Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

Chapter Eight: The Kafan

The Kafan is highly valued and a person is consideredto be mindful of death if he / she has prepared it prior to their death, which is commendable. The cloth has to be of the finest quality and no expense spared, for on the Day of Resurrection, the deceased will be proud of the Kafan that they wear.

[Lari, Sayyid Mutjtaba Musavi (1992).] The money used to purchase the Kafan must be, with no doubt, lawful money and is not tobe used at the time of pilgrimage or in daily prayers. The Kafan needs tobe made from white cotton cloth and the thread used needs to have the yarn taken out from it. It also should be Pak( free from impurities) There needs to be sufficient quantities of cotton placed on the orifices so urine and faeces so not to stain the cloth.

Khak-e-Shifa

It is optional that a little Khak-e-Shifa (dust from the grave of Imam Hussain[ A.S .]) and camphor is placed within the Kafan.The name of the deceased and the father [according to some the Mothers name as well is mentioned here] of the deceased and the triple testimony of the Unity of Allah, the Prophethood of Muhammad [pbuhahp] and of the Imamat ( and the vice-gerency) of the Twelve Imams [A.S.] are written on all the wajib and Mustahab pieces of the Kafan in the following way:

Yashhadu/Tashhadu (for female) an laa ilaaha illaallahoo wah'dahoo laashareeka lahoo wa anna Muh'ammadan a'bduhoo wa rasooluhoo wa anna a'liyyan walh'asana walh'usayna wa a'liyyan wa Muh'ammasan wa a'liyyan wal-h'asana walh'ujjatul qaa-ima a;layhimus salam awliyaaa-ulaahu wa aws'iyaa-u Rasoolillaahi wa a-Immatee wa annal Baa'-tha wath thawaaba wal-I'qaaba h'aqq.

(So and so son/daughter of so and so bears witness that there is no Allah but Allah He is the only Allah and has no partner and that Muhammad [pbuhahp] is the servant and the Prophet of Allah [S.A.W] and that Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib [A.S.] and Hassan ibn Ali [A.S.] and Hussain ibn Ali [A.S.] and Ali ibn Al-Hussain [A.S.] and Muhammad al Baqir al Baqir al Baqir [A.S.] and Jafar as Sadiq [A.S.] and Moussa al Qazim [A.S.] and Ali ibn Moussa [A.S.] and Muhammad [A.S.] and Ali [A.S.] and Hassan [A.S.]

and Hijjatul Qaimo [A.S.] are the Guides of Allah and the executers of the Prophets of the Prophet's will and my Imams [A.S.]and that resurrection and the reward and punishment are true. [Sayyid, Hadi Husayn (1988).]

It is also optional for the names of forty Momins (true believers) and their fathers to be written on a piece of cloth, after getting permission from them, which along with the testimony of the deceased's religious belief, act as witnesses to the fact that the deceased is a true believer. The Momins need to see the name of the deceased, who is the daughter / son of so andso is written on the cloth also.

NB: [There is a sheet manufactured inYemen which is available for the use of Kafans and the ready made Kafans with the Holy names already printed on the cloth is available from Iran and Iraq]

Wajib Three Pieces of Cloth for Kafan

Whether the deceased is a male of a female, the following pieces of Kafan are Wajib.

Lung (loin cloth ) which should be large enough to cover from the loins to the knees but preferably from the breasts to the feet.

Pairahan (Kafani), should be long enough to cover the body from the shoulders to the ankles but preferably down to the feet.

Chaadar / Sar-ta-siri / Pot Ki Chaadar (shroud / sheet), should be wide enough to cover the body all round and long enough to be fastened above the head and below the feet.

Mustahab (commendable) Pieces of Cloth for Kafan / Mustahabaat - e - KafanFor the Male person deceased:

Raan Paich which should be one or two spans in width and 1yards in length Ammama (Turban) about nine inches wide and three yards long so that after at least one roll round the head the ends may be stretches on to the breast.

For the Female person deceased:

Raan Paich Orhni (a big scarf)

Seena Band (a bodice) which should be wide enough to cover the breasts and long enough to tie in a knot at the back Extra Chaadar (sheet)

Qasaaba (triangular kerchief) fastened round the head Therefore there are altogether five pieces of cloth for the deceased male and eight pieces of cloth for the deceased female. [Sayyid, Hadi Husayn (1988).]

