Talqīn (تلقين) in Islam
Definition
Talqīn (تلقين), derived from the Arabic word “laqin” meaning “instructing,” refers to the religious exhortation or instruction provided by a religious teacher, particularly at the grave of a deceased Muslim. This practice occurs at the close of the burial service, when one of the mourners stands near the middle of the grave and addresses the deceased, imparting essential beliefs and prayers to aid them in the afterlife.
Etymology
- Arabic: تلقين (Talqīn)
- Turkish: Talqin
Ritual and Practice
During the burial ceremony, Talqīn is recited to remind the deceased of their faith and key Islamic tenets. It typically includes the following declaration: “O servant of God, and child of a female servant of God. O son of such an one, remember the faith you professed on earth to the very last; this is your witness that there is no deity but God, and that certainly Muhammad is His Apostle, and that Paradise and Hell and the Resurrection from the dead are real; that there will be a Day of Judgment; and say: ‘I confess that God is my Lord, Islam my religion, Muhammad (on whom be the mercy and peace of God) my Prophet, the Qur’an my guide, the Ka’bah my Qiblah, and that Muslims are my brethren.’ O God, keep him (the deceased) firm in his faith, and widen his grave, and make his examination (by Munkar and Nakīr) easy, and exalt him and have mercy on him, O Thou most Merciful!”
Purpose and Significance
The Talqīn serves multiple purposes:
- Reaffirmation of Faith: It reinforces the deceased’s commitment to Islamic beliefs even in death.
- Comfort and Guidance: Provides comfort and guidance to the departed soul as they face the questioning by the angels Munkar and Nakīr.
- Community Bonding: Strengthens the communal faith and practices, bringing mourners together in a shared spiritual endeavor.
Theological Context
In Islamic belief, the moments immediately following death are crucial, as the deceased undergo questioning by two angels, Munkar and Nakīr. Talqīn is considered essential in making this transition smoother by reminding the deceased of their steadfast faith, providing them with confidence and divine mercy.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Al-Ghazali’s Remembrance of Death and the Afterlife” - by Abu Hamid Al-Ghazali
- “The Islamic Concept of Death and Afterlife” - by Jane Idleman Smith and Yvonne Yazbeck Haddad
- “Rites of Passage in Islam: The Practices and Performance of Muslim” - edited by Christian P. Schreiber
Takeaways
- Talqīn is a vital part of Islamic burial rites, emphasizing faith reinforcement at the time of death.
- Its recital aims to direct and support the deceased during their critical transitional period in the afterlife.
- Provides a sense of closure and communal solidarity among the mourners.
Conclusion
Talqīn is an integral aspect of Islamic burial practices that reflects the deep spiritual and communal values of the Muslim faith. It illustrates the importance of faith reinforcement at all stages of a Muslim’s life, including during the transition to the hereafter.
