DEATH- THE LAW ONE SHOULD KNOW

Dec 15, '12 11:30 AM for everyone

Imam Ali al-Hadi (peace be upon him) has said: "Remember when you are on your deathbed and your body is lying before your family members, then there is no physician to prevent you (from death) nor a friend to avail you." (Bihar al-Anwar)

When most of us are around a dying or deceased person, whether it is someone we love and feel close to or perhaps somebody we may not be so familiar with, we are overcome with a sense of confusion, shock, nervousness, and fear. It is unfortunate that during this time, the people surrounding the near-death person often forego some of the obligatory and recommended acts and supplications. 

According to the Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon them), if these acts are performed correctly for the sake of Allah, not only is there reward for the persons who carry out those funeral rites, but there is also great potential for the deceased to be rewarded with a better final destination, insha'Allah.    

On the Deathbed

A Muhtadir is a dying person. A person becomes Muhtadir when death becomes apparent to one, and for example, is told that (s)he only has an hour or so to live and is nearing the final breath. At this stage, there are certain Islamic laws and rulings which become obligatory in regard to the Muhtadir.

Obligatory Rules Relating to a Person in the State of Ihtidar

Asking for Forgiveness: Regardless of how pious and God-fearing one may be, asking for forgiveness for sins is an act which even the sinless and infallible Ahlul Bayt would practice. Imam Sadiq (peace be upon him) has said: "When a believing Muslim frequently asks Allah for forgiveness, his record (of deeds) will ascend while it will be glowing." (Makarim al-Akhlaq)

The Will Relating to the Rights of Others: 

Imam Sadiq has said, "One who dies without a will dies the death of one during the Days of Ignorance (pre-Islamic age)." (Wasail al-Shia) In addition to the specific rules governing an Islamic will, it must be noted that if the Muhtadir has any property or trust in his/her possession which rightfully belongs to someone else, or if the Muhtadir owes something to someone and is not able to fulfill the trust or pay back that which he owes, then this must be informed to those around the dying person. (Ruling #7)Imam Sadiq has said: "In no way is Allah worshipped better than by fulfilling the right of a believer." (Al-Kafi)

The Will Relating to the Wajib Actions that Have Become Qadha: 

If the Muhtadir has not performed any obligatory actions in his life (for any reason whatsoever) and they have now become delayed or Qadha, this should be written in the will or at least others should be informed. For example, a person's will may include the following: one year of missed Salat, five missed fasts due to sickness, one month of fasts voluntarily missed (and any Kaffara on fasts), Hajj not performed, $200 of unpaid Khums, $1000 of unpaid Zakat, etc. (Ruling #8)

Rules Relating to People Around a Person in the State of Ihtidar

Lay the Dying Person Facing the Qibla: 

It is obligatory upon every Muslim to lay a dying person facing the Qibla (on his/her back with the soles of the feet facing the Qibla), and if the dying person consents to it, there is no need to seek permission from the guardian. Otherwise, the permission must be sought. (Ruling #35, 37) 

Once while visiting a Muhtadir person, the Holy Prophet said: "Make this man face towards the Qibla, because if you do this, then the angels will turn their attention towards him, and Allah will also turn His attention to him until he leaves this world." (Thawab al-A'mal)

ZARA SYED