As in bathing a deceased person, it is wajib that the person dressing the deceased in theKafan, must get the permission of the heir of the deceased.

Chapter Nine: Dressing the Deceased in the Kafan

Please note that when dressing the deceased in the Kafan, any hair, nails or skin that has become detached from the body,must be placed within the Kafan when it is closed, before the burial.

For a Woman

a) First of all you need to lay the Chadar (sheet) on a clean surface and place the deceased at the top end, parallel with the length of the sheet. The Chadar should be twice the length of the body, plus some more, so that you may tie the top and bottom when finished. [Wajib]

b) Tie the bodice around the chest. [Optional]

c ) Put the Lung (loin cloth) on from the waist to the knees (preferably from the breasts to the feet.). The lungshould be fastened so that the knot lies on the back. [Wajib]

d) Hunootshould be administered for the pleasure of Allah whereby crushed camphor should be rubbed on the forehead, both palms, both knees, both the big toes, and on the apex of the nose.

e) Place the Ran Paich under the middle (waist) and tie firmly to fasten theloin cloth so that the cotton placed on the private parts to prevent staining, do not become displaced. [Optional]

f) Place the Pairahan (shroud) over from the shoulders to the feet. [Wajib]

g) Place the Orhni (scarf) and Qasaba (triangular kerchief) on the head. [Optional]

h) Flip the end of the Chadar up and over the feet so that it covers the entire body and tie it loosely at the headand also at the feet. The head tie is loose so that you may open it at the burial site and show the blood relatives the face of the deceased. [Wajib]

For a Man

a) First of all you need to lay theChadar( sheet) on a clean surface and place the deceased at the top end, parallel with the length of the sheet. The Chadar should be twice the length of the body, plus some more, so that you may tie the top and bottom when finished. [Wajib]

b ) Put the Lung (loin cloth) on from the waist to the knees. The lungshould be fastened so that the knot coincides with the navel. [Wajib]

c) Hunootshould be administered for the pleasure of Allah whereby crushed camphor should be rubbed on the forehead, both palms, both knees, both the big toes, and on the apex of the nose.

d) Place the Ran Paich under the middle (waist) and tie firmly to fasten theloin cloth so that the cotton placed on the private parts to prevent staining, do not become displaced. [Optional]

e) Place the Pairahan (shroud) over from the shoulders to the feet. [Wajib]

f) Place the Ammama (turban) on the head. It should be wound around the head, so thatit's border on the right side, passes under the chin and is spread on the left side of the breast, and the border on the left side passes under the chin and is spread on the right side of the breast. [Optional]

g) Flip the end of the Chaadar up and over the feet so that it covers the entire body and tie it loosely at the headand also at the feet. The head tie is loose so that you may open it at the burial site and show the blood relatives the face of the deceased. [Wajib]

The Do Nots and Makroohaat (Undesirables) of Kafan

It is Makroohaat (undesirable) to do the followingwith regards to the Kafan:

a) Do not cut the Kafan with steel or iron objects.

b) Do not add sleeves or tukma to the Kafan.

c) Try to select material that has adequate length and width so you do not have to sew several pieces of cloth together to make up the lengths.

d) Do not moisten thread, used on the Kafan, with spittle.

e) Do not perfume the Kafan.

f) Do not use silken cloth for the Kafan.

g) Do not wind the ends of the turban (for a man) so that the ends come around the chin and onto the breast.

Chapter Ten: The Funeral and Funeral Prayers (Namaz ofJanaza )

When Sighting a Coffin or Deceased Person for the First Time "Innaa lillaahiwa inna ilayhi raaji-o'on allaahu akbar. Haad'aa maa wa-a'danallaahuwa Rasooluhu wa s'adaqallaahu wa Rasooluh.Allaahumma zadnaa eemaanan wa tasleemaa alh'amdu lillaahil lad'ee ta-a'zzaza bilqudrati wa qaharal I'baada bilmawat."

