Forty Sahih Ahadith Related to Illness and Death

Written by: Abu Hamza Abdul Khaliq Siddiqi, PDF link of the book

إن الحمد لله نحمده، ونستعينه، من يهده الله فلا مضل له، ومن يضلل فلا هادي له ، وأشهد أن لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له، وأن محمدا عبده ورسوله . أما بعد:

بَابُ عِبَادَةِ الْمَرِيضِ وَثوَابِ الْمَرْضِ

Visiting the Sick and the Reward of Illness

Hadith: 1

عن أبى هريرة، أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: حق المسلم على المسلم ست. قيل: ما هن؟ يا رسول الله! قال: إذا لقيته فسلم عليه، وإذا دعاك فأجبه، وإذا استنصحك فانصح له، وإذا عطس فحمد الله فشمته، وإذا مرض فعده، وإذا مات فاتبعه.

Reference: Sahih Muslim, Book of Manners, No: 2162, Sunan an-Nasa’i, No: 1938, Sunan Ibn Majah, No: 1433

Narrated by Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him), he states that the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “A Muslim has six rights over another Muslim.” It was asked: O Messenger of Allah! What are they? He صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “When you meet him, greet him with السلام عليكم, and when he invites you to eat, accept his invitation, and when he asks for your well-wishing, wish him well, and when he sneezes and says الحمد لله, respond to him by saying يرحمك الله, and when he becomes ill, visit him, and when he dies, attend his funeral.”

Hadith: 2

وعنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: إن الله عز وجل يقول يوم القيامة: يا ابن آدم مرضت فلم تعدني، قال: يا رب كيف أعودك؟ وأنت رب العالمين، قال: أما علمت أن عبدي فلانا مرض فلم تعه، أما علمت أنك لو عدته لوجدتني عنده؟ يا ابن آدم استطعمتك فلم تطعمني، قال: يا رب وكيف أطعمك؟ وأنت رب العالمين، قال: أما علمت أنه استطعمك عبدي فلان فلم تطعمه؟ أما علمت أنك لو أطعمته لوجدت ذلك عندي، يا ابن آدم استسقيتك فلم تسقني، قال: يا رب كيف أسقيك؟ وأنت رب العالمين، قال: استسقاك عبدي فلان فلم تسقه، أما إنك لو أسقيته وجدت ذلك عندي.

Reference: Sahih Muslim, Book of Virtue, Enjoining Good Manners, and Joining of the Ties of Kinship, Hadith No: 2569

And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه that he said the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “On the Day of Resurrection, Allah Almighty will say: O son of Adam! I was sick and you did not visit Me.” The servant will say: “O my Lord! How could I visit You when You are the Lord of the worlds?” Allah will say: “Did you not know that My such-and-such servant was sick and you did not visit him? Did you not know that if you had visited him, you would have found Me with him? O son of Adam! I asked you for food and you did not feed Me.” The servant will say: “O my Lord! How could I feed You when You are the Lord of the worlds?” Allah will say: “Did you not know that My such-and-such servant asked you for food and you did not feed him? Did you not know that if you had fed him, you would have found the reward with Me? O son of Adam! I asked you for water and you did not give Me water to drink.” The servant will say: “O my Lord! How could I give You water to drink when You are the Lord of the worlds?” Allah will say: “My such-and-such servant asked you for water and you did not give him water to drink. Did you not know that if you had given him water to drink, you would have found the reward with Me?”

Hadith: 3

وعن أنس بن مالك قال: سمعت النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول: إن الله تعالى قال: إذا ابتليت عبدي بحبيبتيه فصبر عوضته منهما الجنة، يريد عينيه.

Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Book of Illness, No: 5653, Musnad Ahmad, Volume: 3, Page: 144, Sunan Tirmidhi, Chapters of Funerals, No: 979

And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that I heard the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم say: “Allah, Glorified and Exalted, says: When I test My servant with two beloved things and he is patient, then I will grant him Paradise in exchange for both.” The two beloved things refer to both eyes.

Hadith: 4

وعن عائشة قالت: ما أغبط أحدا بهون موت بعد الذى رأيت من شدة موت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم.

Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Book of Illness, No: 5653, Musnad Ahmad, Volume: 3, Page: 144, Sunan Tirmidhi, Chapters of Funerals, No: 979,

Muhaddith Albani has declared it authentic.
And it is narrated from Umm al-Mu’minin Sayyida Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), who said: “I will not envy anyone who dies comfortably since I witnessed the severity of the death of the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم.”

Hadith: 5

وعنها، أنها قالت: رأيت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم وهو بالموت وعنده قدح فيه ماء، وهو يدخل يده فى القدح، ثم يمسح وجهه بالماء، ثم يقول: اللهم أعني على غمرات الموت أو سكرات الموت.

Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Book of Illness, Number: 6510, Sunan Tirmidhi, Chapters on Funerals, Number: 978

And from Umm al-Mu’minin Sayyida Aisha رضي الله عنها, she narrates that “I saw the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم at the time of his passing. Near him was a bowl of water; he would dip his hand into the bowl, then wipe his face and say: ‘O Allah! Help me with the hardships of death or the severity of death.'”

بَابُ تَمَنِّي الْمَوْتِ وَذِكْرِه

Desiring Death and Remembering It

Hadith: 6

وعن أبى هريرة قال: سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول: لا يتمنى أحدكم الموت، إما محسنا فلعله أن يزداد خيرا، وإما مسيئا فلعله أن يستعتب.

Reference: Sunan Tirmidhi, Chapters on Funerals, Number: 978, Sunan Ibn Majah, Number: 1623, Musnad Ahmad, Volume: 6, Page: 64

And from Sayyiduna Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه, he narrates that I heard the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم say: “None of you should wish for death, for if he is a righteous person, he may do more good deeds, and if he is a wicked person, he may seek forgiveness from Allah and please Him.”

Hadith: 7

وعن عبادة بن الصامت عن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: من أحب لقاء الله أحب الله لقاءه، ومن كره لقاء الله كره الله لقاءه، قالت عائشة أو بعض أزواجه: إنا لنكره الموت، قال: ليس ذلك، ولكن المؤمن إذا حضره الموت بشر برضوان الله وكرامته، فليس شيء أحب إليه مما أمامه، فأحب لقاء الله وأحب الله لقاءه، وإن الكافر إذا حضر بشر بعذاب الله وعقوبته، فليس شيء أكره إليه مما أمامه، كره لقاء الله وكره الله لقاءه.

Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Book of Illness, No: 5673, Sunan Nasai, No: 1818, Sunan Darimi, No: 2758, Musnad Ahmad, Vol: 2, Page: 263, Sahih Bukhari, Book of Softening Hearts, No: 6507, Sahih Muslim, No: 2684, Sunan Tirmidhi, No: 2309, Sunan Nasai, No: 1838, Sunan Darimi, Vol: 2, Page: 402, Al-Muwatta, Vol: 1, Page: 240, No: 50

And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Ubada bin As-Samit (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said: The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Whoever loves to meet Allah, Allah loves to meet him, and whoever dislikes to meet Allah, Allah dislikes to meet him.” Sayyida Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) or another respected wife of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Indeed, we dislike death.” He صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “It is not like that; rather, the reality is that when the death of a believer approaches, he is given glad tidings of Allah’s pleasure and honor from Him, so nothing is more beloved to him than what is before him, and thus he loves to meet Allah, and Allah loves to meet him. And when the time of death of a disbeliever approaches, he is given news of Allah’s punishment and His torment, so nothing is more disliked by him than what is before him, thus he dislikes to meet Allah, and Allah also dislikes to meet him.”

Hadith: 8

وعن أبي هريرة قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: أكثروا ذكر هاذم اللذات يعني الموت.

Reference: Sunan Tirmidhi, Chapters on Funerals, No: 2307, Sunan Nasai, No: 1824, Sunan Ibn Majah, No: 4258

And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Frequently remember death, the destroyer of pleasures.”

Hadith: 9

وعن عبد الله بن عمرو قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: تحفة المؤمن الموت.

Reference: Sunan Tirmidhi, Chapters on Asceticism, No: 2307, Sunan Nasai, No: 1824, Sunan Ibn Majah, No: 4258, Musnad Ahmad, Vol: 2, Page: 293, Muhaddith Albani graded it Hasan Sahih, Shu’ab al-Iman by Al-Bayhaqi, Vol: 7, Page: 171, No: 9884

And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Amr (may Allah be pleased with them both), who said that the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Death is a gift for the believer.”

بَابُ مَا يُقَالُ عِنْدَ مَنْ حَضَرَهُ الْمَوْتُ الله

Words said at the time of being near death

Hadith: 10

وعن أبى سعيد وأبي هريرة قالا: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: لقنوا موتاكم لا إله إلا الله.

Reference: Sahih Muslim, Book of Funerals, No: 916, Sunan Abi Dawood, No: 3117

And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Sa’id Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) and Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Advise your dying ones with لا إله إلا الله.”

Hadith: 11

وعن أم سلمة قالت: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: إذا حضرتم المريض أو الميت فقولوا خيرا، فإن الملائكة يؤمنون على ما تقولون.

Reference: Sahih Muslim, Book of Funerals, No: 919, Sunan Abi Dawood, No: 3117, Sunan Tirmidhi, No: 977

And it is narrated from Sayyida Umm Salama (may Allah be pleased with her), she states that the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “When you visit a sick or dying person, speak good words, for the angels say ‘Ameen’ to your words.”

Hadith: 12

وعن معاذ بن جبل قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: من كان آخر كلامه لا إله إلا الله دخل الجنة.

