How to Say Something Nice When Someone Dies in Islam
If you want to say something nice when someone dies in Islam, you need to follow a few guidelines. These guidelines include prayer in the correct manner, being patient and steadfast, and reminding yourself that Allah’s way is best for creation. For more information on Islam and condolences, see the following articles.
ta’ziyah
Islam teaches us that there are certain ways to express condolences to the bereaved. Those are known as ta’ziyat, and these are offered to the deceased’s family and friends before and after the funeral. They should aim to offer comfort and guidance, and supplicate for the deceased. It is important to understand that this is not the time to inquire about the deceased’s illness or circumstances of death.
One of the main ways to offer condolences is to gather in a place where the deceased’s family members can see the people who want to offer their condolences. This can be a place such as the deceased’s house, or an open field. The Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) also teaches us to offer condolences in a unique manner. However, this shouldn’t involve a large gathering or extravagant food.
Extending a hand of sympathy to other Muslims
In Islam, the practice of offering condolences is considered a noble act. Whether offered in person or by sending a card, it is customary to offer sympathy to the bereaved family. It is also permissible to express personal feelings during the three-day mourning period.
Autopsy is a desecration of the deceased
An autopsy, also known as a post-mortem examination, is a medical procedure performed on a dead body. It is performed for scientific, medical, and educational purposes. Autopsies are controversial in Islam. However, the Islamic tradition has permitted autopsies in some circumstances. The permissibility of autopsies depends on the purpose for which they are performed. In Arabic, the term for autopsy is tashrih, which means “cutting the corpse open”.
In the Islamic tradition, autopsies should take place as soon as possible after death. Although there are some exceptions for medical and legal reasons, most funerals take place on the second or third day after death.
Flowers for the home and grave site
Flowers for the home and grave site when someone passes away are not appropriate in the Islamic religion. While there are some traditions that say that a simple gift, such as a bouquet of flowers, is the appropriate gift for a Muslim funeral, they are not the traditional way to express condolences in the Islamic culture. For this reason, most Muslims prefer to give memorial donations to a charity instead. Donating to charity is an especially important gesture in Muslim culture, since it can turn a tragedy into a source of hope.
In Islam, the closest male relative of the deceased is first in line at the funeral. He is then followed by other male family members, children, and women. After the male family members have entered the room, the Iman will deliver the funeral prayer facing Mecca. The body is then placed in front of the Iman for the funeral prayer. The funeral prayer is very similar to the five daily prayers that Muslims pray each day, and it is done in silence. The Muslim community does not want loud wailing to distract the mourners.
Expressing condolences even if you were not present at the time of death
Islamic scholars have expressed varying opinions on whether offering condolences to a deceased non-Muslim is permissible. There are certain dangers associated with this practice, such as the potential to cause hostility. However, Muslim minorities often socialize with non-Muslims, and so it is natural to offer condolences when a neighbour loses a loved one. According to Muslim scholars, Imam Ahmad’s view is unclear.
As for the funeral processions, scholars agree that the right manner is to remain silent. In the past, pious Muslims did not raise their voices while accompanying a funeral procession. This helps concentrate attention on the funeral rites. Unfortunately, many people do not follow this tradition. It is also prohibited for ignorant people to prolong funeral processions artificially.
Impatience
There are many ways to express condolences in Islam, but one of the most common is to send a Quranic verse. This is typically done through social media or messaging services, such as WhatsApp. Upon learning of the death, people copy the verse, and send it privately or in group chats. It is also common for Muslims to share the verse on Facebook and other social media sites.