(Verily to Allah we belong and to Him we must return. Allah is Supreme. This is what Allah and His Prophet promised us. Allah and His Prophet spoke the truth.O Allah! Strengthen our faith and resignation unto Thee. All praise is due to Allah Who is strong because of His Might and power and subdued the servants with death." [Sayyid, Hadi Husayn (1988), pg. 147]

Virtues of Carrying and Walking Behind the Coffin

Ithas been narrated by imam Jafar as-Sadiq [A.S.] that:

If a faithful believer walks behind the coffin of a deceased believer and buries him / her, Allah [SWT] will send 70 angels to his / her grave on the Day of Judgement. These angels will then accompany the resurrected individual to the place of judgement andwill at all times be praying for forgiveness and salutations on the person. [Sayyid, Hadi Husayn (1988), pg. 143]

For a person who carries the Bier on his / her shoulder, Allah [S.W.T.] will forgive 25 major sins of the person.

Dua of 40 Momins

Itis narrated from Imam Jafar as-Sadiq [A.S.] that Allah [S.W.T.] will forgive the unseen sins of the deceased if 40 Momins recite the following dua over the body of the deceased:

"Allahhumma laa naa'-lamu minhu/minhaa (for female) illa. Khayranwa anta aa'-lamu bihee/bihaa (for female) minnaa."

(O Allah! We are only aware of the good deeds of this dead body butYou know much more about him / her than us.) [Sayyid, Hadi Husayn (1988), pg. 144]

Duas to be Recited in Funeral Procession with the Coffin

Ithas been narrated by the Holy Prophet of Islam [S.W.S.] that there would not be an angel who is bought to tears and who will show kindness when hearing the following dua:

"Allahu akbar haad'aa maa wa-a'danal-laahoo wa rasooluhoo wa s'adaqqal-laahoo wa rasooluh. Allaahumma zid'naa eemaananwa tasleemaa. Alh'amdu lillaahil lad'ee ta-a'zzad'a bil-qudratiwa qaharal I'baada bil-mawat."

(God is great! This is what had been promised to us by God and HisProphet and Allah and His Prophet are true. O Allahelevate us in faith, obedience and piety. All praise is for God Who dominates on account of His Might and Who has subdued mankind with death.) [Sayyid, Hadi Husayn (1988), pg. 145]

There are many blessings in accompanying the deceased in the funeral procession. Refrain from talking about worldly issues while in procession and recite the following:

"Ghafarallaahu lakum laa ilaaha illallaahu h'aqqun muh'ammadun rasoolollaahi a'liyyun ameerul moo-mineena waliyullaahi fatimatuz zahraa-u s'afwatullaah alh'asanu walh'usaynu sibt'aa rasoolilaahi wal a-immatut' t'ahireena hujajullaah. Haad'aa maa wa-a'danaallaahu wa s'adaqa rasooluhoo wa ballaghal mursaloon."

(May Allah pardonyou. There is no deity but Allah, the Righteous, Muhammad is the Prophet of Allah; Ali, the Commander of the faithfuls is the friend of Allah, Fatimah tuz Zahra is the chosen one of Allah; Hassan and Hussain are the grandsons of the Messenger of Allah; and pure Imams are the indisputable proofs of Allah, this is what Allah has promised and (also) promised by the Prophet of Allah. This is whatis verified by Allah and by His prophet and the Prophets have delivered the same.) [Sayyid, Hadi Husayn (1988), pg. 146]

Recite the triple testimony and continually pray for forgiveness and salvation for the deceased:

"Ashhaduan laa illaha illallaah Ashhadu anna muh'ammadan rasoolullaah Ashhadu anna a'liyyan waliyyullaah."

(I bear witness that there is no god but Allah I bear witness that Muhammad [S.W.S] is His Prophet I bear witness that Ali [A.S.] is friend of Allah.)

[Sayyid, Hadi Husayn (1988), pg. 148]

ChapterEleven : The Bearers of the Bier

It is Mustahab for the bearers of the bier to place the four corners of the bier on their shoulders starting with:

a)the right shoulder of the first bearer with the right shoulder of the deceased (left hand side of the bier)

b)the right shoulder of the second bearer with the right foot of the deceased

c)the left shoulder of the third bearer with the left foot of the deceased (right hand side of the bier)

d)the left shoulder of the forth bearer with the left shoulder of the deceased It is Mustahab that the bearers of the bier recite the following dua:

"Bismillahiwa billaahi allahumma s'alli a'laa Muh'ammadin wa aali Muh'ammad.

