Patience in Grief

The loss of a loved one causes severe grief and sorrow, which only the mourner can truly understand. The bereaved should be extended a sincere hand of sympathy and support by relatives and Muslim brothers and sisters. A Muslim struck by affliction should draw deeply on his faith in Allah and display the utmost patience, with the knowledge that all life is a gift from Allah which he gives and takes as he chooses, for he is the compassionate and is full of mercy. The believers should find consolation that they will be re-united with their loved ones in the Hereafter Insha-Allah, and they should strive to attain this through righteous deeds and worship of Allah according to the Qur’an and Sunnah. It is clearly stated in the Qur’an,

'Every soul shall have a taste of death: In the end to Us shall ye be brought back.' [Surah Al-Ankabut 29:57, Translation by A.Yusuf Ali]

Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Umar: Allah's Apostle said, "When anyone of you dies, he is shown his place both in the morning and in the evening. If he is one of the people of Paradise; he is shown his place in it, and if he is from the people of the Hell-Fire; he is shown his place there-in. Then it is said to him, 'This is your place till Allah resurrect you on the Day of Resurrection." [Sahih Al-Bukhari Vol 2:461, Translation by M.Muhsin Khan]

‘Those who patiently persevere, seeking the countenance of their Lord; establish regular prayers; spend, out of (the gifts) We have bestowed for their sustenance, secretly and openly; and turn off Evil with good: for such there is the final attainment of the (Eternal) Home - Gardens of perpetual bliss: They shall enter there, as well as the righteous among their fathers, their spouses, and their offspring: And angels shall enter unto them from every gate (with the salutation)’ [Surah Al-Rad 13:22-23, Translation by A.Yusuf Ali]

What Benefits the Dead?

The deceased should not be forgotten, they now face the future alone and can no longer act on their own accord. They can however derive benefits from our supplications and actions, which are done on their behalf.

Prayers for the Dead
Narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas, the Messenger of Allah (saw) said, "...If any Muslim dies and forty men, who associate nothing with Allah, join in the Salatul Janazah, Allah will accept them as intercessors for him.” [Muslim, Hadith no. 467]

Narrated Anas bin Malik: A funeral procession passed and the people praised the deceased. The Prophet said, "It has been affirmed to him." Then another funeral procession passed and the people spoke badly of the deceased. The Prophet said, "It has been affirmed to him". 'Umar bin Al-Khattab asked (Allah's Apostle (p.b.u.h)), "What has been affirmed?" He replied, "You praised this, so Paradise has been affirmed to him; and you spoke badly of this, so Hell has been affirmed to him. You people are Allah's witnesses on earth."  [Sahih Al-Bukhari Vol. 2:448, Translation by M.Muhsin Khan]

The dead will feel the presence of his brothers after his burial for a period of time no longer than it takes to slaughter a camel and distribute its meat.

The meaning of the above statement by ‘Amr ibn al-’As has preceded: ‘...When you bury me, fill my grave well with earth, then stand around it for a time which a camel is slaughtered and its meat distributed so that I may enjoy your intimacy and (in your company) ascertain what answer I can give to the messengers (angels) of Allah.’ [Muslim, Hadith no. 46]

Supplications for the Deceased Immediately after Burial
Related from Uthman ibn Affan that whenever the Messenger of Allah completed the burial of a deceased, he used to stay at him (i.e. his grave) and say, ‘Seek forgiveness for your brother, and beg steadfastness for him, for he will be questioned now.’ [Sunan of Abu Dawud, Hadith no. 1426]

Continuing Charity
Narrated Abu Hurayrah, The Messenger of Allah said, “When a man dies, his acts come to an end, but three, recurring (ongoing) charity (Sadaqah Jariyah), or knowledge (by which people) benefit, or a pious son (offspring), who prays for him (for the deceased).” [Muslim, Hadith no. 766]

Death is an inevitable journey, which we will all face alone. All worldly attachments will be left behind and only our belief, righteous actions and worship will be of any use. Therefore we should remember death frequently and fear Allah.

Belief in life after death is an essential part of belief in Islam. Also referred to as the Hereafter, it is the final destination of all mankind. Here, on the Day of Reckoning, we will face the Almighty Creator and be held accountable for all the actions and deeds we undertook in this worldly life.

A MATURE PERSON BEFORE TAKING ANY TRIP SHOULD PREPARE ALL THAT IS NEEDED TO HAVE A SAFE JOURNEY, AND SINCE NO ONE KNOWS WHEN THIS JOURNEY WILL START, THEN IT BECOMES LOGICAL TO GET READY RIGHT AWAY.

May Allah the Almighty forgive us for our shortcomings and guide us to that which He loves and is pleased with. Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah's Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me alone. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength. Aameen

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