Islamic Voice - What Must Be Known About Islam

''to Allah we belong and to Allah shall we return''

This topic is very important, as each and every one of us will experience it one day and that is : Death.

Almost every day we hear of the death of someone, yet most people ignore the fact that one day they will die too, they go on with their life as if nothing has happened feeling that their time has not yet come for them to die.

In an authentic Hadith Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said : "Remember the destroyer of pleasures-death, for not a day passes upon the grave except it says ‘ I am the house of remoteness; I am the house of loneliness; I am the house of soil; I am the house of worms’ " (Authentic-Thermithi).

The knowledge of the reality of death helps people understand it and prepare themselves for its coming. Death is simply a transition state from one world to another, as birth is. No one knows when and where he will die or knows how.

Death involves agony and hardship as mentioned in an authentic Hadith : " When Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) was dying, he put his hands in a large cup of water which was close to him and wipe his face with it, saying : ‘O Allah help me over the hardship and agony of death" (Authentic -Termithi).

The grave is the first station of the stations of the hereafter. The Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said: "When the deceased is placed in his grave and when his friends depart and leave him, he hears their footsteps, then two angels will make him sit and ask him: What did you say about this man ( Muhammad (P.B.U.H) ) ? The Believer will say: I bear witness that he was the servant and Messenger of Allah. They (The two Angeles) will say to the deceased: Look to your place in Hell. Allah has substituted it with a place in paradise. They see it all together.

However, the unbeliever or the hypocrite, will be asked about Muhammad (P.B.U.H). He will say:’ I don’t know! I used to say what people used to say’. The two angels say to him:‘ How come you did not know and you did not read about him’. Then they beat him heavily with a metal hammer. This causes him to scream painfully and all his surroundings will hear him except human beings and Jinns." (Bukhari and Muslim).

Another authentic Hadith narrated by Imam Ahmed states that the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said two or three times: " Seek refuge in Allah from the punishment of the grave,’ then he said :‘ When a believer is about to leave this world, angels with bright faces like the sun come down to him from heaven with a shroud from the shrouds of paradise and some of the perfume of paradise and sit away from him as far as the eye can see.

Then the angel of death comes and sits at his head and says:’ O good soul, come out to forgiveness and acceptance from Allah’. The soul then comes out gently as a drop flows from a water - faucet and he seizes it.

Then the other angels take the soul from the angel of death and shroud it with the shroud from paradise, perfume with the perfume of paradise; its fragrance will be like that of the sweetest musk found on the face of the earth.

They then take the sweet-smelling soul up, and whenever they pass by a group of Angeles, they ask :‘ Who is this good soul?’ The angels, accompanying the soul, reply using the best of his names that people used to call him by during his life:‘ So and so, the son of so and so.’ When they reach the first heaven they request permission to enter, and the gates will open to them.

The same is done in the following heavens until they reach the seventh heaven, and Allah says :‘ Record the book of my slave in the highest place and take him back to earth, for I created mankind from it, into it they shall return, and from it shall be brought another time.’ The soul returns to the body, and two angels come to him, make him sit and ask him: ‘ Who is your Lord ?’ He replies:‘ My Lord is Allah. They ask:‘ What is your religion ?’ and he replies:‘ My religion is Islam’. They ask again:‘ Who is this man who was sent among you ?’ He replies:‘ He is Allah’s messenger’. They ask :’ What is your knowledge ?’ He replies:’ I read the book of Allah, believed in it and declared it to be true’.

Then it will be said:‘ My slave has spoken the truth, so spread out carpets from paradise for him, cloth him from paradise, and open a gate for him into paradise’.

Then some of its joy and fragrance come to him, his grave is made spacious for him as far as he can see, a man with a glorious face, beautiful garments and sweet perfume comes to him and says:’ Rejoice in what pleases you for this is your day which you have been promised’.

He asks:’ Who are you, for your appearance brings goodness ?’. The man replies:’ I am your good deeds.’ He then says: ‘ O Allah, bring the hour, so that I may return to my family and property’.

But when a non-believer is about to leave this world, angels with ugly faces come down to him from heaven with a hard and rough cloth, and sit away from him as far as the eye can see.

Then the angel of death comes and sits at his head and says:‘ O wicked soul, come out to anger and displeasure from Allah.’ It then becomes dissipated in his body.

The angel draws it out violently as a spit is drawn out from moistened wool, and he seizes it; then the other angels take the soul and put it in that rough cloth which emits a very offensive bad stench like the worst smell found on the face of the earth.

They then take the foul-smelling soul up, and whenever they pass by a group of Angels, they ask :‘ Who is this wicked soul ?’ The angels, accompanying the soul, reply using the worst of his names that people used to call him by during his life :‘ So and so, the son of so and so,’ when they reach the first heaven they request permission to enter and the gates will not open to them.

The soul returns to the body, and two angels come to him, make him sit and ask him:’ Who is your Lord ?’ He replies:‘ My Lord? Oh, I do not know’. They ask:‘ What is your religion ?’ and he replies:‘ My religion ! Oh, I do not know.

They ask again:‘ Who is this man who was sent among you?’ He replies:‘ Oh, I do not know’. Then it will be said:‘ He has lied, so spread out carpets from hellfire for him, and open a gate for him into hellfire.’

Then some of its heat and poison come to him, his grave is made so narrow for him so that his ribs are pressed together in it.

A man with a horrifying face, ugly garments and offensive odor comes to him and says:‘ Be grieved with what displeases you for this is your day which you have been promised’. He asks:‘ Who are you, for your appearance brings evil ?’ The man replies:‘ I am your wicked deeds.’ He then says:‘ O Allah, do not bring the hour’" (Authentic-Ahmed).

