Should you recite Surah Yaseen for the dying?
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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…

Why do we throw three handfuls of soil into the grave before filling it?

Why do we throw three handfuls of soil into the grave before filling it?

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) performed the funeral prayer on a deceased (Muslim) and then came to his grave and threw three handfuls of dirt at the direction of his head. (Ibn Majah)

He is reported to have recited these verses when his daughter Sayyidah Umm Kulthum (may Allah be pleased with her) was positioned in her grave. (Musnad Ahmad)

What can we do to benefit the deceased?
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What can we do to benefit the deceased?

What will reach the deceased in their graves? As per the well-known hadith, when someone dies three things continue to benefit them in their grave. These are charity given on their behalf, beneficial knowledge and the duas of their righteous children. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:   “When the son of Adam dies,…

Ghazali on remembering death III – aspects of the soul
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Ghazali on remembering death III – aspects of the soul

The People of Allah are disconnected from dunya On the topic of remembering death, dhikr al mawt, Ghazali talks about the people of Allah – those with gnosis – their state, their connection with Allah and how they perceive death. Such people have deep knowledge of Allah, and devote their time in the remembrance of…

ghazali on remembering death II
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Ghazali on remembering death II -keeps life balanced

Remembering Death The tenth and final chapter of The Forty Principles of the Faith is about death. Imam Ghazali chose to end his book, which is a summary of the great tome, Ihya Ulum ad-Din, with this topic. He mentions that the previous nine principles are not all on the same level. Some of them…

Can you hold a khatam for the deceased? Should you mark death anniversaries? Can you attend non-Muslim funerals?

Can you hold a khatam for the deceased and mark death anniversaries in Islam?

Can you hold a Khatam al Quran or recite the Quran for the deceased Widespread practice The practice of holding khatams is so widespread in the community. Probably more than 80 percent of people do this. Is it permissible? In a nutshell, in our time, the entire ummah, barring a small minority,  say that it…

How long is iddah for widows? Do older women need to observe iddah?

How long is iddah for widows? Do older women need to observe iddah?

How long is the mourning period  in Islam Mourning lasts for three days for everyone except the widow. The widow has to mourn four months and ten days, as stipulated in the Quran: And those of you who die and leave wives behind them, they (the wives) shall wait (as regards their marriage) for four…