Sunnah of the ‘Asr Prayer

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 200
Sunnah of the ‘Asr Prayer

1119. `Ali bin Abu Talib (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to perform four Rak`ah before the `Asr prayer, separating them with Taslim (i.e., offering blessings) on the favourite angels who are near Allah’s proximity and the Muslims and the believers who come after them.
[At-Tirmidhi].

1120. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “May Allah have mercy on a man who performs four Rak`ah before the `Asr prayer.”
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

1121. `Ali bin Abu Talib (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to perform two Rak`ah before the `Asr prayer.
[Abu Dawud].

Urging to Observe ‘Isha’ and Fajr Prayers in Congregation

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 192
Urging to Observe ‘Isha’ and Fajr Prayers in Congregation

1071. `Uthman bin `Affan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying: “One who performs `Isha’ prayer in congregation, is as if he has performed Salat for half of the night. And one who performs the Fajr prayer in congregation, is as if he has performed Salat the whole night.”
[Muslim]

The narration of At-Tirmidhi says: `Uthman bin Affan (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that he had heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying: “He who attends `Isha’ in congregation, is as if he has performed Salat for half of the night; and he who attends `Isha’ and Fajr prayers in congregation, is as if he has performed Salat for the whole night.”

1072.Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “If they knew the merits of Salat after nightfall (`Isha’) and the morning (Fajr) Salat, they would come to them even if they had to crawl to do so.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

1073. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “No Salat is more burdensome to the hypocrites than the Fajr (dawn) prayer and the `Isha’ (night) prayer; and if they knew their merits, they would come to them even if they had to crawl to do so.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

 

Warning against forgetting the Qur’an

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 181
Warning against forgetting the Qur’an

1002. Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Read the Qur’an regularly. By the One in Whose Hand Muhammad’s soul is, it escapes from memory faster than a camel does from its tying ropes.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1003. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “The parable of one who knows the Qur’an by heart is as the parable of an owner of hobbled camel. If he remains vigilant, he will retain it; and if he neglects it, it will go away.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Prohibition of Disclosing the Physical defects of the Deceased

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 154
Prohibition of Disclosing the Physical defects of the Deceased

928. Abu Rafi` Aslam (May Allah be pleased with him), the freed slave of the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who washes a dead body and conceals what he notices of physical defects, he will be forgiven forty times.”
[Al-Hakim].

 

Following the Funeral, and Matters relating to Illness and Death

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 144
Following the Funeral, and Matters relating to Illness and Death

894. Al-Bara’ bin `Azib (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) has ordered us to visit the sick, to follow the funeral (of a dead believer), respond to the sneezer (i.e., by saying to him: Yarhamuk-Allah after he says: Al-hamdu lillah), to help those who vow to fulfill it, to help the oppressed, to accept the invitation extended by the inviter; and to promote greetings (i.e., saying As-Salamu `Alaikum).
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

895. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Every Muslim has five rights over another Muslim (i.e., he has to perform five duties for another Muslim): to return the greetings, to visit the sick, to accompany funeral processions, to accept an invitation, to respond to the sneezer [i.e., to say: `Yarhamuk-Allah (may Allah bestow His Mercy on you),’ when the sneezer praises  Allah].”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

896. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Verily, Allah, the Exalted, and Glorious will say on the Day of Resurrection: `O son of Adam, I was ill but you did not visit Me.’ He would say: `O my Rubb, how could I visit you and You are the Rubb of the worlds?’ Thereupon He would say: `Did you not know that such and such a slave of Mine was ill but you did not visit him? Did you not realize that if you had visited him (you would have known that I was aware of your visit to him, for which I would reward you) you would have found Me with him? O son of Adam, I asked food from you but you did not feed Me.’ He would submit: `My Rubb, how could I feed You and You are the Rubb of the worlds?’ He would say: `Did you not know that such and such a slave of Mine asked you for food but you did not feed him? Did you not realize that if you had fed him, you would certainly have found (its reward) with Me? O son of Adam, I asked water from you but you did not give it to Me.’ He would say: `My Rubb, how could I give You (water) and You are the Rubb of the worlds?’ Thereupon He would say: `Such and such a slave of Mine asked you for water to drink but you did not give it to him. Did you not realize that if you had given him to drink you would have found (its reward) with Me?”’   
[Muslim].

