنْهُنَّ ثُمَّ يُسَلِّمُ سِرًّا فِي نَفْسِهِ» (البيهقي ٦٩٥٩ لا نعرف حكم له)

the Sunnah in the funeral prayer is for the imam to start by saying takbir loudly, then quietly recite Surat al-Fatihah after the first takbir, silently within himself. Then he should send blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ , and make a sincere supplication for the deceased during the remaining takbirs. He should not recite anything else during them. Finally, he should silently say taslim within himself.

Attributes

  • It is fard kifayah (communal obligation)
  • Must have wudu
  • Face the qiblah
  • Standing prayer
  • No ruku, no sujud

Number of takbirat

  • Majority: Four takbirat
  • S[1]+A[2]: Hands should be raised
  • H[3]+M[4]: Raise hands for the first one only

Supplications within the takbirat

  • First takbir
    • Difference between Ibn Abbas and Ibn Umar
    • S+A: Surat al-Fatihah (wajib)
    • H+M: Praise Allah (subhanak Allahumma…)
  • Second takbir
    • All: Salat Ibrahimiyyah (Allahumma salli ala Muhammad…)
  • Third takbir
    • Dua for the deceased (see below)
  • Fourth takbir
    • S+M: Make additional duas
    • H+A: Pause / remain silent
  • Taslim
    • M+A: One taslim
    • S+H: Two taslim

Hadith: Dua in the third takbir

  • «اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِحَيِّنَا وَمَيِّتِنَا، وَصَغِيرِنَا وَكَبِيرِنَا، وَذَكَرِنَا وَأُنْثَانَا، وَشَاهِدِنَا وَغَائِبِنَا،
    اللَّهُمَّ مَنْ أَحْيَيْتَهُ مِنَّا فَأَحْيِهِ عَلَى الإِيمَانِ، وَمَنْ تَوَفَّيْتَهُ مِنَّا فَتَوَفَّهُ عَلَى الإِسْلاَمِ،
    اللَّهُمَّ لاَ تَحْرِمْنَا أَجْرَهُ وَلاَ تُضِلَّنَا بَعْدَهُ» (أبو داود ٣٢٠١ صحيح)

When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ prayed over a dead person, he said: O Allah, forgive those of us who are living and those of us who are dead, those of us who are present and those of us who are absent, our young and our old, our male and our female. O Allah, to whomsoever of us Thou givest life grant him life as a believer, and whomsoever of us Thou takest in death take him in death as a follower of Islam. O Allah, do not withhold from us the reward (of faith) and do not lead us astray after his death.

Burial

Carrying the bier (mayyit)

Misapplication of a weak hadith

  • «مَنْ حَمَلَ جِنَازَةً أَرْبَعِينَ خُطْوَةً كُفِّرَتْ لَهُ أَرْبَعُونَ كَبِيرَةً» (المبسوط للسرخسي) ضعفه الألباني

Who ever carries the mayyit for forty steps, forty of his major sins are forgiven.

  • It is reported that Ibn Umar would carry the janazah by rotating around its four corners, lifting from each side.
  • This practice is cited in al-Badai al-Sanai, a classical Hanafi fiqh text, which references Sarkhasi mentioning this narration.
  • However, all sources that quote this narration clarify that a single person would carry the janazah 10 steps from each side to complete the rotation and attain the full reward.

CAUTION: A blameworthy burial custom

  • The modern custom of many people crowding to carry the janazah is blameworthy and not from the Sunnah.
  • The narration about forgiving 40 major sins for carrying 40 steps:
    • Has no known isnad (chain of narration), not even a weak one.
    • Is declared weak by Sh. Albani, who also labeled this practice as an innovation (bidah) in funeral rites.
  • The content is also problematic: Major sins require major acts of repentance or expiation (e.g., hadd punishments for murder, adultery, theft, or apostasy), not simply carrying a bier.
  • Pushing and crowding to "get a turn":
    • Deprives the family of their rightful place in carrying the deceased.
    • May result in disrespect or harm to the mayyit due to instability or imbalance.
    • Shoving others and creating chaos negates the reward rather than earning it.

Throwing dust

Hadith: Entering the grave

  • «كَانَ إِذَا وَضَعَ الْمَيِّتَ فِي الْقَبْرِ قَالَ: بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَعَلَى سُنَّةِ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ ﷺ» (أبو داود ٣٢١٣ صحيح)

When the Prophet ﷺ placed the dead in the grave, he said: In the name of Allah, and following the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.