Reference: Sunan Abi Dawood, Book of Funerals, No: 3116,

Muhaddith Albani has declared it authentic
And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Mu’adh ibn Jabal (may Allah be pleased with him), he states that the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Whoever’s last words are لا إله إلا الله will enter Paradise.”

Hadith: 13

وعن عائشة قالت: إن أبا بكر قبل النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم وهو ميت.

Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Book of Funerals, No: 1242, Sunan Tirmidhi, No: 989

And it is narrated from Sayyida Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), she states that “Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) kissed the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم while he had already passed away.”

Hadith: 14

وعن أبى هريرة قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: الميت تحضره الملائكة فإذا كان الرجل صالحا قالوا: اخرجي أيتها النفس الطيبة، كانت فى الجسد الطيب، اخرجي حميدة، وأبشري بروح وريحان ورب غير غضبان، فلا يزال يقال لها ذلك حتى تخرج، ثم يعرج بها إلى السماء فيفتح لها، فيقال: من هذا؟ فيقولون: فلان، فيقال: مرحبا بالنفس الطيبة كانت فى الجسد الطيب، ادخلي حميدة، وأبشري بروح وريحان ورب غير غضبان، فلا يزال يقال لها ذلك حتى ينتهى بها إلى السماء التى فيها الله، وإذا كان الرجل السوء، قال: اخرجي أيتها النفس الخبيثة كانت فى الجسد الخبيث، اخرجي ذميمة، وأبشري بحميم وغساق، وآخر من شكله أزواج، فلا يزال يقال لها ذلك حتى تخرج، ثم يعرج بها إلى السماء، فلا يفتح لها فيقال: من هذا؟ فيقال: فلان فيقال: لا مرحبا بالنفس الخبيثة كانت فى الجسد الخبيث، ارجعي ذميمة، فإنها لا تفتح لك أبواب السماء، فيرسل بها من السماء ثم تصير إلى القبر.

Reference: Sunan Ibn Majah, Book of Zuhd, No: 4262, Musnad Ahmad, Vol: 2, Page: 364,

Al-Muhaddith Al-Albani has declared it authentic.
And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه that he said the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “When a person’s death approaches, the angels come near him. If the person who is dying is righteous, the angels say: O pure soul that was in a pure body, come out, you are praiseworthy, be pleased with Allah’s mercy, His gifts, and the pleasing Lord. These words are continuously said to him until the soul comes out of the body. Afterwards, the soul is taken towards the heavens, and the gate of heaven is opened for it. It is asked: Who is this soul? The angels reply: So-and-so. It is said: Welcome to the pure soul that was in a pure body, enter Paradise, you are praiseworthy, be pleased with Allah’s mercy, His gifts, and the Lord who is not displeased with you. These words are continuously said until the soul reaches the heaven in which Allah is. But when a wicked person dies, the angel says: O impure soul that was in an impure body, you are blameworthy, come out. Accept the glad tidings of hot water, pus, and other punishments. These words are continuously said until the soul comes out, then it is taken towards the heavens. The gate is demanded to be opened for it. It is asked: Who is this? The answer is given: So-and-so. The message is: Do not welcome the impure soul that was in an impure body, go back, you are blameworthy, the gates of heaven cannot be opened for you. Thus, it is sent back from the heavens, then it remains in the grave.”

Hadith: 15

وعنه، أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: إذا خرجت روح المؤمن تلقاها ملكان يصعدانها. قال حماد: فذكر من طيب ريحها وذكر المسك، قال: ويقول أهل السماء: روح طيبة جاءت من قبل الأرض، صلى الله عليك وعلى جسد كنت تعمرينه، فينطلق به إلى ربه، ثم يقول: انطلقوا به إلى آخر الأجل. قال: وإن الكافر إذا خرجت روحه، قال حماد: وذكر من نتنها وذكر لعنا، ويقول أهل السماء: روح خبيثة جاءت من قبل الأرض، قال: فيقال: انطلقوا به إلى آخر الأجل. قال أبو هريرة: فرد رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ريطة كانت عليه على أنفه هكذا.

Reference: Sahih Muslim, Book of Paradise and Description of its Bliss, No: 2872

And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه that he stated that the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “When the soul of a believer leaves the body, two angels take it and carry it towards the sky.” Hamad, the narrator, says that he mentioned the excellent fragrance and musk of the soul. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “The angels of the sky say: This is a pure soul that has come from the earth; may Allah’s mercy be upon you and upon the body you inhabited.” Thus, the soul is taken to its Lord. Afterwards, Allah says: “Take it until the last time of the Barzakh.” The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “And when the soul of a disbeliever leaves the body.” Hamad, the narrator, stated that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم mentioned its foul smell and the curse upon it. The angels of the sky say: “An impure soul has come from the earth.” It is said: “Take it until the last time of the Barzakh.” Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه says that thus the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم placed the cloth that was on his blessed body over his nose in this manner.