All of this, and the Day of Judgment has not yet started. So I remind myself first and I remind you as my brothers and sisters to prepare for this day; prepare for it by truly and sincerely submitting to Allah, doing good deeds according to Allah’s commands in the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammed (Pbuh).

Avoid all types of wrong and evil which Allah and the Prophet asked us to avoid, but do not delay or postpone since you do not know when death will come.

1) WHEN A MUSLIM IS AT THE POINT OF DEATH

Family members of the dying person and his most pious friends should be informed and should be present at his side to help him turn his thoughts to Allah, encourage him very gently to repent, remind him about all the good deeds that he did, about Allah’s mercy, and Allah’s forgiveness so that he may anticipate Allah’s mercy and Allah’s favors.

Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said: " Let no Muslim die except expecting and hoping the best from Allah" (Muslim).

Those who are present near a dying Muslim should do the following :

1) They should be kind and patient.

2) They should never leave him alone.

3) They should give him hope, not allowing him to collapse out of pain or panic.

They should prompt him very gently (Encouragement without insistence) every now and then to say the Shahada: "La ilaha ella Allah", which means ‘There is no God but Allah,’ in a very kind and sincere manner as these may be his last words.

Abu-Saeed Al-Khuduri reported that Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said : "Help Muslims who are dying to say: ‘ La ilaha ella Allah’" (Muslim). They should make Dua’ (Supplicate) to Allah to help him go through situation easy, and forgive him.

When the person is confirmed dead, family members or those who are present should :

1) Close the eyes of the deceased.

2) Um Salma reported that : " When her husband died, Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) closed his eyes" (Muslim).

3) They should bind his lower jaw to his head so that it does not sag.

4) They should cover all his body completely with a clean sheet. Aisha reported that : " Muslims covered the body of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) when he died" (Bukhari & Muslim).

5) They should make Dua’ (Supplicate) to Allah to forgive him.

6) They should hasten to prepare the body for washing, shrouding and burial.

7) Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said: " You should hasten with his burial"

(Bukhari & Muslim).

They should pay his debts from his money, or if there is not enough, then from any family member or any relative, this matter is important since the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) encouraged Muslims to pay the debts of the deceased.

Mourning over the dead is allowed in Islam, but there is a great difference between what is allowed Islamically and the practice of some Muslims at the present time.

Grief at the death of a beloved person is normal, and weeping for the dead is allowed in Islam. What is prohibited is to express grief by wailing ( Bewailing refers to mourning in a loud voice), shrieking, beating the chest and cheeks, tearing hair or clothes, breaking things or scratching faces or saying phrases that makes a Muslim lose faith.

Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said :" He is not of us who beats his face, tears his clothes and bewails loudly when misfortune happens to him as was done before during the days of ignorance " (Bukhari & Muslim).

Some people let their beard grow to show their sadness, then after several days they shave it. Others wear black clothes, or black ties. All of this has no basis in Islam.

It is a Muslim’s duty to advise gently those who do these things to stop doing so, since it is totally prohibited. No loss, however great, should lead a Muslim to sour his faith. They should however bear patiently and accept Allah’s destiny.

There is no objection to quiet weeping as Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) did when his son died and said : " It is a mercy that Allah made in the hearts of his servants" (Bukhari).

Relatives of a deceased Muslim may mourn him for three days only, but a widow may mourn her husband four months and ten days.

When a Muslim dies, it is the responsibility of his family or other Muslims to wash him according to the Islamic rites of washing the deceased. Two or three persons may perform the washing.

The person(s) who may wash the deceased should :

Be a trustworthy, and honest adult Muslim(s).

Know the Islamic way of washing the dead and be able to carry out the washing.

Not make any comment on the body of the deceased.

The deceased’s body should be washed in a clean, secluded, and private place where clean water and soap are available. Gloves or pieces of cloth are needed. The body of the deceased should be washed with water and, if available, lotus leaves, or camphor (To be used in the final wash). The washing should be done three or five, or any more odd number of times if necessary.

1) The body of the deceased should be placed on a table or alike, the deceased’s clothes should be removed, and the body should be covered with a sheet of cloth.

2) The head and the upper body should be raised slightly to insure the washing water with exudations from the body flows down and does not run back to the body.

3) The Aura (Private parts) of the deceased should be covered with a piece of cloth (The Aura of a male is from the belly button to the knee in the presence of males, for the female is the same in the presence of females).

4) The washer should start washing by saying:" Bismil - lah "," In the name of Allah ".

5) The washer winds a piece of cloth around his hand, and with this he cleans away any impurities from the body using water. Then he should dispose of this piece.

6) The washer should take another piece of cloth around his hand, press lightly the stomach of the deceased so as so to expel, if possible, any remnants from it, and then wash the body of all impurities using water. Then he should dispose this piece of cloth.

7) The washer should take another piece of cloth around his hand (May use gloves), and wash the covered private parts, then dispose of this piece of cloth.

8) The washer should perform Wudu (Ablution) on the deceased without inserting the water in the nose and in the mouth.

9) The washer should clean the body with water and soap (If available), starting from the head (hair, face and beard {Men}), then the upper right side of the body then the left side, after that the lower right side then the lower left.

10) In the case of a female, her hair should be loosened, washed, combed, and be braided in three braids, and placed behind her back.

11) The washing should be done three times, or five times, or seven times, as needed, providing that after washing the head, wash the right side before the left, and the upper parts before the lower ones.

12) In the last wash, the washer may use camphor, or some perfume with the water.

13) After that the body should be dried with clean towel.

14) Then the body should be totally covered with a white sheet.

15) Get ready to start the shrouding.

