1. WHAT TO DO WHEN A PERSON IS SEVERELY ILL

Almighty Allah states in the Glorious Quran: "Every soul must taste Death".(Surah Aale Imraan: Verse 185)

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has stated: "Allah says, 'I have nothing to give but Paradise as a reward to my believer slave, who, if I cause his dear friend (or relative) to die, remains patient (and hopes for Allah's reward).'" (Abu Hurairah - Bukhari)

Death is something that everyone has to face. It is Sunnat-e-Mu'akkadah to remember death at all times. A Muslim must always be prepared for death. Death can come at anytime. When it is established that a person is in the last stages of his life, the following should be done:-

1.1 He or she should be made to 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 Qibla.
1.2 When doing this, the person's head should be lifted slightly to allow the face to be directed towards the Qibla.
1.3 In the last moments, Surah Yaseen and the Tasbih "Laa ilaaha ilal laa" should be recited near the person continuously.
1.4 The Kalima should be read in front of him or her, but he or she should not be commanded to recite the Kalima.
1.5 If the dying person is a minor (Na Baaligh), and able to distinguish between right and wrong, then too, Kalima should be recited before him or her.
1.6 If the person speaks or makes any other Dhikr, then he or she should be reminded to recite the Kalima. This will ensure that the Kalima is his or her last words.
1.7 A person who is ill or who is dying should always be given hope that Almighty Allah is Most Merciful and Forgiving. They should be reminded to have faith in Almighty Allah at all times and that His infinite mercy will pardon all sins.
1.8 If a person shows despair or is not confident about the Mercy of Allah, then it is compulsory to give that person hope.

2. WHAT SHOULD BE DONE WHEN A PERSON PASSES AWAY

2.1 When a person passes away, his or her eyes should be closed immediately.
2.2 Tie a piece of cloth (material) from the chin to the head. This is to keep the mouth from remaining open.
2.3 Cover him or her with a sheet.

Make preparations for the Ghusl (Bath), Kaffan, Burial order, Janazah Salaah and the actual burial. These acts for the deceased are all "Fard-e-Kifaayah" (A compulsory action which is to be performed by all, however if a few persons perform these duties, then the responsibility is waived off the others. If these are not carried out by anyone, then all responsible are sinners).

All expenses for the deceased must be taken from the estate of the deceased. If the deceased did not have any such estate, then the responsibility is on his next of kin, eg. father, mother, sons, brothers, etc. If none of these relatives are available, or if they are too poor, then the expenses should come from the organisation responsible for the welfare of the community. If no such organisation is in existence, then every member of the congregation must contribute towards the expenses incurred to the best of their means.

The body of the deceased must be covered with a cloth (Sheet) before removing his or her clothing. Those people who remove the clothes, must be careful not to allow the Satr-e-Awrah (parts that are Fard to be covered - navel to knee for men, and from the neck to ankles for women) to be uncovered. After this has been done, proceed with the Ghusl of the deceased.

3. IMPORTANT LAWS RELATING TO THE DECEASED

Before explaining the method of Ghusl, please take note of a few important Masaa'il (Islamic laws) relating to the deceased. These are:

3.1 Where there is a shortage of water for some reason or the other, wash the entire body of the deceased at least once.
3.2 When washing the back, the deceased should not be made to lie on the stomach, as this is prohibited.
3.3 The Niyyah (Intention) for the Ghusl should be read. The Niyyah must be recited when the water is being poured on the head.
3.3.1 The Niyyah for a male is: Nawaytu An Aghsila Haazal Mayyati - "I make Niyyah (intention) to bathe this deceased male"
3.3.2 The Niyyah for a female is: Nawaytu An Aghsila Haazihil Mayyatahi - "I make Niyyah (intention) to bathe this deceased female"
3.4 Only males are allowed to give the ghusl to a male, and females for the female deceased. However, if there are no men present, then the wife of the deceased may perform his Ghusl. If she is not present, then any other female relative (Mahram) may perform the Ghusl. If none of the Mahaarim are present then a non-Mahram (a non-relative women) should perform the Tayammum only and not the Ghusl. In such circumstances, the Tayammum is sufficient.
3.5 If there is no female to give Ghusl to the deceased of a female, then the very same law will apply. If no close female relative or women is available, then her husband, grandfather or brother may perform the Ghusl. If none of them are available, then only Tayammum should be performed by a non-Mahram male.