Allahhummaghfir lilmoo-mineena walmoo-minaat.)"

(In the name of Allah and by Allah! O Allahsend Thy blessings on Muhammad and on his children. O Allahforgive all the true believers, male and female.")

[Sayyid, Hadi Husayn (1988), pg. 147]

Duas When Entering a Graveyard

The following Imams [A.S.]are quoted as saying the following when a person is entering a graveyard:

Imam Amirul Momineen Ali [A.S.] said:

"Bismillaahir-rah'maanir-rah'eem. Assalaamu a'laa ahli laa ilaaha illal laahu min ihli laa ilaaha illal laahoo yaa ahla laa ilaaha illal laahu bihaqqi laa ilaaha illal laahu kayfa wajadtum qawla laa ilaaha illal laahu min laa ilaaha illal laahu bihaqqi laa ilaaha illal laahu ighfir liman qaala laa ilaaha illal laahu wah'shurna fee zum-rati man qaala laa ilaaha illal laahu Muh'ammadun Rasoolil laahi a'liyyun waliyyullaah."

(In the name of Allah, the Beneficient,the Merciful.Salutations be to the people of "Laa ilaaha illallahu" from the people of "Laa ilaaha illallahu", by the right of "Laa ilaaha illallahu" how did you find saying "Laa ilaaha illallahu" from "Laa ilaaha illallahu" by the right of "Laa ilaaha illallahu" grant pardon to whoever said "Laa ilaaha illallahu" and raise us up among the party of those who said there is no god except Allah, Muhammad is His Messenger, Ali is the friend of Allah.) [Sayyid, Hadi Husayn (1988), pg. 170.]

Imam Hussain [A.S.] said:

"Allaahumma rabba haad'ihil arwaahil faaniyati walajsaadil baaliyati wali'z'aamin nakhirtil latee kharajat minaddunyaa bika moo-minatan adkhil a'layhinna rawh'an minkawa salaaman, minnee."

(O Allah, the Lord of these souls which are dead; and the bodies that have decayed and the bones that have been worm-eaten and have gone from this world to You as Faithfuls do admit over them happiness, from Yourself and salutation from me.) [Sayyid, Hadi Husayn (1988), pg. 169.] Imam Jafar as-Sadiq [A.S.] said:

"Assalaamu a'laa ahilidayari minal moo-mineena walmuslimeena antum lanaafarat'un wa nah'nu inshaa-al laahu bikum laah'iqoon" (Peace be on the inmates of the region from the faithful and believers, you are lesson to us, and God willing we are about to join you.) [Sayyid, Hadi Husayn (1988), pg. 170.]

The Fear ofBeing Buried

When the deceased is bought to thegrave yard for burial, he / she should not be buried straight away but should be laid down some distance from the grave so that the deceased may get used to the new surroundings and build up strength to face the difficulties to come.

The soul stays interested and attached to the dead body for sometime, and is present at the washing and the burial of the body. It fears the questioning from 'Munhar and Nakeer', the squeezing in the grave and the chastisement in Hell among other things, which they feel unprepared to deal with. It is important to reassure the soul and be sensitive to the fear that it is experiencing.

Ali-ibn-al-Hussain [A.S.], the forth Imam,was once asked how he, the son of the Messenger of Allah, began each morning, and he [A.S.] replied: "I begin each morning while I am demanded of eight virtues:

Allah, the Exalted, demands ofme the obligatory;

the Prophet [S.W.S] demands of me his tradition (Sunnah);

family demand of me food (material);

the self looks for desires;

Satan demands me (to commit) sin;

the two protective angels demand of me virtuousness;

the angel of death demands of my the spirit and;

the grave demands of me my body.

Therefore, I am, surrounded by these traits, demanded"

[Imami, Ayatullah Sayyid Kamal Faghih (1998), pg. 53]

Chapter Twelve: Namaz-I-Janaza (Namaz-I-Maiyat)The Funeral Prayer for a Male

Only believers present at the funeralare allowed to perform Namaz-I-Janaza.