Shourding should start Just after washing the body of the deceased. It is recommended to use white sheets from inexpensive material. Extravagance is not recommended in the Kafan (Shroud).

Aisha relates that : " When the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) died, he was shrouded in three white sheets from Yemen" (Bukhari & Muslim).

The Kafan of a male should consist of three white winding sheets about {7 x 7 feet}, clean and large enough to conceal the whole body, after having been perfumed with incense. Use 4 tie ropes, each 7 feet long - Figure (1).

The material of the sheet should not be silk, nor should any gold be used.

1) The winding sheets should be spread out one on the top of the other .

2) The deceased, covered with a sheet, is lifted and laid on his back on the winding sheets.

3) Some scent or perfume may be put on those parts of the body upon which one rests during prostration, that is the forehead, nose, hands, knees, and feet.

4) If it is possible the deceased’s left hand should be placed on his chest, then put his right hand on the left hand like the way in the Salat (Prayer).

5) The edge of the top sheet is folded over the deceased right side, then the other edge over his left side. Then the second sheet should be folded the same way. The third and the largest sheet should be treated the same way.

6) These sheets should be fastened with a piece of cloth {Tie ropes}, one above the head, another under the feet, and two around the body.

The Kafan of a female should consist of five white garments, (Two winding sheet, a long loose sleeveless shirt {From shoulder to feet}, a waist wrapper, and a head veil ), these should be large enough to cover the whole body and may be perfumed with incense, a loin cloth may be used to bind the upper part of her legs, use 4 tie ropes, each one is 7 feet long

STEPS OF SHROUDING :

The garments are spread out

First: winding sheets {7 x 7 feet},

Second: the long loose sleeveless shirt {3 1/2 x 14 feet, with a hole in the middle line for the head},

Third: waist wrapper {6 feet x 3 1/2 feet },

Fourth head veil {a 4x4 square feet white sheet}, and

Fifth: the loin cloth {12 inches wide x 4 feet long}.

1) The deceased, covered with a sheet, is lifted and laid on her back on the shroud.

2) Some scent or perfume may be put on those parts of the body upon which one rests during prostration, that is the forehead, nose, hands, knees, and feet.

3) The loin cloth is bound round her upper legs (Acts like underwear).

4) The waist wrapper is tied in place.

5) Put on the sleeveless shirt (Long to cover the body from the shoulder to the feet).

6) Put the head veil.

7) The deceased’s left hand should be placed on her chest, then put her right hand on the left hand like the way in the Salat (Prayer).

8) The edge of the top sheet is folded over the deceased right side, then the other edge over his left side. Then the second sheet should be folded the same way.

9) These sheets should be fastened with a piece of cloth {Tie ropes}, one above the head, another under the feet, and two around the body.

A divine service is held over the dead body of every Muslim, young or old, even of infants who have lived only a few minutes. When the soul leaves the body, preparations are made for bidding him the last farewell.

It is highly recommended that, after washing and shrouding the body of the deceased, the body not to be kept long, but rather taken quickly, prayed for, and then buried. Salatul Janazah is required to be performed in congregation to request pardon for the deceased and all dead Muslims, and to wrap them all in Allah’s Mercy.

It is preferable that Salatul Janazah be performed outside the Mosque or the Musalla (Prayer room), like in activity rooms or courtyards. Salatul Janazah is a collective obligation. A Muslim should not hesitate to participate in it, whether or not the deceased or his relatives are known to him.

Salat ul Janazah is said silently, except the Takbeer and Tassleem. All conditions for regular Salat are required in Salatul Janazah such as Tahara, Wudu, clean body and clothes, neeyah (Intention), and facing the Qiblah. There is a reward for attending Salatul Janazah for both the deceased and those who make the Salat according to the following Hadith.

There are specific times when it is prohibited to perform Salatul Janazah, unless it becomes necessary, due to the condition of the body, to perform it quickly and then bury the body. This is due to the Hadith of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) who forbade us to pray, or bury our dead during these specified times (Muslim).

These prohibited times are :

From sunrise until the sun is fully risen,

At the zenith of the sun (the sun at meridian), until it passes the meridian,

From when the sun pales before sunset until it has set.

It is preferable that Salatul Janazah be performed outside the Mosque / the Musalla.

This salat is offered in congregation standing with dead body ahead of Imam. There are NO Rukuh, Sujud, Athan, or Iqama. There should be better odd lines behind imam.

All conditions for regular Salat are required in Salatul Janazah such as Tahara, Wudu, clean body and clothes, neeyah (Intention), and facing the Qiblah.

Muslims should form a minimum of three lines facing the Qiblah. The one who leads the Salat is the leader or his deputy, or the deceased’s father. If there is only one Muslim with the Imam, he should stand behind the Imam. The body (ies) should be placed in front of the person who leads the prayer.

In case there are more than one dead Muslim (Males and females), then the female(s) should be placed in the first row(s) in the direction of the Qiblah, then the male(s) in the following row(s), then the Imam.

For example : If there are : a dead Muslim male, a female, a young girl, and a young boy, then behind the Qiblah, first place the body of the young girl, then the adult female, then the young boy, then the adult male, so the bodies are arranged in a way that females’ bodies are first, then the males.

The Imam should stand by the middle of a female body, and by the head for a male body, this is due to the Hadith in which Anas related that Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) leading Salatul Janazah for a dead male, the Prophet (P.B.U.H) stood in front of the deceased head, and for a dead female, the Prophet (P.B.U.H) stood in front of the midlle of her body.(Authentic-Abu Dawood).

In another Hadith Samura ben Jundub said when Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) made Salatul Janazah for a dead Muslim female, he stood in front of her waist (Muslim).

Behind the Imam, males stand in lines, then children, then females.

