First: What Should a Muslim Do If He Feels Death Is Near?

1. Hasten to Sincere Repentance

A Muslim should hasten to repent from all sins. He regrets what has passed, leaves the sin, and resolves not to return to it. If the sin is connected to the right of another person, he should return the right to its owner or seek pardon from him according to his ability.

It is not permissible to delay repentance until the soul reaches the throat. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

"Allah accepts the repentance of a servant so long as he has not begun to gargle."

Narrated by al-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah; graded hasan by the scholars.

2. Have Good Thoughts of Allah and Combine Hope and Fear

The dying person should hope for Allah's mercy and forgiveness and remember the vastness of His bounty, without being deceived or feeling safe from Allah's plan. Jabir, may Allah be pleased with him, said:

I heard the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, say three days before his death: "None of you should die except while having good thoughts of Allah."

Narrated by Muslim.

His family should remind him of Allah's mercy and of the tawhid and good he has done. They should not make him despair, and they should not definitively declare that he is in Paradise, for judgment belongs to Allah alone.

3. Fulfill Rights and Clarify Debts and Trusts

If he is able, he should pay his debts, return trusts and wrongfully taken rights, and explain to his family what is owed to him and what he owes, and where documents and wealth connected to people's rights are located. It is not permissible to conceal a debt or trust, because the rights of people are serious.

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

"The soul of the believer remains suspended because of his debt until it is paid on his behalf."

Narrated by al-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah; graded hasan by the scholars.

4. Write a Lawful Will

Whoever has a right that must be clarified, a debt, a trust, or property belonging to someone else must make it clear. It is prescribed to write a permissible will, without wronging the heirs or contradicting the Shariah.

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

"It is not right for a Muslim who has something he wants to bequeath to spend two nights except with his will written with him."

Agreed upon.

A bequest to an heir is not carried out unless the rest of the adult, sane heirs consent after death. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

"Allah has given every person who has a right his right, so there is no bequest for an heir."

Narrated by Abu Dawud, al-Tirmidhi, and Ibn Majah; authenticated by a group of hadith scholars.

A bequest to a non-heir must not exceed one third of the estate unless the heirs approve it after death. This is because of what is established in the agreed-upon hadith of Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas, may Allah be pleased with him, in which the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, made one third the limit of a bequest and clarified that one third is much. Complex cases should be presented to a trustworthy scholar and a specialist in the applicable legal system.

5. Preserve Prayer and Remembrance According to Ability

Prayer does not fall from the sick person as long as his mind remains sound. Rather, he prays according to his ability, standing, sitting, or on his side, and his family helps him with purification and prayer without extra hardship. See How to Pray When Sick.

Second: What Should Those Present with the Dying Person Do?

Step One: Be Gentle with Him and Keep the Place Calm

Those present should lower their voices, keep arguments and panic away, treat him kindly, say what is good, and supplicate for his steadfastness, mercy, and well-being.

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

"When you are present with the sick or the deceased, say good, for the angels say amin to what you say."

Narrated by Muslim.

So they should not raise their voices with crying, speak words of despair or objection, or dispute in front of him about treatment, inheritance, or funeral matters.

Step Two: Prompt Him with the Word of Tawhid Gently

It is Sunnah for one of those present to remind him to say: "La ilaha illa Allah": "There is no god worthy of worship except Allah," without disturbing him or insisting harshly. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

"Prompt your dying ones to say: La ilaha illa Allah."

Narrated by Muslim. What is meant by "your dying ones" here is those whose death is near.

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, also said:

"Whoever's last words are La ilaha illa Allah will enter Paradise."

Narrated by Abu Dawud and Ahmad; authenticated by the scholars.

It is better for the person present to say the phrase calmly in front of him so that he remembers it, instead of ordering him harshly, "Say it." If the dying person says it, they should remain silent and not repeat it to him unless he speaks afterward with other words. Then they remind him again gently. If he is unable to speak, they should not pressure him, for Allah knows what is in his heart and does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.

Step Three: Supplicate for Him and Say Only What Is Good

The dying person is supplicated for with steadfastness, mercy, and a good ending, and he is reminded of Allah gently if that benefits him. It is not prescribed for those present to gather upon a fixed collective wording or to raise their voices around him.

The dying person should not be forced to drink water or eat food, and nothing should be placed in his mouth if he is unable to swallow, because that may harm him. If he asks for water and can swallow safely, he may be given some gently according to his need and the guidance of the medical team. His family should follow professional guidance regarding medicine, fluids, and pain relief.

Should the Dying Person Be Turned Toward the Qiblah?