4. THE GHUSL (BATH) FOR THE DECEASED

NB: Prepare enough luke warm water for the Ghusl.

4.1. The deceased must be made to lie on a raised platform in a closed room.
4.2 The first aspect of Ghusl is to perform the ISTINJA (removal of all internal and external Najaasat).
4.2.1 The deceased must be made to lie in such a manner, that the head is slightly tilted to the back.
4.2.2 The right hand should be placed behind the neck in such a manner, that the thumb supports the nape, so that the neck does not fall backwards completely.
4.2.3 The lower back should be supported by the right knee, and using the left hand, massage the stomach gently to release any impurities.
4.2.4 The deceased should then be made to lie flat.
4.2.5 A piece of material (doing the job of a glove) must be placed over the left hand of the person conducting the Ghusl.
4.2.6 Using the left hand in gloves (which must be wet, to allow the Najaasat to be cleaned out properly), wash any impurity of the private parts thoroughly.
4.2.7 If the Najaasat was not removed the first time, then a new cloth must be used to clean the impurities for the second time.
4.2.8 When performing the Ghusl, two persons must be responsible for washing the upper body, and one person for the lower body.
4.3 Now that the Istinja has been completed, WUDU (ablution) should be given to the deceased. First, make the Niyah which is as follows: Nawaytul Wudu'al Masnoona li Haazal (Haazihil) Mayyiti (Mayyitihi)"I make intention for Sunnat wudu for this deceased male (female)".
4.4 Firstly, wash the body with soap and water to remove any dirt or external impurities.
4.5 Clean the teeth and the nasal passages (nostrils) with a soft wet cloth (or cotton wool).
4.6 After this has been done, the complete Wudu must be given. Do not be put water into the mouth and the nostrils, since these parts have already been washed with the cotton wool.
4.7 The head and the right-hand side of the body must first be washed. The deceased must then be made to lie on the left-hand side, so that the back of the right-hand side can also be properly washed.
4.8 The deceased must then be turned onto the right-hand side, so that the back of the left-hand side is washed.
4.9 After washing with soap, water must be poured over the body in such a manner that all the soap is removed.
4.10 The actual Ghusl is when water is poured over the entire body. Water should be poured starting from the head, then onto the entire front of the body, followed by the right back portion and then the left back portion. It must be remembered that all portions must be washed thrice (3 times).
4.11 When complete Ghusl is performed, lastly throw camphor water on the entire body.
4.12 It is preferable to burn incense sticks (agarbati) or lobaan during the Istinja, and to pour much water over the body to avoid odour.
4.13 It must also be noted that the warm water used is not too hot as this will cause discomfort to the deceased.

Important Note: Those performing the Ghusl must refrain from publicizing any deformities or bad experiences of the deceased to others.

5. THE KAFFAN (SHROUD)

After the Ghusl has been completed, the body is dried with a clean towel. The Kaffan is now put on. One single sheet covering the entire body will accomplish the Fard of the Kaffan (in certain circumstances or crisis eg. war, etc.)

5.1 The complete Sunnah Kaffan for the male consists of the following 5 pieces:-
5.1.1 2 full sheets,
5.1.2 Izaar (covering from waste down),
5.1.3 Kafni (kurta), and
5.1.4 Amaama (Turban)
5.2 The complete Sunnah Kaffan for the female consists of:
5.2.1 Kurta (which covers the lower half of body as well),
5.2.2 Head Gear (Awrni) which covers the head and extends over the breasts, and
5.2.3 Three full sheets covering the entire body.

Note: Do not delay the Salaatul Janazah and Burial.

6. THE METHOD OF PUTTING ON THE KAFFAN

6.1 It is desirable to use dried lobaan (powder), camphor and sandal in the kaffan.
6.2 Likewise, Ittar can be put by means of cotton wool, but do not stain the Kaffan.
6.3 Both the hands of the deceased should be left on its sides.
6.4 When putting on the Kaffan, the Ghusl platform (tray) should be dried and the Izaar should be put on while the deceased is on the Ghusl platform.
6.5 After this, put two sheets on the floor and place the deceased on it.
6.6 After placing the Kaffan on the two sheets, the Kafni should be put on, followed by the Amaama (Turban) or headgear for the female.
6.7 When tying the Kaffan, the left of the sheet must be wrapped over to the right, and then the right of the sheet over to the left.
6.8 After the Kaffan has been tied, three straps of cloth must be tied around the deceased. One strap above the head, the second around the waist and the third below the feet. When the deceased is placed in the grave, only two straps should be opened. The strap on the waist should not be released.