There are NO Rukuh, Sujud, Athan, or Eqama.

1) Having the appropriate neeyah (Intention), raise your hands in the usual manner and say : " Alla'hu Akbar ".

2) Fold your right hand over the left hand in the usual manner.

3) Recite the Fatiha silently .

4) Then say : "Alla'hu Akbar".

5) Then recite the Tashahood .

The Tashahood is :- (Allahumma sallee ala-Muhammad wa’ala alee Muhammad kama sallayta ala Ibrahim wa ala alee Ibrahim, wa barik ala Muhammad wa’ala alee Muhammad kama barakta ala Ibrahim wa ala alee Ibrahim, innaka hamidun Majeed).

6) Then say : " Alla'hu Akbar ".

7) Then make dua’ (Supplicate) for the deceased.

8) Then say: " Alla'hu Akbar ".

9) Then make dua (Supplicate) for all dead Muslims.

*In the case of a dead baby or young child, make dua (Supplicate) for his parents.

10) Then say : " Assalamu alykum ", like you say in other Salats. Tasleem could be said only once.

It is recommended for those following the Janazah on foot to keep behind or either on the right or on the left of those who are carrying the body.

Islam has a unique style of building graves and cemeteries that is characterized by humility, simplicity and economy in costs and that avoids glorifying the dead with elaborate monuments.

It is of great importance that a special cemetery be devoted exclusively for the use of Muslims. Muslims may not be buried in the cemeteries of non-Muslims, nor can non-Muslims be buried in a Muslim cemetery.

The deceased should be buried in the locality in which he lived. It is undesirable to take the body to the person’s own country or to another city.

In Muslim cemeteries, there are two types of graves :

Al-Shaqq : is to make a deep vertical hole in the ground.

Al-Lahed : is to make a deep vertical hole in the ground, then in the bottom make a side horizontal hole big enough to cover the whole body.

Both types are used, but it is preferable to use Al-Lahed if the land is solid

The burial should be done as soon as possible after death, but the following times should be avoided :

During these times burying is prohibited unless there is an urgent necessity, according to the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) that was narrated by (Muslim).

A grave is dug deep enough to totally hide the body of the deceased.

The deceased’s body should be entered to the grave from the direction where his feet will be ( From the rear of the grave )

Those who enter the body of the deceased in the grave should say :

(Bismil llah wa ala millati rasulil llah), which means : " In the name of Allah and in the faith of the Messenger of Allah ".

The deceased’s body should rest on his right side, and should be close to the wall and supported so that the body will not fall back, the deceased’s face should be towards the Qiblah.

Those who put the deceased in the grave should not have had sexual intercourse with their wives the night before.

According to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H). Anas Ibn Malik related that : "During the burial of the daughter of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.), Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) was sitting, tears coming out from eyes, he asked us:" Who did not have sexual intercourse with his wife last night?" Abu Talha answered:" I, Prophet Muhammad ", then Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said to him:" You get down in the grave and lay her down" (Bukhari).

1. They should undo the tie on the head and the feet.

2. They should put above the body a layer of wood or big stones, so that earth will not be put directly on the body when they fill the grave with earth.

3. After the body is totally covered, it is desirable to throw three handfuls of soil into the grave.

4. Then the grave should be filled up with sand.

5. It is allowable to put a mark on the grave or a stone to know the grave.

It is also Sunnah to make the grave convex from sand, according to the Hadith that was reported by Sofyan who said : "That I saw the grave of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) is made convex " (Bukhari), convex out of sand.

Just after the burial all Muslims, including the deceased’s relatives, may stay in the cemetery for a while and make dua’(Supplicate) for the deceased, since he is being questioned by the Angels.

Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) in an authentic Hadith said : " Make dua’ of Istighfar ( Supplicate for forgiveness) for your brother and request steadfastness for him because he is now being questioned "

(Authentic -Abu Dawood).

IMPORTANT RULES IN THE CEMETERY

1) It is prohibited to step over, lean, or sit on a grave. Abu Hurrairah relates that the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) said : " It is better for a person to sit on burning coal by which his clothes may catch fire and the heat thereof may touch his skin, rather than that he sits on a grave " (Muslim).

2) It is prohibited to build any form of construction on the grave, or decorate the grave. From the authentic traditions, it is clear that to erect domes over graves or build mausoleums or Mosques on graves is strictly forbidden. Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said: "Do not build Mosques in the graveyard" (Muslim). Ali ibn abi Taleb reported that : "Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) instructed him to destroy all statues, and not to leave a grave raised high without leveling it with the ground" ( Muslim), which means no construction on the grave.

3) It is prohibited to plaster the grave, whitewash the grave, or use cooked stones. Jabir relates that the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) has forbidden that a grave should be made strong (of bricks and plaster), or durable or one should sit over it or the same should have a construction over it. (Muslim). Jabir also reported: "Prophet Muhammad forbade the whitewashing of a grave, sitting on it, or erecting any type of structure on it" (Muslim).

4) It is prohibited to pray facing towards the graves. Abu Martad al-Ghanawi reported that Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) said: "Do not pray facing towards the graves " ( Muslim).

Women are forbidden from attending the burial.

This is according to the authentic Hadith of Um-Atiyah who reported that we were forbidden to accompany funeral processions. (Bukhari & Muslim).

It is prohibited to slaughter animals around the grave.

It is prohibited to cremate the body of dead Muslim, even if the deceased requested it before his death.

It is prohibited to put candles on the grave. Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) said in an authentic Hadith: "Curse those who light lamps on graves" (Authentic-Ahmed).

It is also disliked (Makruh) to pray in the cemetery (Bukhari ).