Explanation: In a state of spiritual unveiling, when the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم observed the disbeliever and perceived its foul smell, he covered his nose with a cloth. It is as if the foul odor was reaching the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, just as when he صلى الله عليه وسلم passed by the settlements of the people of Thamud and witnessed their punishment, he covered his blessed head.

Hadith: 16

وعنه، قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: إذا حضر المؤمن، أتت ملائكة الرحمة بحريرة بيضاء، فيقولون: اخرجي راضية، مرضيا عنك، إلى روح الله وريحان، ورب غير غضبان، فتخرج كأطيب ريح المسك، حتى أنه ليناوله بعضهم بعضا، حتى يأتوا به باب السماء، فيقولون: ما أطيب هذه الريح التى جاءتكم من الأرض، فيأتون به أرواح المؤمنين، فلهم أشد فرحا به من أحدكم بغائبه يقدم عليه، فيسألونه: ماذا فعل فلان، ماذا فعل فلان؟ فيقولون: دعوه، فإنه كان فى غم الدنيا. فيقول: قد مات، أما أتاكم؟ فيقولون: قد ذهب به إلى أمه الهاوية. وإن الكافر إذا احتضر أتته ملائكة العذاب بمسح، فيقولون: اخرجي ساخطة، مسخوطا عليك إلى عذاب الله عز وجل، فتخرج كأنتن ريح جيفة، حتى يأتون به باب الأرض، فيقولون: ما أنتن هذه الريح، حتى يأتون به أرواح الكفار.

Reference: Sunan Nasai, Book of Funerals, Hadith No: 1833, Sahih Series, No: 1309

And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه that he stated that the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “When the time of death comes for a believer, the angels of mercy come wearing white silk garments. They say: O soul! Come out, you are pleased with Allah and He is pleased with you, with Allah’s mercy, His blessings, and towards your Lord who is not angry with you. Then the soul comes out like a very fine musk-like fragrance. The angels of mercy hand it over to one another until they bring it near the gates of the heavens. The angels of the heavens say: What a fine fragrance this soul has that has come to you from the earth. Then they bring it to the abode of the souls of the believers. The believers express more joy at meeting this soul than any of you would feel at the return of a traveling companion. They ask about the condition of so-and-so person. Then they say: Let him remain for now because he was afflicted with the sorrows of this world. The deceased person says: He had passed away, did he not come to you? They say: He was taken to his place in Hawiyah (Hell). And when the time of death approaches for a disbeliever, the angels of punishment come to him with a shroud and say: O soul! Come towards the punishment of Allah, you are displeased and your Lord is angry with you. Then it comes out smelling like a foul stinking corpse until the angels bring it to the gate of the earth and say: How foul-smelling it is! Until the angels deliver it to the abode of the souls of the disbelievers.”

Hadith: 17

وعن عبد الرحمن بن كعب، عن أبيه، قال: لما حضرت كعبا الوفاة أنت أم بشر بنت البراء بن معرور، فقالت: يا أبا عبد الرحمن إن لقيت فلانا فاقرأ عليه مني السلام. قال: غفر الله لك يا أم بشر نحن أشغل من ذلك. قالت: يا أبا عبد الرحمن أما سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول: إن أرواح المؤمنين فى طير خضر تعلق بشجر الجنة؟ قال: بلى. قالت: فهو ذاك.

Reference: Sunan Ibn Majah, No: 1499, Sahih Series, No: 995

And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Abdur Rahman bin Ka’b رضي الله عنه that he narrated from his father that when the time of Ka’b رضي الله عنه‘s death approached, Umm Bishr bint Bara bin Ma’rur رضي الله عنها came to him. She said: “O father of Abdur Rahman! If you meet such and such person, convey my greetings to him.” Ka’b رضي الله عنه said: “O Umm Bishr! May Allah forgive you, we will be more occupied than that to convey greetings.” Umm Bishr رضي الله عنها said: “O father of Abdur Rahman! Have you not heard from the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم, he said: The souls of the believers will be in green birds that will eat from the trees of Paradise?” Ka’b رضي الله عنه replied: “I have indeed heard.” Umm Bishr رضي الله عنها said: “Then this is exactly that.”

بَابٌ غُسْلِ الْمَيِّتِ وَتَكْفِينه

Washing the Deceased and Shrouding Them

Hadith: 18

وعن أم عطية قالت: دخل علينا رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ونحن نغسل ابنته فقال: اغسلنها ثلاثا أو خمسا أو أكثر من ذلك بماء وسدر، واجعلن فى الآخرة كافورا، فإذا فرغتن فآذنني، فلما فرغنا آذناه فألقى إلينا حقوه فقال: أشعرنها إياه. وفي رواية: اغسلنها وترا ثلاثا أو خمسا أو سبعا، ابدأن بميامنها وبمواضع الوضوء منها، وقالت: فضفرنا شعرها ثلاثة قرون فألقيناها خلفها.

Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Book of Funerals, No: 1254, Sahih Muslim, No: 939, Sunan Nasa’i, No: 1881, Sunan Ibn Majah, No: 1458

And it is narrated from Sayyida Umm Atiyyah (may Allah be pleased with her) that she said: The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم came to us while we were washing the daughter of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. He said: “Wash her three or five or more times if you think it appropriate, mixing the water with the leaves of the berry tree, and in the last washing add some camphor. When you finish washing, inform me.” Umm Atiyyah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: When we finished, we informed the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, and he sent his waist-wrapper towards us and said: “Use this as a shroud for her.” And in one narration, he صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Wash her an odd number of times, three or five or seven, starting from the right side of the deceased and from the parts used in ablution.” Umm Atiyyah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: We made three braids of her hair and hung them behind her.

Explanation: Sayyida Umm Atiyyah (may Allah be pleased with her) generally used to wash women. The mentioned hadith refers to washing the daughter of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, Zainab (may Allah be pleased with her). In the washing of the deceased, the one who washes should first apply slight pressure on the abdomen of the deceased so that any waste that wants to come out is expelled. Then the private parts should be thoroughly cleaned, then ablution should be performed, and water poured over the entire body. This process is obligatory once, while washing three times is recommended.

Hadith: 19

وعن عائشة قالت: إن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم كفن فى ثلاثة أثواب يمانية بيض سحولية من كرسف، ليس فيهن قميص ولا عمامة.

Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Book of Funerals, No: 1264, Sahih Muslim, No: 941

And it is narrated from Sayyida Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), she states that “The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم was shrouded in three sheets of white cotton made in Yemen, there was no shirt or turban among them.”

Hadith: 20

وعن ابن عباس أن رجلا كان مع النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم فوقصته ناقته وهو محرم فقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: اغسلوه بماء وسدر وكفنوه فى ثوبين، ولا تمسوه طيبا ولا تخمروا رأسه، فإن الله يبعثه يوم القيامة ملبيا.

Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Book of Funerals, No: 1267, Sahih Muslim, No: 1206

And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both), he states that a man was in the state of Ihram with the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم. His she-camel threw him down and broke his neck, so he died. The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Wash him with water mixed with berry leaves and shroud him in his two sheets, do not apply perfume to him, nor cover his head, for he will be raised on the Day of Resurrection calling out ‘Labbaik’.”

بَابُ الْمَشْيِ بِالْجَنَازَةِ وَالصَّلَاةُ عَلَيْهَا

Walking with the Funeral and Performing the Funeral Prayer

Hadith: 21

وعن أبى هريرة عن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: أسرعوا بالجنازة فإن تك صالحة فخير تقدمونها إليه، وإن تك سوى ذلك فشر تضعونه عن رقابكم.

Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Book of Funerals, No: 1315, Sahih Muslim, No: 944, Sunan Tirmidhi, No: 1015, Sunan Ibn Majah, No: 1477, Musnad Ahmad, Vol: 2, Page: 240

And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Take the funeral procession quickly, for if the deceased is righteous, you are taking him towards goodness, and if the deceased is not righteous, then you are removing evil from your necks.”

Hadith: 22

وعن أبى سعيد الخدري عن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: إذا رأيتم الجنازة فقوموا فمن تبعها فلا يقعد حتى توضع.

Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Book of Funerals, No: 1310, Sahih Muslim, No: 959, Sunan Abi Dawood, No: 3174, Sunan Ibn Majah, No: 1544, Muwatta Malik, Vol: 1, Page: 232, No: 33

And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Saeed Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “When you see a funeral, stand up out of respect for it, and whoever walks with the funeral should not sit down until the funeral is laid in the ground.”

Hadith: 23

وعن أبى هريرة قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: من اتبع جنازة مسلم إيمانا واحتسابا، وكان معه حتى يصلى عليها ويفرغ من دفنها، فإنه يرجع من الأجر بقيراطين، كل قيراط مثل أحد، ومن صلى عليها ثم رجع قبل أن تدفن، فإنه يرجع بقيراط.

Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Book of Funerals, No: 1325, Sahih Muslim, No: 945, Sunan Abi Dawood, No: 3168, Sunan Nasai, No: 1940, Musnad Ahmad, Vol: 2, Page: 2

And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said: The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Whoever follows the funeral of a Muslim with faith and seeking reward, and prays the funeral prayer over him, and stays with him until the burial is completed, will receive a reward equivalent to two qirats, and each qirat is like a mountain. And whoever prays the funeral prayer but returns before the burial, will receive the reward of one qirat.”

Hadith: 24

وعنه، أن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم نعى للناس النجاشي اليوم الذى مات فيه، وخرج بهم إلى المصلى، فصف بهم وكبر أربع تكبيرات.

Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Book of Funerals, No: 1333; Sahih Muslim, No: 951

And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه that he stated the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم announced the death of Najashi on the very day he passed away. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم took the companions رضي الله عنهم to the Eidgah, arranged their rows, and performed the funeral prayer in absentia, saying four Takbirs.
Explanation: It is understood that sending news is correct; however, announcing death in the manner of the pre-Islamic era is not correct. Informing relatives, friends, and righteous people is permissible, but calling people for boasting or lamentation is not allowed. It should be noted that Najashi passed away on the 9th of Rajab. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم performed his funeral prayer in absentia. This establishes the permissibility of funeral prayer in absentia under specific circumstances, not a special case for Najashi. And Allah knows best.

Hadith: 25

وعن سمرة بن جندب قال: صليت وراء النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم على امرأة ماتت فى نفاسها فقام عليها وسطها.

Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Book of Funerals, No: 1331, Sahih Muslim, Book of Funerals, No: 964, Sunan Abi Dawood, No: 3195, Sunan Tirmidhi, No: 1035, Sunan Nasa’i, No: 1976, Sunan Ibn Majah, No: 1493, Musnad Ahmad, Vol: 5, Page: 14

And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Samurah bin Jundub (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said, “I led the funeral prayer of a woman who had died in childbirth following the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم, and he صلى الله عليه وسلم stood in the middle of her to lead the funeral prayer.”
Explanation: In the funeral of a man, one stands at the level of the head, and in the funeral of a woman, one stands at the level of her middle.

Hadith: 26

وعن المغيرة بن شعبة، أن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: الراكب يسير خلف الجنازة، والماشي يمشي خلفها وأمامها، وعن يمينها وعن يسارها قريبا منها، والسقط يصلى عليه ويدعى لوالديه بالمغفرة والرحمة.

Reference: Sunan Abi Dawood, Book of Funerals, No: 3180, Sunan Tirmidhi, No: 1031, Sunan Nasa’i, No: 1942, Sunan Ibn Majah, No: 1481, Musnad Ahmad, Vol: 4, Page: 247,

Muhaddith Albani has declared it authentic.
And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Mughira bin Shu’bah رضي الله عنه that he said: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “A mounted person should walk behind the funeral procession, and the pedestrian should walk behind the funeral, in front of it, on its right, on its left, and close to it. Also, the funeral prayer should be offered for an unborn child, and supplication for forgiveness and mercy should be made for its parents.”

Hadith: 27

وعن أبى هريرة، قال: سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول: إذا صليتم على الميت فأخلصوا له الدعاء.

Reference: Sunan Abi Dawood, Book of Funerals, No: 3199, Sunan Ibn Majah, No: 1497,

Muhaddith Albani has graded it as Hasan.
And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه that he said: The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “When you perform the funeral prayer for a deceased person, pray sincerely for them.”

Hadith: 28

وعنه، قال: كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم إذا صلى على الجنازة، يقول: اللهم اغفر لحينا وميتنا، وشاهدنا وغائبنا، وصغيرنا وكبيرنا، وذكرنا وأنثانا، اللهم من أحييته منا فأحيه على الإسلام، ومن توفيته منا فتوفه على الإيمان، اللهم لا تحرمنا أجره، ولا تفتنا بعده.

Reference: Sunan Abi Dawood, Book of Funerals, No: 3201, Sunan Ibn Majah, No: 1498, Musnad Ahmad, Vol: 2, Page: 368,

Al-Muhaddith Al-Albani has declared it authentic.
And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه that he said: When the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم would perform the funeral prayer for a deceased, he would say: “O Allah, forgive our living and our dead, those present and those absent, the young and the old, men and women (their sins). O Allah! Whomever among us You keep alive, keep him alive upon Islam, and whomever You cause to die, cause his death upon faith. O Allah! Do not deprive us of his reward and do not let us be afflicted by trials after him.”

Hadith: 29

وعن مالك بن هبيرة قال: سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول: ما من مسلم يموت فيصلى عليه ثلاثة صفوف من المسلمين إلا أوجب. فكان مالك إذا استقل أهل الجنازة جزأهم ثلاثة صفوف لهذا الحديث. وفي رواية الترمذي: قال: كان مالك بن هبيرة إذا صلى على جنازة فتقال الناس عليها جزأهم ثلاثة أجزاء، ثم قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: من صلى عليه ثلاثة صفوف فقد أوجب.

Reference: Sunan Abi Dawood, Book of Funerals, No: 3166, Sunan Tirmidhi, No: 1028, Sunan Ibn Majah, No: 1490,

Al-Muhaddith Al-Bani has graded it as Hasan.
And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Malik bin Hubairah رضي الله عنه that he said: I heard the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم saying: “If a deceased Muslim has three rows of Muslims praying over his funeral prayer, then Paradise becomes obligatory for him.” Therefore, when Malik رضي الله عنه considered the number of people attending the funeral prayer to be few, he would divide them into three rows because of this hadith. And in Tirmidhi’s narration, it is mentioned that when Malik bin Hubairah رضي الله عنه led the funeral prayer for someone and the number of people was few, he would divide the people into three rows. Then he would say that the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “If a person has three rows in his funeral prayer, then Allah has made Paradise obligatory for him.”

