Islam and death (Part 2)

 Writing a will (Wasiyyah)

THE Prophet Mohammed s.a.w. said: “It is not permissible for any Muslim who has something to will, to sleep two consecutive nights without having his will writ­ten with him.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

This ensures that debts are cleared, rights are fulfilled, and loved ones are not burdened after one’s passing.

Facing the loss of loved ones

Death not only requires us to prepare for our own end but also to face the loss of others with faith and patience.

Patience (Sabr) and submission

Allah says: “Indeed, We belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.”(Qur’an, 2:156).

This verse is a declaration of surrender to Allah’s will. Patience during grief is rewarded immense­ly.

The Prophet said: “When a child of a servant of Allah dies, Allah says to the angels, ‘Have you tak­en the soul of My servant’s child?’ … He then says, ‘Build for My ser­vant a house in Paradise and name it the House of Praise.”(Tirmidhi).

Avoiding words and acts of despair

The Prophet prohibited wailing, self-harm, and excessive expres­sions of grief, reminding that: “Patience is at the first shock.” (Bukhari, Muslim). Islam also for­bids imitating non-Islamic mourn­ing practices, such as wearing black clothing as a sign of grief, tying red bands on the neck, hang­ing red bands in homes, or posting obituary posters around communi­ties. Such practices contradict the Sunnah, as Muslims are command­ed to show dignity, patience, and reliance upon Allah during trials (Qur’an, 2:156).

Making Duʿa for the deceased

Supplication benefits the de­ceased greatly. The Prophet said:

“When a person dies, all his deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him.”(Muslim).

Family members should regularly ask Allah’s forgiveness, mercy, and Paradise for their loved ones, as consistent duʿa eases their after­life journey. This includes seeking forgiveness for sins known and unknown, ability to answer in the grave, expansion of the grave, and an easy admission into Paradise by Allah’s mercy.

Preparation for death is not about fearing life’s end but about living every moment in readiness. For oneself, it means sincere repentance, constant good deeds, detachment from worldly excess, and fulfilling obligations. When facing the death of others, it means exercising patience, trust­ing Allah’s decree, and praying for the deceased.

By doing so, the believer meets death not as a stranger, but as a long-awaited meeting with their Creator — in hope, peace, and submission.

Comfort and hope regarding the afterlife

The Qur’an and Sunnah provide assurance that death is not an end but a gateway to eternal life. Allah promises resurrection and justice: “Then indeed, after that you are to die. Then indeed you, on the Day of Resurrection, will be resurrected.” (Qur’an, 23:15–16). For the believer, death ushers in Allah’s mercy and eternal reward: “Indeed, the righteous will be in gardens and pleasure.” (Qur’an, 82:13). Thus, faith transforms death from a feared end into a hopeful transition toward everlast­ing peace and Paradise.

Resurrection and justice

One of the most powerful sourc­es of hope in Islam is the promise of resurrection and divine jus­tice. Death is not the end — it is followed by life again, this time eternal. Allah says:

“Then indeed, after that you are to die. Then indeed, you, on the Day of Resurrection, will be resur­rected.”(Qur’an, 23:15–16).

This resurrection is a gathering where no one will be wronged:

“And We will place the scales of justice for the Day of Resurrection, so no soul will be treated unjustly at all.”(Qur’an, 21:47).

The Prophet described it as a day when every person will stand before Allah to account for their deeds, and for the believer, this is a moment of hope, knowing Allah’s mercy outweighs His wrath.

By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, the Author