Hadith: The Prophet is reported to throw three handfuls of dirt

  • «أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ﷺ صَلَّى عَلَى جِنَازَةٍ ثُمَّ أَتَى قَبْرَ الْمَيِّتِ فَحَثَى عَلَيْهِ مِنْ قِبَلِ رَأْسِهِ ثَلاَثًا» (ابن ماجة ١٥٦٥ حسن)

that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ offered the funeral prayer, then he came to the grave of the deceased and scattered three handfuls of earth from the side of (the deceased’s) head.

Hadith: Weak or rejected narration on what to say when throwing the dust

  • «لَمَّا وُضِعَتْ أُمُّ كُلْثُومٍ ابْنَةُ رَسُولِ اللهِ ﷺ فِي الْقَبْرِ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ ﷺ (مِنْهَا خَلَقْنَاكُمْ وَفِيهَا نُعِيدُكُمْ وَمِنْهَا نُخْرِجُكُمْ تَارَةً أُخْرَى)
    قَالَ ثُمَّ لَا أَدْرِي أَقَالَ (بِسْمِ اللهِ وَفِي سَبِيلِ اللهِ وَعَلَى مِلَّةِ رَسُولِ اللهِ)؟ أَمْ لَا فَلَمَّا بَنَى عَلَيْهَا لَحْدَهَا طَفِقَ يَطْرَحُ لَهُمُ الْجَبُوبَ وَيَقُولُ سُدُّوا خِلَالَ اللَّبِنِ ثُمَّ قَالَ أَمَا إِنَّ هَذَا لَيْسَ بِشَيْءٍ وَلَكِنَّهُ يَطِيبُ بِنَفْسِ الْحَيِّ» (أحمد ٢٢١٨٧ إسناده ضعيف/متروك)

When Umm Kulthum, the daughter of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, was laid in her grave, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, "From it we created you, and to it we will return you, and from it we will bring you forth once again." (Ta-Ha 20:55). Then the ˹narrator˺ said, "I do not know whether he said 'Bismillah' and 'for the sake of Allah' and 'on the path of the Messenger of Allah' or not." So when he built her grave, he stepped back and threw the dust towards them and said, "Block the gaps with wet clay." Then he said, "Indeed, this is not anything, but it brings comfort to the soul of the living."

Dua after burial

Hadith: The Prophet ﷺ cried sitting at the grave

  • «شَهِدْنَا بِنْتًا لِرَسُولِ اللَّهِ ﷺ قَالَ وَرَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ جَالِسٌ عَلَى الْقَبْرِ قَالَ فَرَأَيْتُ عَيْنَيْهِ تَدْمَعَانِ» (البخاري ١٢٨٥ صحيح)

We were (in the funeral procession) of one of the daughters of the Prophet ﷺ and he was sitting by the side of the grave. I saw his eyes shedding tears.

Hadith: Munkar and Nakir's questioning in the grave

  • «الْعَبْدُ إِذَا وُضِعَ فِي قَبْرِهِ وَتُوُلِّيَ وَذَهَبَ أَصْحَابُهُ حَتَّى إِنَّهُ لَيَسْمَعُ قَرْعَ نِعَالِهِمْ أَتَاهُ مَلَكَانِ فَأَقْعَدَاهُ فَيَقُولاَنِ لَهُ …» (البخاري ١٣٣٨ صحيح)

The Prophet ﷺ said, "When a human being is laid in his grave and his companions return and he even hears their foot steps, two angels come to him and make him sit and ask him…

Hadith: Making dua for the deceased

  • «كَانَ النَّبِيُّ ﷺ إِذَا فَرَغَ مِنْ دَفْنِ الْمَيِّتِ وَقَفَ عَلَيْهِ فَقَالَ: اسْتَغْفِرُوا لأَخِيكُمْ وَسَلُوا لَهُ التَّثْبِيتَ فَإِنَّهُ الآنَ يُسْأَلُ» (أبو داود ٣٢٢١ صحيح)

Whenever the Prophet ﷺ became free from burying the dead, he used to stay at him (i.e. his grave) and say: Seek forgiveness for your brother, and beg steadfastness for him, for he will be questioned now. Abu Dawud said: The full name of the narrator Buhair is Buhair b. Raisan.

