Should you recite Surah Yaseen for the dying?

There are multiple hadith regarding Surah Yaseen. Though there are different opinions on their levels of authenticity, the number of hadith on Surah Yaseen are evidence for its recommendation. In particular, in an authentic hadith, the Prophet (peace be on him) recommended reciting it when someone is dying.

Ma’qil ibn Yasar (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that Prophet (peace be on him) said:

“Surah Yaseen is the heart of the Quran. When anyone who intends the akhirah recites it, Allah will forgive him. Recite it upon your deceased.” (Sunan Abi Dawud)

Safwan (may Allah be pleased with him) said that:

‘The scholars use to say that when it is recited by the deceased, Allah creates ease for him/her.’ (Musnad Ahmad)

The surah contains the ayah “Enter Paradise.” (36:26), therefore one prays that it makes the passage of the soul easier.

If someone is in the throes of death, those present should recite the shahadah audibly, to remind the dying person to recite it.

Abu Sa’id Al-Khudary (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

 أَبَا سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيَّ، يَقُولُ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ “‏ لَقِّنُوا مَوْتَاكُمْ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ ‏”‏ ‏.‏

Exhort to recite” There is no god but Allah” to those of you who are dying. (Sahih Muslim)

Mu`adh ibn Jabal, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:

He whose last words are: La ilaha illallah (There is no true god except Allah) shall enter Paradise. (Sahih Muslim)