Ways of The Prophet (S.A.W)

Throes of death

Where the signs of death appear and his legs become relaxed, his nose becomes inclined to one side, his temples sink, then he should be turned on his right facing the Qiblah. At this stage, it is mustahabb that some pious man gets close to him and recites Kalimatu’sh - shahadah loudly.                                          

“I bear witness that there is no God but ALLAH and that Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) is his messenger.”

And in a suggestive manner ask him to repeat these words but should not press him.to repeat because he is in agony. If he recites it once, it is enough and if after that he utters some thing then the former process should be repeated. It is mustahabb (desirable) that surah Ya-sin (xxxvi) is recited near him and that pious and virtuous persons remain beside him. [Tirmizi]

When one is dead, then his relatives should recite:

“To ALLAH we belong and to Him is our return. Recoup me for what has befallen me, and compensate me with what is better.” [Tirmizi]

When death is confirmed, the head and the chin should be fastened together with a strip of cloth and eyes closed with ease. While doing so the following should be recited:

“In the name of ALLAH, and in accordance with the religion of the Messenger of ALLAH. O ALLAH! Make his task easy for him and make light for him what follows. Favour him with Thy sight. Make the place where he has gone (the Hereafter) better than the one he has left (this world).”

Then his hands and legs should be straightened and it is mustahabb (desirable) to strip him and thereafter cover him with a sheet. It should then be placed on a charpai (four poster) or a low wooden table. In any case it should not be left on the ground. Then all concerned (friends and relatives) should be informed to enable more and more persons to participate in the Salatul Janazah and pray for the dead. It is mustahabb (desirable) that his debt, if any should be defrayed immediately and make haste in carrying out his tajhiz and to takfin (washing and shrouding etc.) Before washing the corpse, it is not proper to recite the Holy QURAAN near it. [Sharhut Tanwir, Behishti Zewar]