When someone is on their deathbed in Islam, the focus shifts to providing comfort, spiritual support, and ensuring a peaceful transition. The following actions are recommended:
Providing Comfort and Support
- Offer reassurance and hope: Remind the dying person of Allah's mercy and forgiveness. Speak of the rewards awaiting believers in the afterlife.
- Remind them of their good deeds: Highlight their positive actions and contributions to inspire hope and contentment.
- Maintain cleanliness: Keep the individual and their surroundings clean. If possible, perform wuḍū (ablution) or tayammum (dry ablution) if wuḍū is not possible or practical.
- Perform Miswak (tooth cleaning): Gently try to clean their mouth with a miswak (a teeth-cleaning twig) if possible.
Spiritual Guidance
- Encourage recitation of the Shahada (declaration of faith): Gently prompt the person to recite La ilaha illallah Muhammadur Rasulullah (There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah). Do not pressure them, but create an atmosphere where they are reminded of it.
- Recite Quran: Recite verses from the Quran, especially Surah Yasin, which is often recited for those nearing death as it is believed to bring comfort and blessings.
- Make dua (supplication): Pray for the person's ease, forgiveness, and a peaceful departure.
Ensuring Respect and Dignity
- Maintain a calm and peaceful environment: Avoid loud noises or stressful conversations.
- Face towards the Qibla: If possible, gently turn the dying person to face the Qibla (direction of the Kaaba in Mecca).
- Attend to their needs: Ensure they are comfortable and free from pain, if possible, while adhering to Islamic guidelines regarding medication and treatment.
Important Considerations
- Patience and Compassion: Show patience and compassion towards the dying person and their family. This is a difficult time, and kindness is essential.
- Avoid despair: Family members should remain strong and avoid showing excessive grief in front of the dying person, as this may cause them distress.
- Respect their wishes: If the person has made any specific requests regarding their funeral or burial, make every effort to fulfill them within Islamic guidelines.
In summary, attending to someone on their deathbed in Islam involves providing spiritual comfort, ensuring cleanliness and respect, and facilitating a peaceful transition according to Islamic principles.