Performing autopsy on a dead Muslim is totally prohibited, unless it is requested by court order.

H) SPECIAL CASES

1) Miscarried Fetus :

If the fetus is less than four months old (Mother was pregnant for less than four months ), then the fetus may not be washed; the fetus should be wrapped in a piece of white cloth and buried. Then there is no Salatul Janazah for this fetus.

If the fetus is more than four months old (Mother was pregnant for more than four months), then the fetus may be washed, shrouded (Using one or two winding sheets to cover the whole body), and then Muslims have the choice whether to perform Salatul Janazah or not.

A) Before reaching the age of puberty, a child may be washed by males or females. Shrouding a child for females use a shirt and two winding sheets and for males two or three winding sheets may be used.

B) For those children who reached the age of puberty, they should be dealt with as an adult {Female child like female adult, and male child like male adult}, but then Salatul Janazah be performed.

The body of a Martyr should not be washed, nor be shrouded but burried with the same clothes that people found him with.

The strongest opinion of Muslim scholars is not to offer Salatul Janazah for martyrs since Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) did not offer it for the martyrs of the battle of Uhud.

I) CONDOLENCES

It is a Muslim’s duty to offer condolences, comfort, and sympathy to the family and the relatives of the deceased. This strengthens the relationships within the Muslim community.

When offering condolences, words should be chosen carefully and said gently to convey sympathy and to encourage the family and the relatives of the deceased to accept Allah’s will and to help them to get back to their normal life.

Condolences may be offered to the family and to the relatives of the deceased before, during or after burial for up to three days, but it may be offered even at later time if someone did not hear about it or he was far away.

It is recommended to leave after offering condolences to give the family time to take care of their other affairs, assistance may be offered for anything the family may need, and one may stay to help, if asked.

Some families hold gatherings for three days or more, and hire people to recite Quran loudly. While the Quran is recited, others eat, drink or talk, disregarding the rules of listening to the Quran, and inflicting the family with high expenses.

It is Sunnah that friends, neighbors and relatives prepare food for the family of the deceased, for the loss of the loved one occupies the family’s whole attention.

Upon hearing the news of the death of her husband, a Muslim wife should be steadfast and patient. Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said : "Patience (Endurance ) is to be present from the first shock" (Muslim).

It is prohibited to express grief by wailing, shrieking, beating the chest or cheeks, tearing hair or clothes, or saying phrases that makes a Muslim lose faith.

Um Atiyyah reports : "The Messenger of Allah made us pledge that we will not wail over the dead" (Bukhari & Muslim).

Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said : "I detest a woman who cries out very loudly, or shaves her hair, or tears her clothes when a beloved one dies" (Bukhari & Muslim).

She may cry, as the Prophet did when his son died. He said : "The eyes are shedding tears and the heart is grieved, and we will not say except what pleases our Lord" (Bukhari).

Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said in an authentic Hadith : "It is prohibited for a woman who believes in Allah and the day of judgment to mourn a dead person more than three days except her husband, in which case it is four months and ten days" (Bukhari).

In the following authentic Hadith, Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) explains the way that she should conduct herself during this time.

Um Atiyyah reported that the Messenger of Allah said : "A woman should not mourn for any deceased person for more than three days, except in the case of her husband’s death, which she may mourn for a period of four months and ten days. Such a woman in mourning is not to wear any fancy, bright clothes, but only plain clothes, not use any adornment or make-up, nor use perfume, nor die her hands or feet with Henna" (Bukhari & Muslim).

THIS TIME IS NOT TO DEPRIVE HERSELF FROM LAWFUL THINGS, OR TO SUFFER MORE THAN A HUMAN COULD BEAR. IT IS TIME TO REMEMBER ALL THE MEMORIES OF HER HUSBAND, MAKE DUA’ FOR HIM, THINK ABOUT HERSELF, AND PLAN FOR THE FUTURE.

K) REWARDS AFTER DEATH

While the life span of a Muslim is short, and deeds and actions stop after death, a Muslim may continue to earn rewards for certain things even after his death.

Good deeds, such as perpetual charity, are the ones that follow him a Muslim (Get the rewards), even while the person is in the grave, such deeds like: useful knowledge, a good child that prays for him, a Mosque that he built, teaching Quran to another person, a house he built for public use, a water fountain or a river that he rented and made it free for people, or a charity that he gave during his life while he was in good health; all are rewardable even after death.

Charity will benefit the deceased, as the following Hadiths show : "A man came to the Prophet (P.B.U.H) and asked him : " My father died leaving wealth but no will, would he be pardoned if a charity is given on his behalf ?", the Prophet (P.B.U.H) answered: "Yes" (Muslim).

Another Hadith : "A man came to the Prophet (P.B.U.H) and asked him :" My mother has died without making up for a missed days of fasting in the month of Ramadan, can I fast for her ? " the Prophet (P.B.U.H) said to him : " Would you pay her debt if she owed someone ? ". The man said : " Yes", then the Prophet (P.B.U.H) said : " Then Allah is more deserving of payment in settlement of his debt" (Bukhari & Muslim).

Ibn Abbas reported that : " A woman came to the Prophet (P.B.U.H) and said :" My mother had vowed to perform Hajj ( Pilgrimage), but she died before she could fulfill her vow, should I do it on her behalf ? " the Prophet (P.B.U.H) said to him :" Yes perform Hajj on her behalf. Would you not pay the debt of your mother if she had owed someone ?, fulfill it. Allah is more deserving of receiving payment for what is due to Allah" (Bukhari & Muslim)

(1) Permanent methods.

(2) Temporary methods

(1) Permanent Methods: Permanent methods include, Vasectomy in males and Tubecotomy in females. All the scholars unanimously agree that permanent methods of family planning are prohibited since they involve changing human physiology.