Group dua after burial

  • Group dua in such situations is not known in the Sunnah
  • Best practice of the Sunnah is to make dua individually for the deceased in any language they feel fluent and connected to the uttered words, such as:
  • اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُ، اللَّهُمَّ ارْحَمْهُ، اللَّهُمَّ ثَبِّتْهُ بِالْقَوْلِ الثَّابِتِ

O Allah forgive him, O Allah have Mercy on him, O Allah give him thabat in his responses.

Visiting graveyards

Recommendation to visit

Hadith: The Prophet ﷺ sought permission from Allah to visit the grave of his mother Aminah

  • «زَارَ النَّبِيُّ ﷺ قَبْرَ أُمِّهِ فَبَكَى وَأَبْكَى مَنْ حَوْلَهُ
    فَقَالَ: اسْتَأْذَنْتُ رَبِّي فِي أَنْ أَسْتَغْفِرَ لَهَا فَلَمْ يُؤْذَنْ لِي
    وَاسْتَأْذَنْتُهُ فِي أَنْ أَزُورَ قَبْرَهَا فَأُذِنَ لِي
    فَزُورُوا الْقُبُورَ فَإِنَّهَا تُذَكِّرُ الْمَوْتَ» (مسلم ٩٧٦b صحيح)

The Apostle of Allah ﷺ visited the grave of his mother and he wept, and moved others around him to tears, and said: I sought permission from my Lord to beg forgiveness for her but it was not granted to me, and I sought permission to visit her grave and it was granted to me so visit the graves, for that makes you mindful of death.

Ibn al-Qayyim: Dead are happy with visitation

  • وَالسَّلَفُ مُجْمِعُونَ عَلَى هٰذَا، وَقَدْ تَوَاتَرَتِ ٱلْآثَارُ عَنْهُمْ: بِأَنَّ ٱلْمَيِّتَ يَعْرِفُ بِزِيَارَةِ ٱلْحَيِّ لَهُ وَيَسْتَبْشِرُ بِهِ. (الروح لابن القيّم)

The pious predecessors were in unanimous agreement on this, and the reports from them are mutawatir: that the deceased recognizes the visit of the living and rejoices at it.

Women visiting graveyards

  • «نُهِينَا عَنِ اتِّبَاعِ الْجَنَائِزِ وَلَمْ يُعْزَمْ عَلَيْنَا» (البخاري ١٢٧٨ متفق عليه)

We were forbidden to accompany funeral processions but not strictly.

  • M: Allowed as long as there is no impermissible wailing or practices
  • S+A: Makruh, but not Haram
  • H: Makruh Tahrimi (i.e., it is sinful)
  • Best opinion: Women may visit, but infrequently, while showing restraint.

Entering graveyards

Hadith 1: Giving salam to the inhabitants of the graveyards

  • «السَّلاَمُ عَلَى أَهْلِ الدِّيَارِ / السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ أَهْلَ الدِّيَارِ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُسْلِمِينَ، وَإِنَّا إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ لَلَاحِقُونَ، أَسْأَلُ اللَّهَ لَنَا وَلَكُمْ الْعَافِيَةَ)» (مسلم ٩٧٥ صحيح)

"Peace be upon you, the inhabitants of the homes, among the believers, and Muslims, and God willing we shall join you. I beg of Allah removal of harm for us and for you."

Hadith 2: Giving salam to the inhabitants of the graveyards

  • «السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ يَا أَهْلَ الْقُبُورِ يَغْفِرُ اللَّهُ لَنَا وَلَكُمْ أَنْتُمْ سَلَفُنَا وَنَحْنُ بِالأَثَرِ» (الترمذي ١٠٥٣ ضعيف)

"Peace be upon you O inhabitants of the grave! May Allah forgive us and you; you are our predecessors and we are to follow you.'"

Benefiting the deceased (isal al-thawab)

Hadith: All deeds are cutoff after death except three types of sadaqah jariyah

  • «إِذَا مَاتَ الإِنْسَانُ انْقَطَعَ عَنْهُ عَمَلُهُ إِلاَّ مِنْ ثَلاَثَةٍ إِلاَّ:
    (١) مِنْ صَدَقَةٍ جَارِيَةٍ أَوْ
    (٢) عِلْمٍ يُنْتَفَعُ بِهِ أَوْ
    (٣) وَلَدٍ صَالِحٍ يَدْعُو لَهُ» (مسلم ١٦٣١ صحيح)

When a human dies, his acts come to an end, but three:
(1) their recurring charity, or
(2) benefit of knowledge through them, or
(3) a righteous child who prays for him.