Now that the Ghusl is performed and the Kaffan is tied, no time must be wasted as the Amanah (Deceased) is to be returned. Proceed for Salaatul Janazah and Burial.

7. THE METHOD OF PERFORMING SALAATUL JANAZAH

As mentioned earlier, it is Fard-e-Kifaayah to perform the Salaatul Janazah. It is preferable for the safs (lines) of Janazah Salaah to be in odd numbers, in other words 3,5,7 etc. The method of performing the Janazah Salaah is as follows:-

STEP 1: The Imaam must stand facing the Janazah. If it is a male, then the Imaam stands in line with the chest - for a female, in line with the waist.

Make the Niyah as follows : Ussali Farda Salaatil Janazahti alaa Haazal Mayyati Bi arba'a Tabkbeeratin lil laahi ta'ala - "I am reading Salaah on this deceased with four Takbeers, Fard for Allah's sake."Four Takbeers must be recited in the Janazah Salaah. In these Takbeers, both the hands should be lifted up to the shoulders (Rafa Yadain).

STEP 2: After the first Takbeer recite Surah Fateha: Al humdu lil'laahi Rab'bil Aalameen Ar Rahmaan nir Raheem Maaliki Yaumid'deen Iy'ya Ka Na'budu Wa Iy'ya Ka Nasta'een Ihdinas Siraatal Mustaqeema Siraatal lazin An Amta Alaihim Ghairil Maghdoobi Alaihim Walad'daaleen.

STEP 3: After the second Takbeer, send Durood upon the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). The best and most appropriate Durood is the one recited in Salaah, namely, Durood-e-Ebrahim: Allahuma Salli ala Sayyidina Muhammadiw wa alaa aale Sayyidina Muhammadin kama Salayta alaa Sayyidina Ibrahima Wa ala aale Sayyidina Ibrahima Wa Jaa'uka ala Sayyidina Muhammadiw wa ala aale Sayyidina Muhammadin Kama barakta ala Sayyidina Ibrahima Wa ala aale Sayyidina Ibrahima Innaka hameedum Majeed.

STEP 4: After the third Takbeer, read the following D'uas:- Allahum'maghfir lihay'yina Wa May'yitina Wa Shaahidina Wa Ghaa'ibina Wa Sahgeerina Wa Kabeerina Wa Zakarina Wa Unsaana Allahum'ma man Ahyaytahoo (ha) min'na Fa Ahyihi alal Islam Wa man Tawaf'faytahoo (ha) min'na Fataf'fahu alal Imaan. - "O Allah! Forgive our living and our dead and our present and hidden and our elders and our children and forgive our men and women. O Allah! Those whom you keep alive from us, keep them alive on Islam and those from us whom you give death, give them death on Imaan. O Allah! Pardon him and have Mercy on him and Forgive him"

Allahum'magh firlahu Warhumhu Wa Aafihi Wa'foo Anhu Wa Akrim Nuzulahoo Wa Was'sa Madkhalahu Wa Aghsilhu Bil Maa'i Wath Thalji Wal Baradi Wa Naq'qahi minal Khataaya Kama Yunaq'qa Saubal Abyadu minad danasi wa abdilhu daaran khairam min Daarihi wa Ahlan Khairam min Ahlihi Wa Zawjan Khairam min Zawjihi wa Adkhil hul Jan'nata Wa A'izhu min Azaabil Qabri Wa fitnatihi wa min Azaabin Naar - "O Allah! Forgive him, and have Mercy on him and keep him in protection and forgive him. Let his arrival into the Qabr be a very respectable one, and broaden his resting place, and cleanse him from his sins with water, snow and hail"

(This D'ua is present in the Hadith of Muslim, Tirmizi, Ibn Maja and is also narrated by Abu Bakr ibn Shaiba and Auf bin Maalik radi Allahu anhuma)

STEP 5: After the fourth Takbeer recite the following : Allahuma la Tahrimna Ajrahoo wa laa Taftin'na Ba'dahoo Wagh firlana wa lahoo warhamna ma ahoo bi rahmatika Yaa Arhamar Raahimeen - "O Allah! Do not deprive us of his reward and after him, do not put us in fitna and pardon us and him and with him have Mercy upon us through your Mercy, O Most Merciful"

STEP 6: After reciting this D'ua, make the two Salaams. This will terminate the Janazah Salaah.