Allah says in the Qur’an: "So set you your face steadily and truly to the Faith: (Establish) Allah’s handiwork according to the pattern on which He has made humankind: no change (let there be) in the work (wrought) by Allah: that is the standard Religion: but most among mankind understand not." (Al-Qur’an 30:30)

The Prophet (pbuh) is reported to have said: "Marry the one who is loving and fertile, for I will be proud of your great numbers before the nations [i.e., on the Day of Resurrection]."

(Abu Dawood Hadith no. 2050, Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood, 1805)

(2) Temporary Methods: Following are various different temporary methods.

a) M.T.P. (Medical Termination of Pregnancy) or Abortion: All scholars unanimously agree that M.T.P. or abortion is prohibited.

Allah says in the Glorious Qur’an "...kill not your children on a plea of want; We provide sustenance for you and for them;"     (Al-Qur’an 6:151)

"Kill not your children for fear of want: We shall provide sustenance for them as well as for you: verily the killing of them is a great sin." (Al-Qur’an 17:31)

However, scholars unanimously agree that any permanent method of family planning, or even abortion, can be done if the life of the mother is in danger. For e.g. if the woman is suffering from certain diseases like heart disease or has under gone multiple caesarean operations and in her case the continuation of pregnancy or another pregnancy may be detrimental to her life, then the woman can be aborted or a permanent method of family planning can be adopted to save the life of the woman.

b) Taking birth control pills: Almost all the scholars agree that it is not allowed to take birth control pills because of its side effects and changes in the normal physiology.

c) Copper-T: A very common temporary method of family planning or contraception is Copper-T. Though it is known as ‘contraception’ but technically it is contra-implantation. The sperm fertilizes the ovum but the zygote formed is destroyed by the Copper-T and is prevented from being implanted on the uterine wall (mother’s womb). Thus it is a very early abortion, which is prohibited in Islam.

d) Coitus Interruptus (‘Azl): (Withdrawl of the penis from the vagina at the time of ejaculation with the purpose of avoiding impregnation. This can be done only with the permission of one's wife).

Coitus Interruptus is permissible as long as it is performed with mutual consent of both the husband and wife since

both of them have equal right to have children.

This is based on the Hadith of Jabir (RA) who said: "We used to practice (‘Azl) coitus interruptus during the days when the Qur’an was being revealed".

Jabir added: "We used to practice coitus interruptus during the lifetime of Allah’s Messenger while the Qur’an was being revealed." (Sahih Bukhari vol. 7, Hadith no. 136)

Prophet Muhammad(Pbuh) said:

Although Azl is permitted, it is nevertheless makrooh and intensely disliked. Muslim (1442) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was asked about coitus interruptus and he said: “That is the secret burying alive of infants.” This indicates that it is strongly disliked. 

It negates part of the purpose of marriage which is enlarging the Muslim nation through offspring, as in the statement of the Prophet: "Marry the loving and fertile, for I will compete with the other Prophets with the number of my followers." [Abu Dawood, an-Nasaa'ee and others: Saheeh].

Best Times to make Dua (Supplication)

"and your Lord says: "Call on me I will answer your prayer..."

(Qur'an 40:60)

There are certain times dua (supplication) is more likely to be accepted by Allah (SWT) as mentioned by Prophet (SAW).

These times are as follows;

1.The Last Third Of The Night

Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said: 'In the last third of every night our Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) (Allah (SWT)) descends to the lowermost heaven and says; "Who is calling Me, so that I may answer him? Who is asking Me so that may I grant him? Who is seeking forgiveness from Me so that I may forgive him?."' [Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith Qudsi]

Amr ibn Absah narrated that the Prophet said: 'The closest any worshipper can be to His Lord is during the last part of the night, so if you can be amongst those who remember Allah at that time, then do so.'[at-Tirmidhi, an-Nasa'i, al-Hakim - Sahih]

2. Late at night

When people are sleeping and busy with worldly pleasures Allah (SWT) gives the believers an opportunity, or an answer hour if they can fight sleep and invoke Allah (SWT) for whatever they need. The Prophet (SAW) said: 'There is at night an hour, no Muslim happens to be asking Allah any matter of this world or the Hereafter, except that he will be given it, and this (occurs) every night.' [Muslim #757]

3. Between Adhan and Iqamah

Anas (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said: 'A supplication made between the Adhan and Iqama is not rejected.'

[Ahmad, abu Dawud #521, at-Tirmidhi #212, Sahih al-Jami #3408, an-Nasai and Ibn Hibban graded it sahih (sound)]

4. An Hour On Friday

Narrated Abu Hurairah (RA): Allah’s Messenger (SAW) talked about Friday and said: 'There is an hour on Friday and if a Muslim gets it while offering Salat (prayer) and asks something from Allah (SWT), then Allah (SWT) will definitely meet his demand.' And he (the Prophet (SAW) pointed out the shortness of that particular time with his hands.[Sahih al-Bukhari]

5.Jaber (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said: 'Zamzam water is for what it is drunk

for.' [Ahmad 3: 357 and Ibn Majah #3062]

6.Prostrating ( Sujood )

Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SAW), said: 'The nearest a slave can be to his Lord is when he is prostrating, so invoke (supplicate) Allah (SWT) much in it. [Muslim, abu Dawud, an-Nasa'i and others, Sahih al-Jami #1175]