Hadith: Acts that should be performed for the deceased parents

  • «يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ هَلْ بَقِيَ مِنْ بِرِّ أَبَوَىَّ شَىْءٌ أَبَرُّهُمَا بِهِ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهِمَا؟ قَالَ: نَعَمِ:
    (١) الصَّلاَةُ عَلَيْهِمَا،
    (٢) وَالاِسْتِغْفَارُ لَهُمَا،
    (٣) وَإِنْفَاذُ عَهْدِهِمَا مِنْ بَعْدِهِمَا،
    (٤) وَصِلَةُ الرَّحِمِ الَّتِي لاَ تُوصَلُ إِلاَّ بِهِمَا،
    (٤) وَإِكْرَامُ صَدِيقِهِمَا» (أبو داود ٥١٤٢ ضعيف)

a man of Banu Salmah came to Him and said: Messenger of Allah is there any kindness left that I can do to my parents after their death? He replied: Yes, you can: (1) make dua for them, (2) ask forgiveness for them, (3) fulfill their promises after their death, (4) join ties of relationship which were maintained only on them, and (5) honor their friends.

Hadith: Parents are upgraded stations in Jannah

  • «إِنَّ الرَّجُلَ لَتُرْفَعُ دَرَجَتُهُ فِي الْجَنَّةِ فَيَقُولُ أَنَّى هَذَا فَيُقَالُ بِاسْتِغْفَارِ وَلَدِكَ لَكَ» (ابن ماجة ٣٦٦٠ حسن)

the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "A man will be raised in status in Paradise and will say: 'Where did this come from?' And it will be said:'From your child asking forgiveness for you.'"

General benefit for the deceased

All of the following are recommendation from the Prophet ﷺ:

  1. Making dua (See list of duas here).
  2. Making istighfar for them.
  3. Fulfilling their oaths and promises.
  4. Paying off their debts.
  5. Following their advice.
  6. Giving charity on their behalf from their money.

Gifting deeds for the deceased

All of the following are recommendation from the Prophet ﷺ. These have condition that your niyyah before or after the act is to dedicate the act to the deceased without expecting any reward from Allah:

  1. Gifting charity on their behalf from your money.
  2. Performing an udhiyah (sacrifice) on their behalf.
  3. Creating a means of sadah jariah from the money.
  4. Create a waqf on their behalf like a well.
  5. Fasting on their behalf when they had fasts left over.
  6. Performing Umrah on their behalf.
  7. Performing Hajj on their behalf.

Can other deeds be gifted?

The human being is only compensated for their own effort

  • ﴿أَلَّا تَزِرُ وَازِرَةٌ وِزْرَ أُخْرَىٰ ۝ وَأَنْ لَيْسَ لِلْإِنْسَانِ إِلَّا مَا سَعَىٰ ۝ وَأَنَّ سَعْيَهُ سَوْفَ يُرَىٰ ۝ ثُمَّ يُجْزَاهُ الْجَزَاءَ الْأَوْفَىٰ ۝﴾ (سُورَةُ النَّجْم ٥٣:٣٨)

53:38 That no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another 39 And that there is not for man except that ˹good˺ for which he strives 40 And that his effort is going to be seen - 41 Then he will be recompensed for it with the fullest recompense

Hadith: Evidence that good deeds and waqf done on behalf of others are rewarded

  • «أَنَّ سَعْدَ بْنَ عُبَادَةَ ؓ تُوُفِّيَتْ أُمُّهُ وَهْوَ غَائِبٌ عَنْهَا فَقَالَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ إِنَّ أُمِّي تُوُفِّيَتْ وَأَنَا غَائِبٌ عَنْهَا أَيَنْفَعُهَا شَىْءٌ إِنْ تَصَدَّقْتُ بِهِ عَنْهَا؟ قَالَ نَعَمْ. قَالَ: فَإِنِّي أُشْهِدُكَ أَنَّ حَائِطِي الْمِخْرَافَ صَدَقَةٌ عَلَيْهَا» (البخاري ٢٧٥٦ صحيح)

The mother of Saʿd bin 'Ubada died in his absence. He said, "O Messenger of Allah ﷺ! My mother died in my absence; will it be of any benefit for her if I give Sadaqa on her behalf?" The Prophet ﷺ said, "Yes," Saʿd said, "I make you a witness that I gave my garden called al-Mikhraf in charity on her behalf."