Complete Taharrat (freedom from pollution) is not necessary but itis recommended especially for the believer leading prayer. [Wudu (ritual ablution of the face and forearms)is firstly recommended and Ghusl (bath for the removal of pollution) is recommended if required.]The believer leading Namaz-I-Janaza is required to recite the prayer with his / her shoes removed or can place them underfoot.

Namaz-I-Janaza can be performed by the individual by his/her self but it is Mustahab that it be offered in Juma'at (en Masse).

The deceased should be placed facing Qibla and on the right hand side of the prayer leader.

Niyyat

The the person / people leading prayer, the following Niyyatis recited :

"I offer Janaza prayer on this corpse present before me for the pleasure of Allah as the ultimate end in view" "Allah Akbar"is then said immediately raising your hands up to the ears.

Five Takbeers (saying "Allaho Akbar" with hands raised up to the ears is Wajib for all people present. Youare not allowed to stay silent. They must repeat what the prayer leader says.

Text for Recitation of Namaz-I-Janaza Namaz-I-Janaza (Short Form) Niyyat

"I offer Janaza prayer on this corpse present before me for the pleasure of Allah as the ultimate in view." Then recite "Allahu Akbar", the second Takbeer, with the hands raised up to the ears.

"Ashhadu an laa ilaaha illallaahu wah'dahoo laashareeka lahoowa assadu anna Muh'ammadan a'bduhoo wa Rasooluhoo allaahu akbar allaahumma s'alli a'laa Muh'ammadin wa aali Muh'ammad. Allahummaghfir lil-Moo-mineena wal Moo-minaat allaahuakbar .Allaahummaghfir lihaad'al / lihaad'ihee (for female) mayyit. Allaahu akbar."

(I bear witness that there is no god but Allah. He is the only Allah and has no partner andI bear witness that Muhammad is His Servant and His Prophet.

Allah isGreat .O Allah! Send blessings on Muhammad and the Progeny of Muhammad.

O Allah! Forgive the true believer, male and female.

Allah isGreat .O Allah! Forgive this deceased male / female. Allah isGreat .) [Sayyid, Hadi Husayn (1988), pg. 149]

Namaz-I-Janaza (Longer Form) Niyyat

"I offer Janaza prayer on this corpse [deceased] present before me for the pleasure of Allah as the ultimate in view." Then recite "Allahu Akbar", the second Takbeer, with the hands raised up to the ears.

"Ashhadu an laa ilaaha illallaahu wah'dahoo laashareeka lahoowa assadu anna Muh'ammadan a'bduhoo wa Rasooluh.Arhalahoo bilhaqqi basheeran'w wa nad'eeran bayna yadayis saa-a'h."

Then recite "Allahu Akbar", the second Takbeer, with hands raised up to the ears.

"Allaahumma s'alli a'laa Muh'ammadin'w wa aali Muh'ammad wa sallim a'laa Muh'hammadin'w wa aali Muh'ammadin'w wa baarik a'laa Muh'ammadin'w wa aali Muh'ammadin warh'am Muh'ammadan'w wa aala Muh'ammadin ka-afz"ali maa s'allayta wa sallamta wa baarakta wa tarah'h'amta a'laa Ibraaheema wa aali Ibraaheema innaka h'ameedun majeed.Wa s'alli a'laa jamee-I'l anbiyaaa-I walmursaleena washshuhadaa-I was's'ideeqeena wa I'baadillaahis' s'allih'een."

(O Allah, send blessings on Muhammad and on the Progeny of Muhammad and send salutation on Muhammad and the Progeny of Muhammad and grant bliss to Muhammad and the Progeny of Muhammad and have mercy on Muhammad and Progeny of Muhammad, the best as You sent blessings and salutations and bliss and had mercy on Ibraheem and the Progeny of Ibraheem.

VerilyYou are the Praised, the Grand.

And send blessings on all the Prophets and Messengers and Martyrs and testifiers and virtuous servants of Allah.)

Then recite "Allahu Akbar", the third Takbeer, with hands raised up to the ears.

