Reunion with loved ones (final)

 For many, one of the most com­forting promises is the possibility of reunion with loved ones in the Hereafter. Allah says:

“And those who believed and whose descendants followed them in faith — We will join with them their descendants, and We will not deprive them of anything of their deeds.”

(Qur’an, 52:21).

This verse means that families who shared faith and righteousness will be reunited in Paradise, even if their levels of good deeds differed. The Prophet Mohammed s.a.w. also said that a person will be with those they love (Bukhari, Muslim) — meaning love for the righteous is itself a cause for closeness in the Hereafter.

Reward for the Righteous

The Qur’an paints vivid and hopeful images of Paradise:

“Indeed, the righteous will be in gardens and pleasure.”(Qur’an, 82:13)

“No soul knows what has been hidden for them of comfort for eyes as reward for what they used to do.”(Qur’an, 32:17).

The Prophet Mohammed (s.a.w.) de­scribed the believer’s soul after death:

“The soul of the believer is a bird that eats from the trees of Paradise until Allah returns it to his body on the Day of Resurrection.” (Muslim).

This imagery reassures believers that after life’s trials, eternal peace, joy, and honour await them.

Protection in the Grave

The journey of the afterlife begins in the grave, and Islam offers guidance on protection during this stage. The Prophet Mohammed (s.a.w.) taught that Surah Al-Mulk intercedes for its reciter until they are forgiven (Tir­midhi).

He also mentioned that acts like sincere prayer, charity, and Qur’an recitation during life become a shield against the grave’s trials. For the believer, the grave is described as: “Either a garden from the gardens of Paradise, or a pit from the pits of Hell.”(Tirmidhi).

Hope in Allah’s Mercy

Above all, the believer’s greatest comfort lies in Allah’s infinite mercy. The Prophet narrated that Allah says: “My mercy prevails over My wrath.”(­Bukhari, Muslim).

Even for those who fell short, sincere repentance before death is met with forgiveness, and even minor good deeds can tip the scales toward salvation.

The Islamic view of the afterlife is not meant to instill fear alone, but to inspire hope, patience, and persever­ance. For the believer, death is the moment the doors to eternal mercy open. The Hereafter is where justice is fulfilled, wrongs are set right, loved ones are reunited, and the righteous enjoy the eternal presence of Allah — the ultimate reward.

Burial in line with the Sharia

Islam commands that the de­ceased be honoured with a swift, respectful, and Sharia-compliant burial.

Hastening the funeral:

The Prophet Mohammed s.a.w. said: “Hasten the funeral, and if the deceased was righteous, you are sending them to goodness; and if they were otherwise, you are removing evil from your shoulders.” (Bukhari, Muslim).

Avoiding Unnecessary Delay:

Delay is permitted only for valid reasons, such as conducting investiga­tions into a suspicious circumstances leading to the death of the diseased to unravel the truth, awaiting close relatives or fulfilling other legal obli­gations.

Sharia Burial Rites:

In Islam, the deceased is honoured through dignified and simple rites that reflect humility before Allah. The body is ritually washed (ghusl al-mayyit), as practised by the Prophet Mohammed s.a.w (Bukhari), and then wrapped in plain white cloth (kafan) to symbol­ise equality and purity (Abu Dawud). A communal funeral prayer (salat al-janazah) follows, offered without bowing or prostration, seeking Allah’s mercy for the deceased (Muslim). Finally, the body is laid in the grave facing the Qiblah, with simplicity and no extravagance, fulfilling the Proph­et’s command: “Hasten the funeral.” (Bukhari, Muslim).

Reflection

Death is the gateway to the eternal meeting with Allah. The wise Muslim lives every day with the awareness of this reality. The Prophet Mohammed s.a.w. advised:

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

Let us strive to prepare our hearts, rectify our deeds, and meet death with faith and peace, trusting in Al­lah’s mercy and justice.

• Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, the Author