If you are dealing with a passing of a loved one, we extend our deepest condolences to you and family. May Allah grant you strength and patience in going through this difficult phase. Here are 4 Religious pointers when facing with the loss of a loved one, may it be beneficial.

  • Say Innaa lillahi wa innaa ilaihi raji’uun
    (we are for Allah, and to Him we shall return)

Allah said in the Quran 2:155 & 156: “and give good news to the patient, Who, when a misfortune befalls them, say: Surely we are Allah’s and to Him we shall surely return.”

The passing of a loved one is unfortunate and saddening for anyone,  it is a great trial. The words Allah has taught remind a believer that to Him everything shall return.

The prophet also taught to recite this prayer:

اللهُمَّ اؤجُرْنِي فِي مُصِيبَتِي وَاخْلُفْ لِي خَيرًا مِنْهَا
Allahumma aajirni fi Musibati wakhluf li khairan minha
O Allah reward me in this calamity that has befallen me, and grant me something better than what I have lost.

  • Perform Jenazah Prayers & Supplicate for the passed on

“The Prophet (pbuh) performed Janazah Prayers for Najashi, and he raised his hands to takbir 4 times,” – Al-Bukhari

Among the supplications taught 

اللهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُ وَارْحَمْهُ وَعَافِهِ وَاعْفُ عَنْهُ (for male)
Allahumma-ghfir lahu warhamhu wa ‘afihi wa’fu ‘anhu

اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهَا وَارْحَمْهَا وَعَافِهَا وَاعْفُ عَنْهَا (for female)
Allahumma-ghfir laha warhamha wa ‘afiha wa’fu ‘anha

  • On Grief

The Prophet mentioned: 2 practices which are the practices of a disbeliever; 1) Slandering your predecessors / ancestors 2) Exaggerated grieving over a deceased. -Muslim

Grieving in exaggeration to the extent of wailing, hurting oneself, pulling of hair, tearing clothes to invite people to grieve along is prohibited.

This does not mean one is not allowed to cry and shed tears, for the Prophet cried upon the passing of his son Ibrahim, just not in exaggeration.

  • Performing Good deeds & Mentioning the deceased in good nature.

It is encouraged to remember the deceased in his good & noble actions as well as supplicate for his forgiveness.

among the good deeds that could be performed on behalf of the deceased:
– Charity
– Quran Recitation
– Pilgrimage (Hajj Badal)
– Fasting (if the deceased had missed obligatory fasting during his life)

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah (ceaseless charity); a knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him (for the deceased).” -Muslim 

Wallahu a’lam