"Allahummaaghfir lil Moo-Mineena walMoo-minaati walMuslimeena wal-mulimaat al ah'yaa-I min hum walamwaati taabi' baynanaa wa baynahum bilkayraati innaka mujeebud da'-waati innaka a'laakulli shay-in qadeer."

(O Allah, grant pardon to the faithful males and faithful females and Muslim males and Muslimfemales , the living among them and the dead. Behave with us and with them with charity.

VerilyYou are Responder to prayers.

VerilyYou are over everything Powerful.)

Then recite "Allahu Akbar", the fourth Takbeer, with hands raised up to the ears. If the deceased is a male, recite the following:

"Allahumma inna had'aa a'bduka wabnu a'bdika wabnu amatika nazala bikawa anta khayru manzoolin bihee, allaahumma innaa laa naa'-lamu bihee, minnaa, allaahumma in kaana had'aa muh'sinan fazid fee ih'saanihee wa in kaana musee-an fatajaawaza'nhu waghfirlahoo. Allahummaja'lhu I'ndaka feeaa '-laa I'liye'ena wakhluf a'laa ahlihee filghaabireena warh'amhu birah'matika yaa arh'amarraah'imeen."

(O Allah! He is indeedYour servant and the son of Your male servant and Your female servant. He has come toYou and You are the best of hosts for him.

O Allah! We do not know anything about him except that he was good andYou know him better than we do.

O Allah! Add to his virtues if he wasgood and forgive him if he was bad and grant him pardon.

O Allah! Put him in the highest station inYour proximity and appoint his successor from among those relations who survive him and be merciful to him O the Most Merciful.)

ChapterThirteen : Namaz-I-Janaza (Namaz-I-Maiyat) The Funeral Prayer for a Female, Minor and Insane Person

Only believers present at the funeralare allowed to perform Namaz-I-Janaza.

Complete Taharrat (freedom from pollution) is not necessary but itis recommended especially for the believer leading prayer. [Wudu (ritual ablution of the face and forearms)is firstly recommended and Ghusl (bath for the removal of pollution) is recommended if required.]

The believer leading Namaz-I-Janaza is required to recite the prayer with his / her shoes removed or can place them underfoot.

Namaz-I-Janaza can be performed by the individual by his/her self but it is Mustahab that it be offered in Juma'at (en Masse).

The deceased should be placed facing Qibla and on the right hand side of the prayer leader.

Niyyat

The the person / people leading prayer, the following Niyyatis recited :

"I offer Janaza prayer on this corpse present before me for the pleasure of Allah as the ultimate end in view" "Allah Akbar"is then said immediately raising your hands up to the ears.

Five Takbeers saying "Allaho Akbar" with handsraised up to the ears is Wajib for all people present. Youare not allowed to stay silent. They must repeat what the prayer leader says.

Text for Recitation of Namaz-I-Janaza

Namaz-I-Janaza (Short Form)

Niyyat

"I offer Janaza prayer on this corpse present before me for the pleasure of Allah as the ultimate in view." Then recite "Allahu Akbar", the second Takbeer, with the hands raised up to the ears.

"Ashhadu an laa ilaaha illallaahu wah'dahoo laashareeka lahoowa assadu anna Muh'ammadan a'bduhoo wa Rasooluhoo allaahu akbar allaahumma s'alli a'laa Muh'ammadin wa aali Muh'ammad. Allahummaghfir lil-Moo-mineena wal Moo-minaat allaahuakbar .Allaahummaghfir lihaad'al / lihaad'ihee (for female) mayyit. Allaahu akbar."

(I bear witness that there is no god but Allah. He is the only Allah and has no partner andI bear witness that Muhammad is His Servant and His Prophet.

Allah isGreat .O Allah! Send blessings on Muhammad and the Progeny of Muhammad.

O Allah! Forgive the true believer, male and female.

Allah isGreat .O Allah! Forgive this deceased male / female. Allah isGreat .)