Opinions of the major schools

  • H: Any and all good deeds can be gifted to the living and the deceased. This includes voluntary salah.
  • S: Any and all good deeds can be gifted to the deceased
  • M: Unsure
  • A: Any and all good deeds can be gifted to the deceased (Ibn Qudamah, Buhuti and others)
  • T:[5] All good deeds can be gifted to the deceased

Even-though the human being is only compensated for their own effort, others wanted to gift their good deeds to them as a form of love and gratitude toward them also is contained within the effort of the deceased. Otherwise, there is no reason for anyone to gift their good deeds for another.

Gifting Quran recitation for the deceased

Ibn Qudamah: Reward for reciting the Quran can be gifted to the deceased

  • وَقَالَ بَعْضُهُمْ: إذَا قُرِئَ الْقُرْآنُ عِنْدَ الْمَيِّتِ، أَوْ أُهْدِيَ إلَيْهِ ثَوَابُهُ، كَانَ الثَّوَابُ لِقَارِئِهِ، وَيَكُونُ الْمَيِّتُ كَأَنَّهُ حَاضِرُهَا، فَتُرْجَى لَهُ الرَّحْمَةُ. وَلَنَا، مَا ذَكَرْنَاهُ، وَأَنَّهُ إجْمَاعُ الْمُسْلِمِينَ؛ فَإِنَّهُمْ فِي كُلِّ عَصْرٍ وَمِصْرٍ يَجْتَمِعُونَ وَيَقْرَءُونَ الْقُرْآنَ، وَيُهْدُونَ ثَوَابَهُ إلَى مَوْتَاهُمْ مِنْ غَيْرِ نَكِيرٍ. (المغني لابن قدامة)

Some of them said: When the Quran is recited in the presence of the deceased, or its reward is gifted to him, the reward belongs to the reciter, and the deceased is as if he is present at the gathering, so mercy is hoped for him. As for our view, it is based on what we mentioned: that this is the consensus of the Muslims, for in every era and land, they gather to recite the Quran and gift its reward to their deceased without any objection. – Ibn Qudamah, a famous authority of Hanbali fiqh

CAUTION: Avoiding Questionable Quran recitation traditions

While a large majority of the Ummah holds that reciting the Quran can benefit the deceased, it is important to consider the following:

  • The Prophet ﷺ explicitly recommended other actions that are more directly beneficial and rewarding for the deceased, such as making dua, seeking istighfar on their behalf, giving charity, and performing other righteous deeds.

  • It is not recorded that the Prophet ﷺ ever recommended Quran recitation as a gift for the deceased. While some scholars infer from general evidence that it may be permissible, we cannot assume it was his primary recommendation. Allah knows best.

  • When reciting the Quran, one should:

    • Focus on its message and reflect on its meanings, as the Quran was revealed as “guidance for mankind”. This reflection is the true essence of its reward.

    • Avoid reducing Quran recitation to a mechanical act without understanding, which contradicts the purpose for which it was revealed.

Caution should be exercised to avoid turning Quran recitation for the deceased into a cultural tradition with fabricated rules that have no sound basis in Islamic teachings, such as:

  • Requiring the entire Quran to be recited for the reward to count. There is limited to no basis or evidence for this condition.

  • Prohibiting repetition of ajza (siparas) among multiple participants. This too has no foundation.

  • Adhering to specific and expected khatm al-Quran customs. These have little to no basis in authentic sources.

Lastly, if someone wishes to recite the Quran as a gift for a deceased loved one, it is best done individually, with sincere intention that the full reward is gifted to the deceased, without seeking any personal reward in return.

