TIMESINDONESIA, BANTEN – Death is certain to come, but its timing remains a mystery. KH Imaduddin Utsman Al-Bantani, Head of NU Cempaka Kresek Islamic Boarding School in Banten, and LBM PBNU, wrote this devotional for you.
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How beautiful Allah has made the end of life, shrouded in mystery, as a test for us to always be thoroughly prepared.
Blessed are those who are given illness before their demise, for they can surrender to Him as their organs gradually cease to function. Yet, even more blessed are those granted complete surrender, ready to face death at any moment without the prerequisite of illness.
This writing on The Most Beautiful Death in Islamic Jurisprudence hopefully counts as a good deed in the eyes of Allah, the Most Merciful, and becomes a reason for His love to descend upon this humble servant, granting me a good end to my life.
For readers willing to take a moment to read this, I send forth beautiful prayers that we may always dwell in Allah's love and mercy. May we remain faithful and Muslim until our end comes, strong in fulfilling His commands and avoiding His prohibitions, amen.
What should one prepare for death? Here are some steps to consider.
Repentance and Seeking Forgiveness
First, from this moment, intend to repent for all past sins. Ask for Allah's forgiveness, hoping He will erase these sins from our record of deeds. Then, resolve firmly never to sin against Him again.
Self-Reflection and Apologizing
Second, contemplate any wrongs you've committed. If they involve debts or promises, settle them promptly. If you've hurt someone, reach out to apologize for any mistakes, especially to those who have been significant in your life, such as teachers, parents, siblings, spouse, children, and close friends.
Advising Family Members to Be God-fearing
Third, write a will of piety for your loved ones: children, grandchildren, students, and family, so they may always fear Allah, maintain bonds with family, teachers, and friends.
Reciting Tahlil and Making A Will for Ataqah
Fourth, begin using a tasbih. Recite La ilaha illallah 70,000 times in your spare time.
This practice, advised by many scholars, serves as a redemption from hell. Advise your family to request scholars to perform additional ataqah as a precaution, since we do not know which ataqah will be accepted.
Such ataqah is referred to as ataqah sughra. If possible, also undertake ataqah kubra, which involves reciting Surah Al-Ikhlas 100,000 times. Keep track of your count.
Willing to Pay Fidyah and Donate Rice
Fifth, make a will for your family to perform fidyah after your death, distributing rice to the poor and needy as a measure of caution for prayers and fasts whose acceptance we are unsure of. Calculate the amount based on daily prayers over your lifetime, subtracting the years before puberty.
For those with ample wealth, donate actual rice to the needy. For those less able, fidyah can be performed through trade, a method used by scholars to help the poor fulfill their fidyah without financial burden. For more details, consult a local religious leader.
Endowments and Waqf
Sixth, aim to leave behind a charitable endowment, such as land for communal benefits, teaching the Quran, or establishing religious institutions. This endowment will last until the end of time, continuously rewarding you.
Instructions for the Agony of Death
Seventh, advise your family, if possible, to position you facing the qibla during your final moments, as it is the most honored direction. If not feasible, aim to face the qibla regardless of head orientation.
Reciting Surah Yasin
Eighth, request your family to recite Surah Yasin during severe illness, reminding you of the Day of Judgment. Encourage them to assist you in reciting the declaration of faith, leaving you in silence with those words as your last.
Cleaning the House
Ninth, ensure the patient's house is cleansed of any statues, and women experiencing menstruation should stay away from the deceased, as angels avoid places with statues, dogs, or impure individuals.
Purifying Oneself
Tenth, prepare for death by grooming and bathing, using fragrance to cleanse oneself.
Positioning the Body
Eleventh, after the soul departs, position the body so the feet face the qibla, ensuring a safe and comfortable place until the funeral rites are performed, covering the body, including the face.
Immediate Washing of the Body
Twelfth, instruct your family to promptly wash the body, even if the funeral prayer is delayed, ensuring privacy and that close relatives, preferably the spouse, perform this task.
Purchasing Shroud with Lawful Money
Thirteenth, prepare a shroud bought with rightfully earned money, cleansed and prayed in if possible. If given by a righteous person, even better. Preparing a burial place in advance is also advised.
Inviting Righteous People
Fourteenth, have your family invite pious individuals to pray over your body and extend invitations to the Muslim community for prayers, seeking blessings from the virtuous. Ensure someone knowledgeable in Islamic jurisprudence oversees the burial to avoid any religious errors, and have them recite the talqeen after burial.
Increasing Charitable Acts
Fifteenth, encourage your family, if able, to give charity in your name on the day of your death and request several righteous individuals, typically seven in Banten, to perform special prayers after the evening prayer.
Family Recitation of Tahlil for Seven Days
Sixteenth, if possible, have your family and neighbors recite tahlil and offer prayers for you for seven nights, increasing charity during these nights. Ideally, request scholars to continuously recite the Quran throughout the week, dedicating the rewards to the deceased.
Amplifying Acts of Worship and Seeking Forgiveness
Seventeenth, may we, with our limited acts of worship, be forgiven by Allah the Almighty, and may our humble deeds be accepted. Let us aspire for a good end and the intercession of Prophet Muhammad SAW.
May these seventeen steps be feasible and represent the Most Beautiful Death in Islamic Jurisprudence in human life. (*)
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| Editor | : Khodijah Siti |
| Publisher | : Rifky Rezfany |