[Sayyid, Hadi Husayn (1988), pg. 149]

"I offer Janaza prayer on this corpse [deceased] present before me for the pleasure of Allah as the ultimate in view." Then recite "Allahu Akbar", the second Takbeer, with the hands raised up to the ears. "Ashhadu an laa ilaaha illallaahu wah'dahoo laashareeka lahoowa assadu anna Muh'ammadan a'bduhoo wa Rasooluh.Arhalahoo bilhaqqi basheeran'w wa nad'eeran bayna yadayis saa-a'h."

Then recite "Allahu Akbar", the second Takbeer, with hands raised up to the ears.

"Allaahumma s'alli a'laa Muh'ammadin'w wa aali Muh'ammad wa sallim a'laa Muh'hammadin'w wa aali Muh'ammadin'w wa baarik a'laa Muh'ammadin'w wa aali Muh'ammadin warh'am Muh'ammadan'w wa aala Muh'ammadin ka-afz"ali maa s'allayta wa sallamta wa baarakta wa tarah'h'amta a'laa Ibraaheema wa aali Ibraaheema innaka h'ameedun majeed.Wa s'alli a'laa jamee-I'l anbiyaaa-I walmursaleena washshuhadaa-I was's'ideeqeena wa I'baadillaahis' s'allih'een."

(O Allah, send blessings on Muhammad and on the Progeny of Muhammad and send salutation on Muhammad and the Progeny of Muhammad and grant bliss to Muhammad and the Progeny of Muhammad and have mercy on Muhammad and Progeny of Muhammad, the best as You sent blessings and salutations and bliss and had mercy on Ibraheem and the Progeny of Ibraheem.

VerilyYou are the Praised, the Grand.

And send blessings on all the Prophets and Messengers and Martyrs and testifiers and virtuous servants of Allah.) Then recite "Allahu Akbar", the third Takbeer, with hands raised up to the ears.

"Allahummaaghfir lil Moo-Mineena walMoo-minaati walMuslimeena wal-mulimaat al ah'yaa-I min hum walamwaati taabi' baynanaa wa baynahum bilkayraati innaka mujeebud da'-waati innaka a'laakulli shay-in qadeer."

(O Allah, grant pardon to the faithful males and faithful females and Muslim males and Muslimfemales , the living among them and the dead. Behave with us and with them with charity.

VerilyYou are Responder to prayers.

VerilyYou are over everything Powerful.)

Then recite "Allahu Akbar", the fourth Takbeer, with hands raised up to the ears. If the deceased is a female, recite the following:

"Allahummah inna haad'ihi amatuks wabnatu a'bdika wabnatu amatika. Nazalat bikawa anta khayru manzoolin bihee allahumma laa na-lamu minhaa illaa khayran wa anta aa'-lamu bihaa minnaa. Allahumma in kaanat had'ihee muh'sinatan fazid fee ih'saanihaawa in kaanat musee-atan fatajaawaz a'nhaa waghfirlaha.Allahummahj-a'lhaa indaka fee a-laa I'leeyeens wakhluf a'laa ahlihaa filghaabireena warh'amha birah'matika yaa arh'amar raah'imeen." (O Allah! Verily this isYour maid and the daughter of Your servant and Your maid.

She has gone over toYou and You are the best to be gone to.

O Allah! we know not about her save good and You know her better than we do.O Allah! if she was a doer of good then add her good acts.

And if she was an evil-doer then forgive her, and grant pardon to her.

O Allah! put her near You in the High Sector of Paradise and appoint her successor from among those relations who survive her and be merciful to her, O the Most Merciful.)

If the deceased is a minor, recite the following:

"Allahumaaj a'lhu li-abawayhiwa lanaa salafanw wa farat'an'w wa ajraa." (O Allah let him be a pioneer and occupier of a place and a reward for his parents and for us.) (Female translation not available at present) If the deceased is an insane person, recite the following:

"Allahummaghfir lillad'eena taaboo wattaba-u' sabeelaka waqihim a'ad'aabal jah'eem."

(O Allah! Forgive those who have repented and have followedYour path and save them from the punishment of hell.)

Then recite "Allahu Akbar", the fifth Takbeer, with hands raised up to the ears. [Sayyid, Hadi Husayn (1988), pg. 150-154]

Chapter Fourteen: The Grave and Burial

The Grave needs to be the length of the deceased but needs to wide enough for a man to be able to sit or stand between the deceased and the wall of the grave, on the Qibla side.