(Note: If the deceased is a female, then in place of "Hoo" one must read Haa" eg, "Firlahoo" becomes "Firlahaa" and the term ka will become ki eg, "Deenika" will become "Deeniki")

8. THE ARKAAN (PILLARS) OF SALAATUL JANAZAH

There are seven Arkaans (pillars) of Janazah Salaah. They are:-

8.1 Niyyah
8.2 Four Takbeers
8.3 Qirah (Sura Fateha)
8.4 Durood on Nabi (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)8.5 D'ua for the deceased
8.6 First Salaam
8.7 Standing for those who can (in Salaatul Janazah)

9. WHO MUST BE THE IMAAM FOR JANAZAH SALAAH

The one most worthy of Imaamat of Janazah Salaah is the father of the deceased, then his grandfather and all those above him (great grandfather etc.) The person next most worthy is the son from both parents, then grandsons etc, then that son who is only from the father, and their sons, then the paternal uncles who are from both parents, then those only from the father, and then the nephews of the deceased, and then the paternal grandfather, mother etc. If two people worthy of Imaamat are present, eg. two brothers or two uncles, then the one who is elder should be given this duty. It must be noted that at all times, I'lm-e-Deen and piety surpasses all ranks.

10. SALAAH FOR THE UNSEEN

The Janazah Salaah of a person who passed away outside the town is permissible in the Shafi'i Madhab. This is commonly known as Salaah of the Unseen or Salaatul Ghaib. Those persons who are worthy of performing his or her Salaah during his or her death are the ones who should perform this Salaah. When performing the Janazah Salaah of Ghaib, instead of the words "Alaa Hazal Mayyati" one must read, "Alal Mayyatil Ghaib".

11. JANAZAH OF A CHILD OF MISCARRIAGE

In the case of a miscarriage which occurs before the child is four months old, the child must be wrapped in a cloth and buried. If the miscarriage occurred at four months or after this period, then it is compulsory to give Ghusl and Kaffan. If the child showed any signs of motion while in the womb of the mother, then Janazah Salaah must also be performed.

12. JANAZAH OF A SHAHEED (MARTYR)

A Shaheed is that person who is killed in defence of Islam against the Kuffar. The Martyr will neither be given Ghusl nor will Janazah Salaah be read for him. This will also apply if he passed away in the state of Janabat. One who dies after the battle is not regarded as a Shaheed. The Shaheed must be covered with his clothes of Shahadah, even thought they be stained with blood.

13. BURIAL OF THE DECEASED

The grave should be dug deep enough so that no odour will emerge from it and no scavengers may enter the grave. It is Mustahab (desirable), to make the grave as wide as both hand lengths and that the depth of the grave should be that of the height of the deceased. Only males are allowed to enter the grave. Those more worthy of entering the grave are those who are worthy of performing the Janazah Salaah. It is best for the husband to lower his wife into the grave. It is not permissible to take the deceased from the city of demise to another city. However, if you are close to Makkatul Mukarramah, Madinatul Munawwarah or Baitul Muqqadas, then you should take the deceased there. If the deceased had made a Wasiyah (will) to be buried in another city, then this must not be carried out.

It is Haraam to exhume the body from the grave or to take the body elsewhere for any invalid reason. However, the grave can be opened for a valid reason, eg. if the person was buried without Ghusl or made to face another direction other than the Qibla, or if anything very important fell into the grave, or if the deceased was buried in a plot which was embezzled or if the person was given stolen Kaffan. In the above cases, it becomes compulsory to open the grave and make the necessary changes. All these can only be done if the body is in a good state.

14. LOWERING THE DECEASED INTO THE GRAVE

14.1 The Janazah must be brought as close as possible to the grave.
14.2 The head should be lowered into the grave followed by the feet, or otherwise the whole body at once.
14.3 While the body is being lowered into the grave, the following D'ua is recited:- Bismillahi Wa Alaa Millati Rasoolillaahi sallal laahu alaihi wasallam - "Allah in the name of, and on the tradition of Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)".
14.4 The deceased must be made to lie on his or her right-hand side, so that the face and chest faces the Qibla.
14.5 A small amount of sand may be placed at the back to keep the body in place. A small amount of sand should also be place under the head.
14.6 The grave should then be closed with pieces of timber, and then covered (filled) with sand. While doing this, it is Sunnah to throw three handful of sand into the grave, reciting the following Ayah:-

1st hand:Minhaa Khalaqnaakum - "Out of this earth we have created you".

