Chapter on Instructing the Dying (Talqin al-Muhtadarin)

Sa'd ibn 'Abdullah, from Ya'qub ibn Yazid, from Ibn Abi 'Umayr, from some of his companions, from Abu 'Abdillah عليه السلام, who said: Imam عليه السلام said: "The depth of the grave is up to the collarbone. Some said it is up to the chest, and others said it is the height of a man until a cloth can be stretched over the head of the one in the grave. As for the lahd (side chamber within the grave), it should be "to the extent that sitting is possible within it." Imam عليه السلام continued: "When death approached (Imam) 'Ali ibn Al-Husayn, peace be upon them, Imam عليه السلام fainted and remained unconscious for a while. Then, Imam عليه السلام uncovered the cloth from his face and said: 'All praise is due to Allah, who has granted us Paradise, allowing us to settle wherever we wish. How excellent is the reward of those who strive!' (Surah Az-Zumar 39:74)" Then Imam عليه السلام said: "Dig for me (my grave) until you reach the moisture of the ground (groundwater)." Imam عليه السلام then stretched the cloth back over himself, and Imam عليه السلام passed away, peace be upon him.