Death
In Islam, death (الموت | Ölüm) is referred to as “the certainty” (الْيَقِينُ, al-yaqīn) in the Quran (Quran 15:99). It is a pivotal transition in the soul’s journey and is to be contemplated throughout life as a critical stage in spiritual progress.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: الموت (al-mawt)
- Turkish: Ölüm
Belief and Significance
Muslims hold a profound belief in the significance of death as a preordained decree by Allah. Life is considered a test, and death marks the transition to the afterlife where the consequences of one’s actions are realized. Contemplation of death encourages preparedness, spiritual mindfulness, and adherence to Islamic principles.
Rituals Surrounding Death
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Preparation for Death:
- Reflect on personal deeds.
- Perform ablutions (if physically able).
- Engage in repentance.
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Final Moments:
- Recital of Quranic Surahs (chapters), preferably Surah Yaseen (Surah 36).
- Presence of relatives and companions to provide comfort and engaging in prayer.
- Recitation of the Shahadah (Islamic profession of faith) into the dying person’s ear, aiming for the remembrance of fundamental beliefs when questioned by the angels Munkar and Nakir in the grave.
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Post-Death Practices:
- Burial should be carried out promptly, preferably before nightfall on the day of death, adhering to the principle of honored rapid burial influenced by Hadith.
- Funeral prayers (Salat al-Janazah) to seek forgiveness for the deceased.
- An interment that follows Islamic legal rulings.
Suicide
Suicide is unequivocally condemned and considered sinful in Islam, as life is a sacred trust from Allah and its premature end is against divine decree and moral teachings.
Further Reading
- Islamic Views on Death and Dying by Mohammad Hassan Fadel
- Death and the Afterlife in Islam by Jane Idelman Smith and Yvonne Yazbeck Haddad
- Funeral Rites in Islam by Qazi Matt Surrah
Takeaways
- Death in Islam is perceived as a Paramount certainty enacted by Allah.
- Preparation for death through righteous living, repentance, and contemplation is crucial.
- Rituals provide communal support and ensure proper burial rites.
- Understanding Islamic views aids in respecting and integrating cultural contexts in the global narrative about death.
Conclusion
Islamic beliefs surrounding death and the accompanying practices furnish profound insights into the importance of spiritual readiness. The community-driven and meticulously ritualistic approach underscores the sanctity of life and death within the faith, fostering a collective support mechanism for those undergoing such transitions.
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