2nd hand: Wa Fee haa Nueedukum - "And into this earth we return you".

3rd hand: Wa min haa Nukhrijukum Taaratan Ukhra - "And out of this earth shall we raise you the second time".

14.7 It is Sunnah to sprinkle water over the grave after the burial. While sprinkling water, read:- Saqal laahu Sarahoo (haa) Wa Bar radallahoo Mad ja ahoo (haa) wa Ja alal Jannata maswahoo (haa) - "May Allah his dust and make his resting place cool and make Jannah his home".

15. COMFORTING THE FAMILY OF THE DECEASED

It is Mustahab (desirable) to comfort the family of the deceased. When comforting, say: "May Almighty Allah bless you greatly, and may He bless you with something in change of your sorrow and may Allah forgive the deceased". It is Mustahab for the neighbours to give food for one day and one night to the family.

16. SAWG (MOURNING THE DECEASED)

Sawg means to abstain from decorating and beautifying oneself. It is compulsory for a women to be in Sawg during the Iddat period after the death of her husband. It is haraam to wear colourful clothing for adornment during Sawg. It is also not permissible to oil the hair, wear gold and other jewellery, use perfume or surma. It is permissible to use at night due to weakness of the eye but it must be removed before morning. Women are allowed to clean their house, make the beds, and comb their hair. When the Iddat has been completed, women can make Nikah again. With the exception of the death of her husband, the wife is not allowed to make Sawg for more than three days. (Iddat period after death is three months, and after divorce is 4 months 10 days)

17. TALQEEN

The Talqeen should be read at the grave of the deceased after everyone has left. Talqeen is recited to assist the deceased in the grave. It assists the deceased to answer the questions of the grave when facing Munkar and Nakeer the two Angels of the grave. The Talqeen should be read while sitting beside the grave and facing the direction of the Qibla.

17.1 First Talqeen

Laa ilaaha il'lal laahoo Muhammadur Rasoolullah. La ilaaha il'lal laahoo Wahdahu la Shareeka lahu lahul Mulkoo Wa lahul Humdoo Yuhyi Wa Yumeetoo Wa Huwa Hayyun Daa'imun Qaa'imun Qaahirun Qaadirun Aadilun Faadilun Kaamilul laa Yanaamu wa laa Yamootu Wa laa Yafootoo wa la yahooloo wa laa Yazooloo Abadan Abada. Zuljalaali Wal Ikraam. Biyadihil Khairoo Wa Huwa ala Kulli Shai'in Qadeer. Kul'lu Man alaiha faaniw wa yabqa wajhu Rabika zuljalaali wal Ikraam. Kul'loo Nafsin Zaa'katul Mawti Wa Innama tuwaf'fawna Ujoorakum Yaumal Qiyaamah. Fa man Zuhzihaa anin Naari wa udkhilal jannata faqad faaz. Wa Mal Hayaatud Dunya Il'la Mata'ul Ghuroor. Minha Khalaqnaakum lil amali was sawaabi wa fee haa nueedukum lil qabri wat Turaabi wa min haa Nukhrijukum Taaratan Ukhra lil Ba si wal Hisaab.

"There is none worthy of worship but Allah, Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the Messenger of Allah. There is none worthy of worship but Allah, There is none equal to Him. The entire universe belongs to Him and all Praise is for Him. It is He who gives life and it is He who causes death and He is existing. He is from eternity. He is the one with Wrath and The powerful, He is Just, One who blesses and full of Perfection. He does not sleep and nor can He die. He can neither be changed or destroyed and there is no end to His existence. He will always be in existence, One who is full of wonders and splendour. Every soul will taste death and without any doubt, he will get his full share, (what is due to you) on the day of reckoning. Thus he who has been kept away from Hell and put into Heaven has been successful. And what is the life of this world except commodities of deception. We have created you from dust and we return you towards it in the grave and the sand and we will raise you from the same (earth) to answer for your deeds in the Hereafter".