Mourning period for the widow (ihdad)

  • ﴿وَالَّذِينَ يُتَوَفَّوْنَ مِنْكُمْ وَيَذَرُونَ أَزْوَاجًا يَتَرَبَّصْنَ بِأَنْفُسِهِنَّ أَرْبَعَةَ أَشْهُرٍ وَعَشْرًا ۖ فَإِذَا بَلَغْنَ أَجَلَهُنَّ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْكُمْ فِيمَا فَعَلْنَ فِي أَنْفُسِهِنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ ۝﴾ (سُورَةُ البَقَرَة )
  • 2:234 And those who have died among you and leave wives behind - ˹the wives, shall˺ wait four months and ten ˹days˺.
  • And when they have fulfilled their term, then there is no blame upon ˹the guardians of the woman˺ for what ˹the women˺ do with themselves in an acceptable manner.
  • and Allah is ˹fully˺ Acquainted with what you do.

Purpose of ihdad

  • Called ihdad: different from iddah of divorce.
  • Prevents remarriage or intimacy during this waiting period.

Wisdom

  • Protecting child bearing women
  • Ensuring no confusion about paternity
  • Honoring the deceased husband
  • Allah knows best

Duration (iddah)

  • Duration: four lunar months + 10 days (≈ 128–130 days)
  • If pregnant, iddah continues until childbirth, even if shorter or longer than 130 days.

Where to observe ihdad (majority view)

  • Widow must stay in her marital home during iddah.
  • May leave for essential needs, but must return to sleep in her home.
  • If rent becomes unaffordable, she may move.

Avoiding extra beautification

  • Avoid all forms of beautification to prevent attraction or fitnah.
  • No makeup, perfume, hair dye, or decorative clothing.
  • Wear neutral colors (preferably white), avoiding attractive garments.
  • Hygiene is allowed: bathing, brushing, using unscented soap, oil, lotion, etc.

Additional etiquettes

  • No need to isolate in a room or remain silent.
  • Encourage worship, good deeds, and housework.
  • Avoid sins and unnecessary contact with non-mahram men.

Not to get remarried

  • A major sin in direct proposals during iddah.
  • Only indirect hints may be made respectfully.
  • Any marriage during iddah is invalid.
  • It is a major sin to propose or participate in such a marriage.

Moving on from the loss

Accepting the Decree of Allah

  • Why did this happen to them?

    • Submit to Allah's will

  • Why did this happen to me?

    • This is a test of patience
    • Allah has a better plan for you
    • This is better for you

You may dislike a thing but it is better for you

  • ﴿…وَعَسَىٰ أَنْ تَكْرَهُوا شَيْئًا وَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَكُمْ ۖ
    وَعَسَىٰ أَنْ تُحِبُّوا شَيْئًا وَهُوَ شَرٌّ لَكُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ وَأَنْتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ ۝﴾ (سُورَةُ البَقَرَة ٢:٢١٦)

2:216 Fighting has been enjoined upon you while it is hateful to you. But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah Knows, while you know not.

Grief are allowed but with patience

  • What will happen to them?

    • They are in a better place

  • What will happen to me?

    • Allah has your rizq written
    • Allah will complete his plan for each one of us

Allah promises relief for those who have Taqwa

  • ﴿…وَمَنْ يَتَّقِ اللَّهَ يَجْعَلْ لَهُ مَخْرَجًا ۝ وَيَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَحْتَسِبُ ۚ
    وَمَنْ يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ ۚ
    إِنَّ اللَّهَ بَالِغُ أَمْرِهِ ۚ قَدْ جَعَلَ اللَّهُ لِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدْرًا ۝
    … وَمَنْ يَتَّقِ اللَّهَ يَجْعَلْ لَهُ مِنْ أَمْرِهِ يُسْرًا ۝
    … وَمَنْ يَتَّقِ اللَّهَ يُكَفِّرْ عَنْهُ سَيِّئَاتِهِ وَيُعْظِمْ لَهُ أَجْرًا ۝﴾ (سُورَةُ الطَّلاق ٦٥:٢)

65:2 … And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out 3 And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a ˹decreed˺ extent. 4 … And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him of his matter ease. 5 … and whoever fears Allah - He will remove for him his misdeeds and make great for him his reward.

Continue to contribute positively

  • What can I do for them?

    • Make dua and istighfar for them
    • Do good deeds on their behalf

  • What will I do now?

    • Continue to do good deeds
    • Continue to contribute positively

Test and trials will continue

You think you won't be tested?