7. When Waking Up at Night

Narrated Ubada Bin As-Samit that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said: 'Whomever wakes up at night and says La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la shrika lahu lahulmulku, wa lahul hamdu, wa huwa ala kulli shai'in qadir. Alhamdu lillahi, wa subhanallahi wa la ilaha illallahu, wallah akbir, wa la hawla wala quwata illa billah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah (SWT) He is the only one who has no partners. His is the kingdom and all the praises are for Allah (SWT) All the glories are for Allah (SWT) And none has the right to be worshipped but Allah (SWT) and Allah (SWT) is the most Great and there is neither might nor power except with Allah (SWT) and then says, Allahumma ighfir li (O Allah! Forgive me) or invokes Allah (SWT), he will be responded to and if he makes ablution and performs Salat (prayer), his Salat (prayer) will be accepted. [Sahih al-Bukhari]

8. The Night Of 'Qadr' (Decree)

This night is the greatest night of the year. This is the night which the almighty Allah (SWT) said about it, "The night of Al-Qadar (Decree) is better than a thousand months." [Surah al-Qadr, 97: 3]

The Night of Decree is one of the odd nights of the last ten nights of the blessed month of Ramadan. The angels descend down to the earth, and the earth is overwhelmed with peace and serenity until the break of dawn and when he doors of Paradise are opened, the worshipper is encouraged to turn to Allah to ask for his needs for this world and the Hereafter.

9. The One Who Is Suffering Injustice and Opression

The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said to Mua'ad Ibn Jabal (RA), 'Beware of the supplication of the unjustly treated, because there is no shelter or veil between it (the supplication of the one who is suffering injustice) and Allah (SWT)'

[Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

The prophet (SAW) declared, 'Three men whose dua is never rejected (by Allah) are: the fasting person until he breaks his fast (in another narration, when he breaks fast), the just ruler and the one who is oppressed.'[Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi - Hasan]

10. The Traveler

The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said; Three supplications will not be rejected (by Allah (SWT)), the supplication of the parent for his child, the supplication of the one who is fasting, and the supplication of the traveler. [al-Bayhaqi, at-Tirmidhi - Sahih]

11. The Parent's Supplication for their Child

The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said; Three supplications will not be rejected (by Allah (SWT)), the supplication of the parent for his child, the supplication of the one who is fasting, and the supplication of the traveler. [al-Bayhaqi, at-Tirmidhi - Sahih]

12. Dua after praising Allah and giving salat on the Prophet (SAW) in the tashahhud at the end of salat.

Narrated Faddalah ibn Ubayd (RA): that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: 'When anyone of you makes du'a, let him start by glorifying his Lord and praising Him, then let him send blessings upon the Prophet (SAW), then let him pray for whatever he wants'

[abu Dawud #1481, at-Tirmidhi #3477]

13. The dua of a Muslim for his absent brother or sister Muslim stemming from the heart.

The prophet (SAW) said: 'There is no believing servant who supplicates for his brother in his absence where the angels do not say, 'the same be for you'' [Muslim]

14. Dua on the Day of Arafat

The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: 'The best supplication is the supplication on the day of Arafat'. [at-Tirmidhi and Malik]

15. When Muslims gather for the purpose of invoking and remembering Allah (Dhikrullah).

The Prophet (SAW) said: If a group of people sit together remembering Allah, the angels will circle them, mercy will shroud them, peace will descend onto them and Allah will remember them among those with Him. [Muslim]

16. Dua of the one fasting until he breaks his fast.

The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said; Three supplications will not be rejected (by Allah (SWT)), the supplication of the parent for his child, the supplication of the one who is fasting, and the supplication of the traveler. [al-Bayhaqi, at-Tirmidhi - Sahih]

The prophet (SAW) declared, 'Three men whose dua is never rejected (by Allah) are: when a fasting person breaks fast (in another narration, the fasting person until he breaks his fast), the just ruler and the one who is oppressed.'

[Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi - Hasan]

17. At the Crowing of a Rooster

Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said: 'When you hear a rooster crowing, then ask Allah for His bounties, for it has seen an angel, and when you hear a donkey braying, then seek refuge in Allah from Shaitan, for it has seen a Shaitan' [Sahih al-Bukhari, Muslim, Ahmad, Sahih al-Jami #611]

18.Du'a made inside the Ka'bah

The Ka'bah is a sanctuary that has no comparison in the entire world. The du'a of one who prays inside the hijr is considered as being made inside the ka'bah, as it is part of the house (Baitullah). [This is the semicircle to the right of the Ka'bah if you face the door, opposite to the Yemeni corner and the Black stone wall.]

Usamah ibn Zayd narrated, 'When the Prophet (SAW) entered the House (Ka'bah), he made du'a in all of its corners

[Muslim 2: 968 and others]

Du'a on the mount of Safa or Marwah during Umrah or Hajj

It is narrated that the Prophet (SAW) would make long du'as at Safa and Marwah. [Muslim #1218 and others]

19.Saying 'Ameen' during prayer

The Prophet Jesus (Peace Be Upon Him) performed Jihad when he prayed to Allah (SWT) to forgive his enemies "for they know not what they do." The Prophet Jesus (Peace Be Upon Him) did not pray for revenge-he controlled his inner desire (‘nafs’) for revenge.

Mahatma Gandhi performed Jihad when he exercised self control and embarked on peaceful (passive) resistance against the British army.