If it is to be a man who is to lay the deceased down in the grave, he is to not wear anything on their feet or their head.If it is to be a woman who lays the deceased down in the grave, she is not required to go bare feet and still wears head cover.

It is Makrooh (undesirable) for a Naa Mahram (an individual who is able to marry) to enter the grave of the deceased but a husband or wife of the deceasedis allowed . If a Mahram man is not available then a pious woman may enter the grave. If a pious woman is not available, them a pious man may enter the grave for the final laying down of the deceased.

All Naa Mahrams need to move away from the grave when a womanis transferred from the bier to the grave, or a curtain is to be drawn around the grave. [Sayyid, Hadi Husayn (1988), pg. 155]

Allamah Qutubuddin Rawandiis quoted as having said that after the death of Lady Maryam [A.S.], her son Prophet Isa [A.S.] called out to her and said :

"O Mother!please speak to me and tell me whether you are desirous of returning back to this world." Lady Maryam [A.S.] said:

"Yes, I desire to return back, so that during the cold winter nights I could recite Namaz, and during the hot summer days I could fast. Omy dear! Verily the way to the hereafter is very difficult"

[Qummi, Shaikh Abbas (1999), pg. 44.] How to Move a Deceased Woman into the GraveThe deceased woman is to be laid laterally to the grave and lowered in by her side and not by the side of her head.

How to Move a Deceased Man into the Grave

The deceased man is to belaid at the tail end of the grave and lowered in from the side of the head with the head down first.

ChapterFifteen : Dua Recited when the Deceased Has Been Lowered into the Grave

Recite Aayatul Kursi then:

For a Male

"Bislillaahi wa fee sabeelil-laahee wa a'laa millati rasoolillah. Allaahum-mafth' lahoo fee qabriheewa alh'iqhu bi-bayyih. Allaahumma in kaanamuh'sinan fazid fee ih'saaniheewa in kaana musee-an faghfirlahoo warh'amhoo wa tajaawaz a'nhu."

(In the name of Allah and in the path of Allah and on the faith of the Holy Prophet. O Allah, open (the door of heaven) in his grave and make him meet his condition. O Allah, if he was good and virtuous,increase his virtues and if he was bad, forgive his sins, shower mercy on him and ignore his mistakes.)

For a Female

"Bismillahi wa fee sabeelillaahi wa a'laa millati Rasoolillaah. Allaahum-maftah' lahaa fee qabrihaawa alh'iqhaa bi'bayyihaa allaahumma in kaanat muh'sinatan fazid fee ih'saanihaa wa in kaanat musee-aa faghfir lahaa warh'amhaa wa tajaawaz a'nhaa."

(In the name of Allah and in the path of Allah and on the faith of the Holy Prophet. O Allah, open (the doors of heaven) in her grave and make her meet her condition. O Allah, if she was good and virtuous,increase her virtues, and if she was bad, forgive her sins, shower mercy on her and ignore her mistakes." [Sayyid, Hadi Husayn (1988), pg. 155-6]

Seeking Pardon

Along with reciting this continuously, one should seek pardon for oneself also.

Imam Ali ibn al- Hussain Zayn Al-Abidin [A.S.] used to recite the following when he used to lower the deceased into the grave:

For a Male

"Allaahuamma jaafil arz"a a'n janbayhi s'aa-I'd a'malahoo wa laqqihee minka riz"waana."(O Allah! Make the earth give freedom on his both sides and accept his record of deeds and grant himYour pleasure.)

For a Female

"Allaahumma jaafil arz"a a'n janbayhaa wa s'aa-I'd a'malahaa wa laqqihaa minka riz"wanaa."(O Allah! Make the earth give freedom on her both sides and accept her record of deeds and grant herYour pleasure.) [Sayyid, Hadi Husayn (1988), pg. 156-7]

Custom

It is customary to show the face of the deceased to the close relatives before the grave is covered.N.B. It is important thought that an individual, who is Naa Mahram (legally allowed to marry the deceased) and is a close relative,is not shown the face of the deceased and this has to be announced. Only Mahram of the deceased can see his / her face.