By HARUN RAZAQ

Muslims are highly encouraged to visit the sick as stated in the Sunnah. When visiting a ill person Islamic etiquette must be observed. This include visiting at proper time, saying good words, supplicating for the sick, advice the sick person to be patient, render necessary assistance (religious, moral, financial ) etc. If you observed that the sick is about to die, it is recommended to make him/her lie facing the direction of the Qibla, lying on his or her right side.

If this is not possible, then it is sufficient to let the person lie on his or her back with the face and soles of the feet facing the direction of the Qibla. When doing this, the person’s head should be lifted slightly to allow the face to be directed towards the Qibla. And to recite: ‘’La illaha illallah’’, near the person continuously.

After death, recite: “Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raaji’uun…” (We are from Allah and unto Him we return…) (Muslim 2/632). If the eyes of the deceased are opens, one should close the lids by passing the hands over the eyes of the deceased, cover the body with a sheet and give it great respect at all times. Make immediate preparations for Ghusl (bathing) of Janazah, Janazah Salat and bury at Muslim cemetery. These acts for the deceased are all ‘Fard-u-Kifaayah’ (A compulsory action which is to be performed by all.   Inform all relations, friends, the Mosque and others, about the time of the Janazah Salat and bury the deceased without any delay.

Expenses for the funeral for the deceased must be taken from the property of the deceased. If the deceased did not have any property, then the responsibility is on the next of kin, e.g.father, mother, sons, brothers, etc. If none of the relatives are available, or if they are too poor, then the expenses should come out from the mosque or an organization responsible for the welfare of the community. The family of the deceased must follow only the authentic rules of Janazah (burial) as contained in Shariah and must avoid all un-Islamic custom and practice.

Crying with small tear drops out of love is allowed but crying aloud by beating the chest is not allowed. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: those who weep, tear their clothes, scream upon the dead body are not from us. (Bukhari) Also, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is reported to have comforted a bereaved person and encouraged Muslims to follow suit.