17.2 Talqeen for Adult Male and Female

(Commence with the following words if the deceased is a male): Ya Abdallahi Ya ibna Amatallaahi Uzkuril Ahdal lazi Kharajta - "O Servant of Allah! O son of the slave of Allah! Remember that pledge...."
(Commence with the following words if the deceased is a female): Ya Ammatallaahi binta Haw'wa Uzkuril Ahdal lazi Kharajti - "O Slave (female) of Allah! O daughter of Haw'wa!
Remember that pledge..... "

and continue with the following Talqeen:

Alaihi min daarid duniya ila daaril Aakhirati. Wa huwa Shahaadatu Al laa ilaaha il lal laahu Wa An na Muhammadar Rasoolullahi Wa Annal Jannata Haqquw Wa Annan Naara Haqquw Wa Anna Mowta Haqquw Wa Anna Munkara Wan Naqeera Haqquw Wa Annas Su aala Haqquw Wa Annal Jawaaba Haqquw Wa Annal Hisaaba Haqquw Wa Annal Mizaana Haqquw Wa Annal Ba atha Haqquw Wa Annal Hawza Haqquw Wa Annal Qisausa Haqquw Wa Annash Shafa ata Haqquw Wa Annas Sirauta Haqquw Wa Annal Hashra Haqquw Wa Anna Rooyatallahi ta'aala fil jannati lil momineena Haqquw Wa Annas Saa ata Aatiyatul laaraiba Fee haa Wa Annal laaha Yab asoo man fil quboor. Al Aana Ya Tiyaanikal (kil) malakaanil muakalaani falaa yufzi aka (ki) Wa laa Ya oo Aka (ki) Wa laa Yurhibaka (ki) Fa innama huma khalqum min khalqil laahi fa izaa sa alaka (ki) An Rab bika (ki) Wa An Nabbiyika (ki) Wa Ani Deenika (ki) Wa An Qiblatika (ki) Faqul (Faqooli) lahumaa Allahu Rab'bi Wa Muhammadun Nabiyyi Wal Islaamu Deeni Wal Kaabatu Qiblati Wal Quraanu Imaami Wal Muminoona Qul luhum Ikhwaani. Sabbatakal (kil) laahu Wa Iy yaana Wa Jami al Mumineena Bil qaulis Saabiti. Sabbatal laa hul lazina Aamanu bil qaulis saabiti fi dunya wal Aakhirah. Wa Yudil lul laa huz Zaalimeen. Wa Yaf alul laahu Ma Yashaa. Ya Ay yatu han Nafsul Mutma ina tur jiee ilaa Rab biki Raadiyatam Mardiyya, Fadkhuli Fi Ibaadi Wa Khuli Jannati. Allahummagh firli Ahlil Quboori minal mumineena wal muminaat wal Muslimeena wal muslimaat. Waj alil laahum ma Fi Quboori himud Diya aa Wan Noora Wal Maghfirata alaa Ahlil Quboori Bi Rahmatika Ya Arhamar Raahimeen"

pledge.... "with which you have left the abode of the world for the abode of the Hereafter and which is testimony to this, that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and without any doubt Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is His Messenger and without doubt, Jannat, Jahannum, death, Munkar and Nakeer, Questioning of the grave, Answering in the grave, Answering for your deeds, The Mizaan (scale), to be raised again, to repay (for your sins), intercession, Siraat (The bridge), the Day of Reckoning and the seeing of Almighty Allah for the believers in Jannat are all Haq (True), and it is a reality that Qiyamah will come, and there is not doubt in it. Without any doubt, Allah will raise those who are in their graves. Very soon the two appointed Angels of the grave will come to you, then they should not alarm you and they should not frighten you nor put fear into you, Without doubt, even both of them, are the servants of Allah. When they question you concerning, Your Allah, and Your Nabi, and your Religion, and Your Qibla, then you say to them, Allah Almighty is my Lord, and Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is my Nabi and Islam is my religion and the Holy Kaaba is my Qibla, and the Quran is my guide, and all the believers are my brothers. May Almighty Allah keep you and I, and all the believers' established on the words of firmness. Almighty Allah will keep all the believers steadfast on the words of steadfastness in this world and in the Hereafter, and Almighty Allah will drive away the oppressors. Allah does as He pleases. O peaceful soul! return towards your Creator. Happily and with pleasure, join the register of my servants and enter my Jannat. O Allah pardon the dwellers of the grave who are Muslim men and Muslim women, and believing men and believing women and O Allah establish light and brightness on their graves and forgive the dwellers of the grave through your Mercy, O Most Merciful".