There is no authentic, explicit hadith establishing that turning the dying person toward the qiblah is a required Sunnah. Some scholars recommended it if it is easy and without hardship, while others did not view it as Sunnah because the evidence is not established.

Therefore, there should be no harsh criticism in this issue of scholarly judgment. The sick person should not be moved or repositioned in a way that causes pain or exposes him to danger. His comfort and medical need should be given priority, and it should not be believed that the soundness of his ending depends on the direction of his body.

Should Surah Ya-Sin Be Read Beside the Dying Person?

The hadith "Recite Ya-Sin over your dying ones" has been differed over by the hadith scholars. A group of verifying scholars graded it weak, while others graded it hasan or authentic. Because of this, the jurists differed regarding the recommendation of reciting it beside the dying person.

Whoever recites Quran beside the sick person without believing that Surah Ya-Sin is an established and binding Sunnah should not be harshly criticized. Whoever leaves singling it out based on the weakness of the hadith should also not be criticized. It is not correct to oblige the family to recite it, nor to claim that the soul cannot leave without it. As for after death, it is not established to single out Surah Ya-Sin or any other surah for collective recitation beside the body.

Necessary Warning: Do Not Rush to Judge That Death Has Occurred

If the person is unresponsive and is not breathing normally, and death was unexpected or has not been confirmed by a specialist, emergency services must be contacted immediately, a defibrillator should be used if available, and CPR should be started according to the training of the person present or the instructions of the emergency dispatcher. The family's assumption or noticing outward signs is not enough to declare death or stop care.

Post-death procedures should not begin until death is confirmed through the medical and legal method recognized in the country. As for someone under home hospice or palliative care, the family should follow the plan prepared by the medical team and the contact numbers assigned to the case.

Third: What Should Be Done After Death Is Confirmed? Step by Step

Step One: Close the Eyes and Supplicate with Good

It is recommended for whoever is present to gently close the eyes of the deceased. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, entered upon Abu Salamah, may Allah be pleased with him, after he had died. The hadith says:

"The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, entered upon Abu Salamah when his eyes were fixed open, so he closed them. Then he said: When the soul is taken, the eyesight follows it. Some of his family became distressed, so he said: Do not supplicate against yourselves except with good, for the angels say amin to what you say. Then he said: O Allah, forgive Abu Salamah, raise his rank among the guided, take care of those he leaves behind among those who remain, forgive us and him, O Lord of the worlds, expand his grave for him, and illuminate it for him."

Narrated by Muslim.

It is prescribed to supplicate for the deceased with forgiveness and mercy, and it is not required to mention his name or to adhere to the exact wording of the previous supplication.

Step Two: Cover the Body and Preserve Its Sanctity

The body of the deceased should be covered with a suitable cloth, and his awrah and privacy should be protected. Aishah, may Allah be pleased with her, said:

"When the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, passed away, he was covered with a striped Yemeni cloak."

Agreed upon.

Whoever dies while in ihram for Hajj or Umrah has special rulings regarding preparation. He is not perfumed, and the head of a male in ihram is not covered in his shroud. Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with them both, narrated:

"While a man was standing with the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, at Arafah, he fell from his riding animal and it broke his neck, or he said: it killed him. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: Wash him with water and sidr, shroud him in two garments, do not perfume him, and do not cover his head, for he will be raised on the Day of Resurrection reciting the talbiyah."

Agreed upon.

Therefore, whoever is responsible for washing and shrouding should be informed if the person died while in ihram, and the details of preparing him should be left to those who know the rulings of this chapter.

His body should not be tampered with, photographed, or have its image or private details spread. Moving the body, removing devices, and preparing it should be done by those qualified to do so, according to the Shariah rulings and the medical and legal procedures.

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

"Breaking the bone of the deceased is like breaking it while he is alive."

Narrated by Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, and Ahmad; authenticated by the scholars.

This shows the obligation of respecting the body of the deceased, being gentle with it, and forbidding violation against it.

Step Three: Permissibility of Uncovering the Face and Kissing the Deceased Within Proper Limits

It is permissible for the family to uncover the face of the deceased to look at him and say farewell, and for whoever is allowed to kiss him to do so, such as a spouse, mahram relatives, or people of the same gender, without seeking blessing from the body and without violating the Shariah.

Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, entered upon the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, after his death, uncovered his face, kissed him, and wept. Narrated by al-Bukhari.

This should not become a long ceremony that delays preparation, nor should crowding be allowed in a way that harms the dignity of the deceased or exposes his awrah.

