Final Rites [11292012] - AlHuda Sisters

The Sunnah Acts andInnovations Relatedto Condolences1. It is prescribed to give condolences to the family of the deceased (by reminding them of the reward if they remain patient and invoke for the deceased and the afflicted relatives of the deceased). Narrated Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet said: “Whoever gives condolences for his believing brother at the time of distress, Allah will adorn him in green garments (which he will be envied for) on the Day of Resurrection.” (Reported by al-­‐Khateeb in Tarikh Baghdad) 2. A Muslim should say that which comforts the family of the deceased, and encourages patience and contentment with Allah's Decree. One may quote supplications, which are reported from authentic ahadeeth of the Prophet if he knows any. Otherwise, he may say any good words that seem suitable and do not contradict Islamic Law. Narrated Usamah bin Zaid (may Allah be pleased with him): The daughter of the Prophet sent (a messenger) to the Prophet requesting him to come as her child was dying (or was gasping), but the Prophet returned the messenger and told him to convey his greeting to her and say: ”Whatever Allah takes is for Him and whatever He gives, is for Him, and everything with Him has a limited fixed term (in this world) and so she should be patient and hope for Allah’s reward.” She again sent for him, swearing that he should come. The Prophet got up, and so did Sa’d bin ‘Ubadah, Mu’adh bin Jabal, Ubai bin K’ab, Zaid bin Thabit (may Allah be pleased with them), and some other men. The child was brought to Allah’s Messenger while his breath was disturbed in his chest (the subnarrator thinks that Usamah added:) as if it was a leather water-­‐skin. Upon seeing that the eyes of the Prophet started shedding tears. Sa’d (may Allah be pleased with him) said: ”O Allah’s Messenger, what is this?” He replied, “It is mercy which Allah has lodged in the heart of His slaves, and Allah is Merciful only to those of his slaves who are merciful (to others).“ (Al-­‐Bukhari) Inna Lillahi maa akhadha wa lahu maa a’thaa, wa kulli shayin ‘indahu bi ajalin musamma. “Whatever Allah takes is for Him and whatever He gives, is for Him, and everything with Him has a limited appointed time (in this world)." -­‐ 13 -­‐