بَابُ دَفِنِ الْمَيِّتِ

Statement on burying the deceased

Hadith: 30

وعن أبى مرثد الغنوي قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: لا تجلسوا على القبور ولا تصلوا إليها.

Reference: Sunan Abi Dawood, Book of Funerals, No: 3229, Sunan Tirmidhi, No: 1050, Sunan Nasa’i, No: 760

Narrated by Sayyiduna Abu Marthad Ghannawi رضي الله عنه, he stated that the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Do not sit on graves, nor pray facing them.”
Explanation: If the grave is directly facing the Qiblah during prayer, the prayer is invalid; however, if there is a separating wall, then there is no harm. And Allah knows best.

Hadith: 31

وعن ابن عمر أن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم كان إذا أدخل الميت فى القبر قال: بسم الله وبالله وعلى ملة رسول الله، وفي رواية: وعلى سنة رسول الله.

Reference: Sunan Abi Dawood, Book of Funerals, No: 3213, Sunan Tirmidhi, No: 1046, Sunan Ibn Majah, No: 1550, Musnad Ahmad, Vol: 2, Page: 27,

Al-Muhaddith Al-Bani has declared it authentic.
Narrated by Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar رضي الله عنهما, he stated that when the deceased was placed in the grave, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم would say: “In the name of Allah and with the help of Allah and following the way of the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم.” And in another narration, it is said that it was according to the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم).

Hadith: 32

وعن أبى هريرة، أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم صلى على جنازة، ثم أتى قبر الميت فحثى عليه من قبل رأسه ثلاثا.

Reference: Sunan Abi Dawood, Book of Funerals, No: 3213, Sunan Ibn Majah, No: 1565,

Muhaddith Albani has declared it authentic.
And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه that he said the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم led the funeral prayer for a deceased, then came to his grave and threw three handfuls of soil into the grave towards his head.“

بَابُ الْبُكَاءِ عَلَى الْمَيِّتِ

The Statement on Lamenting and Weeping over the Deceased

Hadith: 33

وعن أنس بن مالك قال: دخلنا مع رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم على أبى سيف القين، وكان ظئرا لإبراهيم عليه السلام، فأخذ رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم إبراهيم فقبله وشمه، ثم دخلنا عليه بعد ذلك، وإبراهيم يجود بنفسه، فجعلت عينا رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم تدرفان. فقال له عبد الرحمن بن عوف: وأنت يا رسول الله؟ فقال: يا ابن عوف إنها رحمة، ثم أتبعها بأخرى، فقال: إن العين تدمع، والقلب يحزن، ولا نقول إلا ما يرضى ربنا، وإنا بفراقك يا إبراهيم لمحزونون.

Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Book of Funerals, No: 1303, Sahih Muslim, No: 2315

Narrated by Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik رضي الله عنه, he stated that we went with the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم to the house of Abu Saif the blacksmith, who was the husband of the woman who nursed the Prophet’s صلى الله عليه وسلم son Ibrahim. The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم lifted Ibrahim, kissed him, and showed affection towards him. Later, when we went there again, Ibrahim was in the state of dying, and the eyes of the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم became tearful. Then Abdul Rahman bin Awf رضي الله عنه asked him: “O Messenger of Allah! Are you also shedding tears?” He صلى الله عليه وسلم replied: “O son of Awf! Shedding tears is mercy.” Then he صلى الله عليه وسلم became tearful again and said: “The eyes are tearful, the heart is sorrowful, and we say the words that our Lord loves. And O Ibrahim! Indeed, we are saddened by your separation.”

Hadith: 34

وعن عبد الله قال: قال النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم: ليس منا من لطم الخدود وشق الجيوب، ودعا بدعوى الجاهلية.

Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Book of Funerals, No: 1294, Sahih Muslim, No: 103, Sunan Tirmidhi, No: 999, Sunan Nasa’i, No: 1862, Sunan Ibn Majah, No: 1584, Musnad Ahmad, Vol: 1, Page: 432

Narrated by Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Mas’ud رضي الله عنه, he states that the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “He is not one of us who slaps his cheeks, tears his clothes, and utters words of the time of ignorance.”

Hadith: 35

وعن أبى موسى الأشعري قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: إذا مات ولد العبد، قال الله لملائكته: قبضتم ولد عبدي؟ فيقولون: نعم، فيقول: قبضتم ثمرة فؤاده؟ فيقولون: نعم، فيقول: ماذا قال عبدي؟ فيقولون: حمدك واسترجع، فيقول الله: ابنوا لعبدي بيتا فى الجنة، وسومه بيت الحمد.