Step Four: Inform Those Who Need to Know and Arrange the Funeral

The family should contact the relevant medical or legal authority, then a trustworthy Muslim washer, mosque, or Muslim funeral service that knows the rulings of washing, shrouding, prayer, and burial. They may inform relatives and those whose attendance for prayer and supplication is hoped for, without wailing or exaggerated announcement of the deceased's virtues.

The basic ruling of informing others of a death for arranging rights and prayer is permissible. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, informed his companions of the death of al-Najashi on the day he died, then went out with them and prayed over him. Agreed upon.

The forbidden announcement of death is what resembles the announcements of Jahiliyyah, such as raising voices, boasting, exaggeration, and stirring panic.

Step Five: Hasten the Preparation and Burial Without Neglect

The Sunnah is to hasten washing the deceased, shrouding him, praying over him, and burying him, and not to delay him without need. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

"Hasten with the funeral. If it was righteous, then it is good that you are sending it forward to; and if it was otherwise, then it is an evil you are removing from your necks."

Agreed upon.

Hastening does not mean bypassing medical verification, violating lawful regulations, or neglecting washing, shrouding, and prayer. It is permissible to delay as much as needed for a necessary procedure or valid interest, but burial should not be delayed for days merely to wait for all relatives or to hold ceremonies that have no basis.

Washing the deceased, shrouding him, praying over him, and burying him are communal obligations, so they should be handled by a party that knows their rulings and preserves his dignity.

Step Six: Identify Debts and Trusts and Carry Out the Lawful Will

The family must search for the debts, trusts, and rights of people connected to the deceased, and preserve his estate and documents. Money should not be divided or handled as if owned by the heirs before the rights have been identified. Lawful funeral expenses are taken out, then debts are paid, then the valid will is carried out within its Shariah limits, then the remainder is divided among the heirs according to Allah's ruling.

Allah mentioned the will and debt before inheritance division in the verses of inheritance [al-Nisa: 11-12], and debt is given priority in execution over the will according to the scholars. If the heirs dispute or the estate is complicated, it is obligatory to return to a trustworthy scholar and a legal specialist who knows the laws of the country.

Fourth: What Should the Family of the Deceased Say?

It is prescribed for them to be patient, seek reward from Allah, and say the words of returning to Allah. Allah praises those who say, when calamity strikes them: "Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return" [al-Baqarah: 156-157].

The afflicted person says:

"Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. Allahumma'jurni fi musibati, wa akhlif li khayran minha."

"Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return. O Allah, reward me in my calamity and replace it for me with something better."

Narrated by Muslim.

Quiet weeping and tears do not contradict patience. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said when his son Ibrahim died:

"The eye sheds tears, the heart grieves, and we do not say except what pleases our Lord. Indeed, by your departure, O Ibrahim, we are grieved."

Agreed upon.

What is forbidden is wailing, screaming, striking the cheeks, tearing garments, and saying words that show objection to the decree of Allah. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

"He is not from us who strikes the cheeks, tears the garments, and calls with the calls of Jahiliyyah."

Agreed upon.

A Short Practical Checklist After Death

1. Do not announce death or stop emergency care until the qualified medical authority has confirmed it.
2. Close the eyes of the deceased gently and supplicate for him with good.
3. Cover his body and protect his awrah and privacy.
4. Contact the legal authorities and a trustworthy Muslim funeral service.
5. Inform the necessary relatives and those who will pray over him, without wailing or artificial ceremony.
6. Hasten washing, shrouding, prayer, and burial without unnecessary delay.
7. Gather information about debts, trusts, and the will, and preserve the estate until it is distributed Islamically.
8. Hold to patience, saying "inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un," and supplication, and avoid innovations and newly invented ceremonies.

Common Mistakes at the Time of Death and After Death

1. Pressuring the dying person to repeat the shahadah loudly or in a way that exhausts him.
2. Moving the dying person toward the qiblah while harming him, or believing that doing so is obligatory despite the absence of a clear authentic proof.
3. Believing that reciting Surah Ya-Sin is required, or harshly criticizing others in an issue whose hadith is differed over by the scholars.
4. Stopping care or declaring death before medical and legal confirmation.
5. Raising voices with screaming and wailing, or speaking words that object to Allah's decree.
6. Photographing the deceased, exposing his awrah, or spreading his private details.
7. Delaying the funeral without need for ceremonies or to wait for distant people.
8. Dividing the estate before paying debts and carrying out the valid will.
9. Holding collective recitation or specific ceremonies on the third, seventh, or fortieth day and believing they are from the Sunnah.
10. Definitively declaring that the deceased is in Paradise or Hell without specific evidence. Rather, hope is held for the doer of good, fear is held for the sinner, and supplication is made for the Muslim with forgiveness.