  • ﴿الم ۝ أَحَسِبَ النَّاسُ أَنْ يُتْرَكُوا أَنْ يَقُولُوا آمَنَّا وَهُمْ لَا يُفْتَنُونَ ۝ وَلَقَدْ فَتَنَّا الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِهِمْ ۖ فَلَيَعْلَمَنَّ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ صَدَقُوا وَلَيَعْلَمَنَّ الْكَاذِبِينَ ۝
    … مَنْ كَانَ يَرْجُو لِقَاءَ اللَّهِ فَإِنَّ أَجَلَ اللَّهِ لَآتٍ ۚ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ ۝ وَمَنْ جَاهَدَ فَإِنَّمَا يُجَاهِدُ لِنَفْسِهِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَغَنِيٌّ عَنِ الْعَالَمِينَ ۝ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ لَنُكَفِّرَنَّ عَنْهُمْ سَيِّئَاتِهِمْ وَلَنَجْزِيَنَّهُمْ أَحْسَنَ الَّذِي كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ ۝﴾ (سُورَةُ العَنكبوت ٢٩:١)

29:1 Alif, Lam, Meem 2 Do the people think that they will be left to say, "We believe" and they will not be tried? 3 But We have certainly tried those before them, and Allah will surely make evident those who are truthful, and He will surely make evident the liars. 4 Or do those who do evil deeds think they can outrun Us? Evil is what they judge. 5 Whoever should hope for the meeting with Allah - indeed, the term decreed by Allah is coming. And He is the Hearing, the Knowing. 6 And whoever strives only strives for ˹the benefit of˺ himself. Indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds. 7 And those who believe and do righteous deeds - We will surely remove from them their misdeeds and will surely reward them according to the best of what they used to do.

Hadith: Great rewards for difficult tests

  • «إِنَّ عِظَمَ الْجَزَاءِ مَعَ عِظَمِ الْبَلاَءِ وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ إِذَا أَحَبَّ قَوْمًا ابْتَلاَهُمْ۔
    فَمَنْ رَضِيَ فَلَهُ الرِّضَا، وَمَنْ سَخِطَ فَلَهُ السَّخَطُ۔» الترمذي 2396

"Indeed greater reward comes with greater trial. And indeed, when Allah loves a people He subjects them to trials, so whoever is content, then for him is pleasure, and whoever is discontent, then for him is wrath."

Hadith: Dua for seeking relief from grief

  • «قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ ﷺ: «مَا أَصَابَ أَحَدًا قَطُّ هَمٌّ وَلَا حَزَنٌ فَقَالَ:
    (اللهُمَّ إِنِّي عَبْدُكَ، ابْنُ عَبْدِكَ، ابْنُ أَمَتِكَ،
    نَاصِيَتِي بِيَدِكَ، مَاضٍ فِيَّ حُكْمُكَ، عَدْلٌ فِيَّ قَضَاؤُكَ،
    أَسْأَلُكَ بِكُلِّ اسْمٍ هُوَ لَكَ سَمَّيْتَ بِهِ نَفْسَكَ، أَوْ عَلَّمْتَهُ أَحَدًا مِنْ خَلْقِكَ، أَوْ أَنْزَلْتَهُ فِي كِتَابِكَ، أَوِ اسْتَأْثَرْتَ بِهِ فِي عِلْمِ الْغَيْبِ عِنْدَكَ،
    أَنْ تَجْعَلَ الْقُرْآنَ رَبِيعَ قَلْبِي وَنُورَ صَدْرِي وَجِلَاءَ حُزْنِي وَذَهَابَ هَمِّي)
    إِلَّا أَذْهَبَ اللهُ هَمَّهُ وَحُزْنَهُ وَأَبْدَلَهُ مَكَانَهُ فَرَحًا۔»» (أحمد ٣٧١٢ إسناده ضعيف)

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "Never has anyone been afflicted with distress or grief and said: (O Allah, I am your servant, son of your servant, son of your maidservant; my forelock is in Your hand, Your command over me is forever executed and Your decree over me is just. I ask You by every name belonging to You which You have named Yourself with, or revealed in Your Book, or You taught to any of Your creation, or You have preserved in the knowledge of the unseen with You, that You make the Quran the life of my heart and the light of my chest, and a departure for my sorrow and a release for my anxiety), except that Allah will take away his distress and grief, and replace it with joy."

Footnotes

  1. S: Shafii opinion ↩︎

  2. A: Hanbali opinion ↩︎

  3. H: Hanafi opinion ↩︎

  4. M: Maliki opinion ↩︎

  5. T: Ibn Taymiyyah's opinion ↩︎