إِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raaji'oon
"Indeed to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return." - Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:156
Step-by-Step Guidance
A comprehensive reference covering every step in depth: from the moment of death through to burial and beyond. Take your time reading through each section.
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When someone you love is approaching death, there are things you can do to bring them comfort and ease their transition. This is a sacred time, be present, be gentle, and trust in Allah's mercy.
- Remind of Allah's Mercy — Allah's mercy is vast. Help them feel hope, not fear. Make dua for them and remind them of Allah's forgiveness.
قُلْ يَا عِبَادِيَ الَّذِينَ أَسْرَفُوا عَلَىٰ أَنفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوا مِن رَّحْمَةِ اللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا ۚ إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ
Qul yā ʿibādiya alladhīna asrafū ʿalā anfusihim lā taqnaṭū min raḥmatillāh. Innallāha yaghfiru al-dhunūba jamīʿā. Innahu huwa al-Ghafūr al-Raḥīm.
"Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'" - Surah Az-Zumar, 39:53
- Encourage the Shahadah — Say "La ilaha illallah" aloud near them. Do not pressure them to repeat it, gently prompt, not force. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever's last words are La ilaha illallah will enter Paradise." (Abu Dawud, 3116)
لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ
Lā ilāha illallāh
There is no god but Allah
- Recite Surah Ya-Sin — It is recommended to recite Surah Ya-Sin near a dying person. Keep the environment calm and peaceful.
- Face Toward the Qiblah — If possible, gently turn them to face the Qiblah (on their right side). This is sunnah.
- Be Present and Comfort — Hold their hand, speak softly, make dua. Remind them of the good they have done. This is a time of mercy, help them look forward to meeting Allah.
- Practical preparations — Contact family members and have someone ready to call the mosque or imam if needed.
Sunnah practices
When a Muslim passes away, there are important steps to take immediately. Stay calm and act with care.
- Close the eyes of the deceased
- Say "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'oon"
- Cover the body with a clean sheet
- Inform close family members
- Contact the local mosque or imam
- Begin making dua for the deceased
Coroner involvement
In the UK, the death must be registered within 5 days (England & Wales) or 8 days (Scotland). You will need the medical certificate of cause of death.
Documents you'll need:
- Medical certificate of cause of death
- Deceased's birth certificate (if available)
- Deceased's NHS number
- Your own ID
Personalise this step
Ghusl (washing) and the Janazah prayer are communal obligations (fard kifayah). The community must ensure they are fulfilled. If a group carries them out, the obligation is lifted from everyone else.
The Ghusl (washing)
- Ghusl should be performed by trustworthy Muslims of the same gender. A husband or wife may wash their spouse.
- The body is washed an odd number of times (at least three), starting from the right side and the parts washed in wudu.
- Water mixed with sidr (lote tree leaves) is used, with camphor added to the final wash. (al-Bukhari, 1253)
- The 'awrah must remain covered throughout. The washer should be gentle and dignified.
- After washing, the body is dried and wrapped in the kafan (shroud): typically three white cloths for a man and five for a woman.
Kafan (shrouding)
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Hasten the burial
How to perform Janazah Prayer
The burial should take place as soon as possible after the janazah prayer. In Islam, hastening the burial honours the deceased.
Preparing the grave
- The grave should be dug deep enough to contain the body and prevent disturbance.
- A lahd (niche cut into the side of the grave facing the Qiblah) is preferred over a shaqq (trench in the centre). (Sahih Muslim, 966)
- The body is placed on its right side, facing the Qiblah.
Lowering the body
- Those lowering the body should say: "Bismillahi wa 'ala millati Rasulillah": In the name of Allah and upon the way of the Messenger of Allah. (Abu Dawud, 3213)
- The ties of the kafan are loosened once placed in the grave.
- Each person present should throw three handfuls of earth into the grave, saying "Minha khalaqnakum, wa fiha nu'idukum, wa minha nukhrijukum taratan ukhra": From it We created you, to it We return you, and from it We shall raise you again. (Surah Ta-Ha, 20:55)
- After filling the grave, it is sunnah to stay briefly and make du'a for the deceased's steadfastness during the questioning. (Abu Dawud, 3221)
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What to bring
After the burial, the community has an ongoing responsibility to support the bereaved family and remember the deceased. These acts of care are deeply rooted in the Sunnah.
Condolences and support
- Visit the bereaved family and offer sincere condolences (ta'ziyah). The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever consoles a person in affliction, will have a reward equal to theirs." (al-Tirmidhi, 1073)
- Prepare food for the bereaved family. The Prophet ﷺ instructed: "Prepare food for the family of Ja'far, for what has befallen them is keeping them busy." (Abu Dawud, 3132)
- The period of ta'ziyah is generally three days. Avoid excessive wailing or prolonged gatherings that burden the family.
- If the deceased was a husband, the wife observes iddah (waiting period) of four months and ten days. (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:234)
Ongoing good deeds
- Continue making du'a for the deceased, this benefits them in the grave. (Sahih Muslim, 1631)
- Give sadaqah (charity) on their behalf. The Prophet ﷺ confirmed that charity benefits the deceased. (al-Bukhari, 1388)
- If they had outstanding fasts, a guardian may fast on their behalf. (al-Bukhari, 1952)
- Fulfil any outstanding debts or bequests from their estate before distributing inheritance.
- Perform Hajj or Umrah on their behalf if they had not done so.
Remembering the deceased