Chapter on Guiding the Dying, Positioning Them at Death, Procedures for Their Final Moments, Washing Them, and Placing Them in Shrouds

Ahmad ibn ‘Abdun narrated from ‘Ali ibn Muhammad ibn al-Zubayr al-Qurashi, from ‘Ali ibn al-Hasan ibn Faddal, from Ayyub ibn Nuh, from Muhammad ibn Sinan, from Muhammad ibn ‘Ajlan: He said: I heard a truthful one who speaks truthfully about Allah سبحانه وتعالى, (meaning Abu ‘Abdullah عليه السلام), say: "When you bring the deceased to his grave, do not lower him into it suddenly. Instead, place him about two or three arm-lengths away from the grave and leave him there for a moment so that he may prepare for the grave. Do not startle him with it. When you place him in the grave, the person most closely related to him should stand near his head, uncover his cheek, and press it against the earth. Then, he should mention the name of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, seek refuge from Satan, and recite Surat al-Fatiha, Surat al-Ikhlas (Qul Huwa Allahu Ahad), the two protective Surahs (al-Mu‘awwidhatayn), and Ayat al-Kursi. After that, he should say what he knows and make the deceased hear the declaration of faith (Talqin): 'I bear witness that there is no god but Allah سبحانه وتعالى and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى (may Allah سبحانه وتعالى bless him and his family).' He should then remind him of what he knows (talqin), one by one."