A man came to the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) asking his permission to take part in Jihad. The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) asked him, "Are your parents alive ?" . He replied in the affirmative. The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said to him, " Then exert yourself in their service." {Sahih Al Bukhari Hadith, 4.248 Narrated by Abdullah bin Amr (RA) }

The Holy Prophet Mohamed (Peace Be Upon Him) said : " The best fighting (Jihad) in the path of Allah is (to speak) a word of justice to an oppressive ruler." {Sunan of Abu Dawood Hadith 4330, Narrated by Abu Said al-Khudri (RA) }

Adhan: The Meaning of Muslim Call for Prayer

Allahu Akhbar, Allahu Akhbar - Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest

Ashhadu anla ilaha illal laa (2 times) - I testify, there is no God but Allah

Ashadu anna Muhammadur rasulullah (2 times) - Muhammad is the messenger of Allah

Haia alas salaah (2 times) - Come to prayer

Haia alal falah (2 times) - Come for success

*As salatus khairum minan naum - Prayer is better than sleep (*Is added to the call at the early Morning Prayer call only)

Allahu Akhbar, Allahu Akhbar - Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest

La ilaha illal laa - There is no God but Allah

Takbir Tahrimah

After making Niyah (intension) the person should start his prayer (salat) saying 'Allahu Akbar' (Allah is the Greatest) raising both of his hands to

the shoulders, with fingers stretching to the earlobes. He should then fold his hands over his chest right hand over his left hand.

This first 'Allahu Akbar' is called Takbir Tahrimah because after saying Takbir Tahrimah every common and worldly action, talk or movement is forbidden.

Throughout the salat (prayer) the eyes of the worshipper should point to the spot where the forehead rests in Sajadah.

According to sahih ahadith (Ahmad, Tirmidhi, Ibn Khuzaimah, Abu Dawood and Muslim) - it is reported by Halb Ataee (RA) and Wai'l bin Hajr (RA)           that Prophet Muhammed (Pbuh) placing his right hand over his left hand over his chest.

Ta'awwudh & Tasmiyah

A'udhu bil-lahi minash Shaytan nir-rajeem - I seek Allah's protection from Satan who is accursed

This should only be said in the first Ra'kat.

Bismillahi hir Rahman ir-Raheem - In the Name of Allah, The Most Gracious, and the Most Merciful

This should be said in every rak'at before reciting surah Fatiha.

Recitation of Surah Fatihah Behind the Imam

'O you who believe! Eat not Riba,usury, doubled and multiplied, but fear Allah that you may be successful'. (Qur'an 3:130)

Dealing in interest or usury totally forbidden (haram) in Islam.

Prophet Muhammed (Pbuh) said:- 'However large interest may be, its end result is always shortage' (Musnad Ahmad / Ibn Majah)

When Prophet Muhammed (Pbuh) reached seventh heaven during Miraaj, he passed by a community of people. He saw that the bellies of the residents of this community were blown up and looked like a residential house. Their bellies were filled with snakes which were visible from outside. He asked Jibriel (Gabriel) ''Who are these people?'' Jibriel said, ''These people were involved in usury.'' (Musnad Ahmad)

Signs of the Hour - Day of Judgement

From the Glorious Qur'an

When the earth is shaken with its (final) earthquake. And when the earth throws out its burdens. And man will say ''What is the matter with it?'' That Day it will declare its information (about all that happened over it of good and evil). Because your Lord will inspire it. That Day mankind will proceed in scattered groups that they may be shown their deeds. So whoever does good equal to a weight of an atom (or a small ant) shall see it. And whosoever does evil equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant) shall see it. (Qur'an-Az Zalzalah :1-8)

'O mankind! Fear your Lord and be dutiful to Him! Verily, the earthquake of the Hour (of Judgement) is a terrible thing. The Day you shall see it, every nursing mother will forget her nursling, and every pregnant one will drop her load, and you shall see mankind as in a drunken state, yet they will not be drunken, but severe will be the Torment of Allah. (Qur'an-AlHajj :1-2)

Then when the Trumpet will be blown with one blowing (the first one). And the earth and the mountains shall be removed from their places, and crushed with a single crushing. Then on that Day shall the (Great) Event befall. And the sky will be rent asunder, for that Day it (the heaven) will be frail and torn up. And the angels will be on its sides, and eight angels will, that Day, bear the throne of your Lord above them. That Day shall you be brought to Judgement, not a secret of you will be hidden. (Qur'an- Al Haqqah:13-18)

Verily, the tree of Zaqqum Will be the food of the sinners. Like boiling oil, it will boil in the bellies, Like the boiling of scalding water, (it will be said) ''Seize him and drag him into the midst of blazing Fire. Verily, you were (pretending to be) the mighty, the generous! Verily, this is what whereof you used to doubt!'' (Qur'an-Ad Dukhan:43-50)

And those disbelieved will be driven to Hell in groups till, when they reach it, the gates thereof will be opened (suddenly like a prison at the arrival of the prisoners). And its keepers will say, ''Did not the Messengers come to you from yourselves, reciting to you the Verses of your Lord, and warning you of the Meeting of this Day of yours?'' They will say ''Yes'', but the Word of Torment has been justified against the disbelievers! It will be said (to them): 'Enter you the gates of Hell, to abide therein. And (indeed) what an evil abode of the arrogant'' (Qur'an-Az Zumar: 71-72)

What to say at the time of making Love

'Bismillahi, Allahumma jannibnaa ash-shaitaan, wa jannib ash-shaitaan maa razaqtanna'

Allah Almighty says: "If you are in a state of major impurity, then purify yourselves. But if you are ill or on a journey, or have come from the lavatory, or have touched women, and cannot find any water, then do tayammum with pure earth, and wipe your faces and your hands. Allah does not want to make things difficult for you, but He does want to purify you and to perfect His blessing upon you so that perhaps you may show thanks." (Qur'an 5:6)

1. Make the niyyah (intention) to perform ghusl for purification.

2. Wash your private parts thoroughly with water.

3. Perform wudu’ (ablution) except for washing of your feet, which you can do later while bathing the body.

4. Wash the entire body, starting with your head and the right side, followed by the left.

5. It is preferred that the whole body be washed three times.