What the Living Can Do for the Dead

by Shahrul Hussain

This is a detailed, yet easily accessible, manual on what to do when someone dies. It covers the procedures due upon a person’s death. The rites of preparing the body for burial, the bathing, the shrouding, and the procedure for funeral prayer, according to all four Sunni schools, are discussed. Many important questions are answered.

Is it permitted to transport the body abroad for burial?
Can a headstone be placed on the grave?
What can the heirs do for their deceased loved ones after burial?
What are the etiquette for visiting graves?
Is the posthumous donation of reward (isal al-thawab) permissible?
Finally, how does one make atonements and expiations and settle debts on behalf of the deceased?

“A very good blend of classical scholarship with modern information that is sure to educate.”
—Dr. Omer Hasem El-Hamdoon, President, Muslim Association of Britain

“Indeed, an important reference point for all on this subject that concerns us all.”
—Dr Mansur Ali, Lecturer in Islamic Studies, Cardiff University

“I hope this book becomes a means of reviving the Sunna and rejecting innovation, and that it inspires many to prepare for the ultimate meeting with their Lord.”
—Shaykh Zahir Mahmood, Principal, As-Suffa Institute


The Author
Dr. Shahrul Hussain is a graduate of the University of Al-Azhar, Cairo. He completed his traditional Islamic education (dars-i nizami) at Birmingham’s first Islamic School, Darul Uloom al-Islamiyyah al-Arabiyyah. He is the Chair of Directors of the Abrahamic Foundation and a lecturer in Islamic Studies at the Markfield Institute for Higher Education, in partnership with Newman University Birmingham. He lectures in Qur’an and hadith studies and Islamic theology and jurisprudence. He has particular research interests in international Islamic law and contemporary Islamic jurisprudence.

Genres: Islam

175 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[Wayfarer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very accessible text covering an essentially important issue - Dying and all related matters. From the recommended acts to do when a person is dying, after they have immediately died. To, how to make preparations for washing, shrouding, praying over and burying the dead is also covered in a concise yet succinct manner. This portion approximately makes up the first half of the book. Thereafter, the book deals with the post-death scenarios of donating rewards (Isal al-Thawab), atonements, debts, expiation and etc. The author has taking an elective approach in presenting the various differing opinions on a plethora of issues - this clearly illustrates the scope for legitimate divergences of practices within the folds of Sunni Islam in relation to funerary rituals and rites. The author also maintains a thread of thought in encouraging the reader to avoid innovations and to follow the practices that are clearly explained by the qualified jurists in light of the Qur'an and Sunnah, all the while acknowledging the scope/breadth in doing so - countering narrow minded fanaticism. All in all, a very easy and untaxing read, notwithstanding the gravitas and sheer inevitability of the subject matter being discussed!

[Ain Sakinah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very personal to me.
It's a gift from my mum. I believe this book was given in return, for me to read and explain to her, what are the deeds that we can do for the dead, as in other word, for my late sister.
This book is a must-have in every Muslim house.
The book explained in detail, every each act before, during and after the dead of a Muslim.
The text is separated with explanation of evidence from the Quran and Hadith.
The book also shared, we as Muslim, how should we act and respond to non-Muslim's funeral which I can said, Islam is always promoting the diversity of other religion.
For me, this book is like a constant reminder for us, that death can just come without any warning or taking your age into account. This book also completed with du'a that we can apply during funeral event or upon receiving news of dead.
From this book, we as a living person, can wish, what the other living person can do or prepare for us when we are dead. Deeds such as giving charity on behalf of the dead, prayers and fasting of the dead are well discuss and presented in this book.

Some of the wording used in this book is high level and will needed extra translating to understand, otherwise, in terms of full sentence, it is easily understandable.

[Hamza Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book going through end of life to Burial rites all Muslims should know. Extending one's knowledge to differing views of the schools of thought within Islam and going through problematic practices related to death.