17.3 Talqeen for a Male and Female Child

Bismillahir Rahmaan nir Raheem la ilaaha illal laahu Muhammadur Rasoolullah. La ilaaha illal laahu wahdahu la shareeka lahu lahul mulku wa lahul humdoo yuhyi wa yumeetu wa huwa hayyun daa'imun qaa'imun qaahirun qaadirun aadilun faadilun Kaamilul laa Yanaamu wa Laa yamutu wa yahoolu wa laa yazoolu abadan abada. Zul Jalaali wal Ikraami biyadihil khairu wa huwa alaa kul'li shai'in Qadeer. Allahumma Wa Haazat tiflul lazi lam Yab lughil ahlaama wa lam yajri alaihil aqlaamu walam yaqsibil khataaya wal Aasaam. Khalaqtahu (haa) bi rahmatika wa tawafaytahu (haa) bi iraadatika wa huwa (hiya) min ibaadikas saaliheen. Allahumaj alhu (haa) liwaalidayhi (haa) fartaw wa zukhraw wa Iz zataw wa I'tibaaraw wasalafaw wa shafee'aw wa saq'qil bihi (haa) mawaazi nahuma wa Afri ghis sabra alaa quloobi hima wa laa taftin huma ba'dahu (haa) wal laa Tahrim huma Ajrahu (haa) bi Rahmatika Ya Arhamar Raahimeen.

"Allah in the name of, The Compassionate Most Merciful. There is none worthy of worship except Allah. Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the Messenger of Allah. There is none worthy of worship except Allah, and He is One. There is none equal to him. Everything belongs to Him and all Praise is for Him. He who gives life and causes death. He is existing. Forever existing. He is the powerful, the One who gives punishment. He is full of Perfection. He does not feel sleep, He cannot be destroyed, nor can He be changed and there is no end for Him. He will always be existing. He is the one who is full of Miracles and Wrath. In his power is benefit and He has control over everything. O Allah, This child is such, that he did not reach maturity and the pen (of Hisaab) has not been applied on him, and no errors and sins have been made by him. You have created him with Your Mercy and You have given him death with Your Judgement, and he is from Your pious servants. O Allah, You make him a means, a treasure, advice, comforter and intercessor unto his parents. And give weight to their scales (mizaan) on his behalf and give patience in their hearts, and do not allow them into any sedition and do not deprive them of his reward via your Mercy, O Most Merciful".

18. ETHICS OF VISITING THE GRAVE

It is Mustahab (desirable) for the men to visit the grave. It is sunnah to visit the graves of relatives especially the graves of one's parents, even though they be far away. It more excellent to visit the graves on Fridays. The manner and ethics of visiting the graves is that the person going to the graveyard should be in a state of Taharah (cleanliness). When proceeding towards the graveyard, one should be engrossed in Zikr and Tilawah. One should remove his shoes outside the graveyard. One should stand at the leg-side, and not the head-side of the grave. When entering the grave one should read the following: As Salaamu Alaikum Daara qaumim mo'mineena wa In'naa Inshaa Allahu bikum laahiqoon. Nas'alullahu lana Wa lakumul aafiyata. Allahuma la tahrimnaa ajrahum wa laa taftin'na ba'dahum waghfirlana walahum warhamna ma ahum - "Peace be upon you, O dwellers of the grave, Group of believers and if Allah wins, then very soon we will unite with you. We pray to Almighty Allah for our and your harmony. O Allah do not deprive us from his reward and after him, do not test us and forgive all of us and all of them and with them, have Mercy on us".

The person should then sit towards the face of the deceased, recite the verses of the Quran and make D'ua-e-Maghfirah with both hands lifted towards the sky. It is also permissible and a means of great Thawaab to make Ziyaarah of the graves of the Awliya Allah.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. ARKAANUS SALAAH SHAFI'I, Muhammad Ibrahim Wazir Mia Rumaanul Qadri
2. FIQH-E-MAKHDOOMI, Qutb-e-Kokan, Hazrat Makhdoom Maahimi (radi Allahu anhu)
3. I'AANATUT TAALIBEEN, As Sayyid Abi Bakr
4. KITAABUL UMM, Imam Shafi'i (radi Allahu anhu)
5. SHAFA'I BAHISHTI ZEWAR, Mawlana Muhammad Ismat