Taken from: Fatawa Ameenpuri by Shaykh Ghulam Mustafa Zaheer Ameenpuri
❖ Question:
What should one say when visiting or approaching the deceased? Which supplication should be recited?
❖ Recommended Words and Du‘a:
When someone passes away, the Sunnah encourages saying words of goodness and making du‘a for the deceased, as angels say Āmīn to what is spoken at such moments.
✿ Hadith of Umm Salamah (رضي الله عنها):
Sayyidah Umm Salamah (رضي الله عنها) narrated:
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“When you visit a sick person or someone who has died, say only that which is good, for the angels say Āmīn to what you say.”
She continued:
“When Abu Salamah (رضي الله عنه) passed away, I said:
‘O Messenger of Allah! Abu Salamah has died.’
The Prophet ﷺ told me:
‘Say this du‘a:
اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَلَهُ، وَأَعقِبْنِي مِنْهُ عُقْبَى حَسَنَةً
O Allah! Forgive me and him, and grant me a better replacement than him.’
Sayyidah Umm Salamah said:
“I made this supplication, and Allah granted me someone better than him – Muhammad ﷺ.”
(Sahih Muslim: 919)
✿ Additional Sunnah Etiquette:
✔ Mention only the good qualities of the deceased.
✔ Encourage the family to have patience and remain steadfast.
✔ Do not wail, complain, or say inappropriate things.
✔ Pray for forgiveness, mercy, and elevation of the deceased’s ranks.
✅ Summary:
✔ Upon approaching or visiting the deceased:
Recite:
اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَلَهُ، وَأَعْقِبْنِي مِنْهُ عُقْبَى حَسَنَةً
O Allah! Forgive me and him, and grant me a good replacement after him.
✔ Say good words, as angels say Āmīn to your du‘a.
✔ Comfort the bereaved family with words of patience, faith, and support.