Reference: Sunan Tirmidhi, Chapters on Funerals, Number: 1021, Musnad Ahmad, Volume: 4, Page: 415, Silsilat al-Sahihah, Number: 1408

Narrated by Sayyiduna Abu Musa Ash’ari رضي الله عنه, he states that the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “When a servant’s child dies, Allah says to His angels: Have you taken the soul of My servant’s child? They affirm. Allah asks: Have you taken the fruit of his heart? They acknowledge. Allah asks: What did My servant say? They reply: He praised You and repeated the words إنا لله وإنا إليه راجعون. Allah commands: Build a house for My servant in Paradise and name it Bayt al-Hamd (House of Praise).”

Hadith: 36

وعن أم سلمة أنها قالت: سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول: ما من مسلم تصيبه مصيبة فيقول ما أمره الله: إنا لله وإنا إليه راجعون، اللهم أجرني فى مصيبتي وأخلف لي خيرا منها، إلا أخلف الله له خيرا منها.

Reference: Sahih Muslim, Book of Funerals, Hadith: 918

And it is narrated from Sayyida Umm Salama (may Allah be pleased with her), she states that the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “When a Muslim is afflicted with a calamity and he supplicates with the prayer which Allah has commanded: إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ، اللَّهُمَّ أْجُرْنِي فِي مُصِيبَتِي وَأَخْلِفْ لِي خَيْرًا مِنْهَاا, then Allah will grant him something better in return.”

Hadith: 37

وعن عبد الله بن جعفر قال: لما جاء نعي جعفر، قال النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم: اصنعوا لآل جعفر طعاما فإنه قد جاءهم ما يشغلهم.

Reference: Sunan Abi Dawood, Book of Funerals, Hadith: 3132; Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 998; Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith: 1610

And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Ja’far (may Allah be pleased with him), he states that when the news of Ja’far’s (may Allah be pleased with him) death reached, the Noble Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Prepare food for the family of Ja’far, for they have been struck by a calamity that has occupied them.”

بَابُ زِيَارَةِ الْقُبُورِ

The Statement on Visiting Graves

Hadith: 38

وعن أبى هريرة قال: زار النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم قبر أمه فبكى وأبكى من حوله، فقال: استأذنت ربي فى أن أستغفر لها فلم يؤذن لي، واستأذنته فى أن أزور قبرها فأذن لي، فزوروا القبور فإنها تذكركم الموت.

Reference: Sahih Muslim, Book of Funerals, No: 976, Sunan Abi Dawood, No: 3234, Sunan An-Nasa’i, No: 2034, Sunan Ibn Majah, No: 1572, Musnad Ahmad, Vol: 2, Page: 441

And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that he stated that the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم visited his mother’s grave. He صلى الله عليه وسلم himself began to weep, and those around him also started to cry. He صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “I asked my Lord for permission to seek forgiveness for my mother, but permission was not granted to me. Then I asked for permission to visit my mother’s grave, and permission was granted. So, you should visit graves because visiting graves reminds one of death.”

Hadith: 39

وعنه، أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم لعن زوارات القبور، وقال الترمذي: قد رأى بعض أهل العلم أن هذا كان قبل أن يرخص النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم في زيارة القبور، فلما رخص دخل في رخصته الرجال والنساء. وقال بعضهم: إنما كره زيارة القبور للنساء لقلة صبرهن وكثرة جزعهن.

Reference: Sunan Tirmidhi, Chapters on Funerals, No: 1056, Sunan Ibn Majah, No: 1576, Musnad Ahmad, Vol: 5, Page: 353,

Al-Muhaddith Al-Albani has declared it authentic.
And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه that he stated the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم cursed those women who excessively visit graves. Imam Tirmidhi mentioned that this hadith is Hasan Sahih, and some scholars hold the opinion that the prohibition of visiting was before the command of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم permitting the visitation of graves. When he صلى الله عليه وسلم permitted it, this permission included both men and women. Some scholars say that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم considered the visitation of graves by women disliked because they have less patience and frequently express excessive lamentation and distress.

Hadith: 40

وعن بريدة قال: كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يعلمهم إذا خرجوا إلى المقابر: السلام على أهل الديار من المؤمنين والمسلمين، وإنا إن شاء الله بكم للاحقون، نسأل الله لنا ولكم العافية.

It is narrated from Sayyiduna Buraydah رضي الله عنه that he said the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم used to teach the noble companions رضي الله عنهم that when they go to visit graves, they should say: “O believers! O Muslims! (inhabitants of the graves!) Peace be upon you, and when Allah wills, we too shall join you. We ask Allah for well-being for ourselves and for you.”

Reference: Sahih Muslim, Book of Funerals, No: 975, Sunan Ibn Majah, No: 1547, Musnad Ahmad, Vol: 5, Page: 353

وصلى الله تعالى على خير خلقه محمد وآله وصحبه أجمعين