897. Abu Musa (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Visit the sick, feed the hungry, and (arrange for the) release of the captive.”
[Al-Bukhari].

898. Thauban (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who visits his brother in Faith, will remain engaged in picking the fresh fruits from the garden of Jannah till he returns.”
[Muslim].

899. `Ali bin Abu Talib (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “When a Muslim visits a sick Muslim at dawn, seventy thousand angels keep on praying for him till dusk. If he visits him in the evening, seventy thousand angels keep on praying for him till the morning; and he will have (his share of) reaped fruits in Jannah.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

900. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A young Jewish boy who was in the service of the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) fell ill. The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) went to visit him. He sat down by his head and said to him, “Embrace Islam.” The little boy looked at his father who was sitting beside him. He said: “Obey Abul-Qasim (i.e., the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)).” So he embraced Islam and the Prophet ü stepped out saying, “Praise be to Allah Who has saved him from Hell-fire.”
[Al-Bukhari].

 

The Desirability of setting on a Journey on Thursday in the Early part ofthe Day

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 166
The Desirability of setting on a Journey on Thursday in the Early part of the
Day

956. Ka`b bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) set out on Thursday for the expedition of Tabuk. He liked to set out on a journey on Thursdays.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

957. Sakhr bin Wada`ah Al-Ghamidi (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “O Allah! Bless my people in the early part of the day (morning). Whenever he dispatched a detachment or an army-unit, he would dispatch it at the beginning of the day (soon after dawn). The narrator, Sakhr (May Allah be pleased with him) was a merchant, and he used to send off his merchandise at the beginning of the day. So his trade flourished and he made a good fortune.
[At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud].

Recommendation of Inquiring the Family Members of the Patient about hisCondition

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 146
Recommendation of Inquiring the Family Members of the Patient about his
Condition

910. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: When `Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) came out after visiting the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) during his last illness, the people asked: “How is Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), O Abul-Hasan?” He replied: “Praise be to Allah, he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) is feeling better.”
[Al-Bukhari].

Desirability of Supplications during the Journey

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 172
Desirability of Supplications during the Journey

980. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Three supplications are answered without doubt. The supplication of the oppressed, the supplication of the traveller, and the supplication of the parent for his son.”
[At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud].

Supplication for the Deceased after his Burial

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 161
Supplication for the Deceased after his Burial

946. Abu `Amr (also called Abu `Abdullah and also Abu Laila) from `Uthman bin `Affan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: After the burial of a dead man, the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would stand by the grave and say, “Ask Allah to forgive your brother and supplicate for him for steadfastness because he is being questioned (about his deeds) now.”
[Abu Dawud].

947. `Amr bin Al-`as (May Allah be pleased with him) used to say: “When you have buried me, keep standing near my grave till (for the time it takes to) a camel is slaughtered and its meat is distributed, so that I may feel your nearness and know what to reply to the angels sent by my Rubb.”
[Muslim].

 

Charity on behalf of the Deceased and Praying for him

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 162
Charity on behalf of the Deceased and Praying for him

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“And those who came after them say: `Our Rubb! Forgive us and our brothers who have preceded us in Faith.”’ (59:10)

948. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: A man said to the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam):My mother has died suddenly. I think that if she were able to talk (alive) she would have given in Sadaqah (charity). So, if I give Sadaqah now on her behalf, will she get the reward?” The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Yes (she will be rewarded for that).”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

949. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end, except for three: A continuous charity, knowledge by which people derive benefit, pious son who prays for him.”
[Muslim].

 

Praising the Deceased

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 163
Praising the Deceased

950. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Some Companions happened to pass by a funeral procession (bier) and they praised him (the deceased). The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He will certainly enter it.” Then they passed by another funeral procession and they spoke ill of the deceased. The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He will certainly enter it.” `Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) said: “(O Messenger of Allah,) what do you mean by `He will certainly enter it?’ He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “You praised the first person, so he will enter Jannah; and you spoke ill of the second person, so he will enter Hell. You are Allah’s witnesses on earth.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

951. Abul-Aswad (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I came to Al-Madinah, and while I was sitting beside `Umar bin Al-Khattab, a funeral procession passed by. The people praised the deceased, and `Umar bin Al-Khattab said: “He will certainly enter it.” Then another funeral procession passed by and the people praised the deceased. `Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) said: “He will certainly enter it.” A third funeral procession passed by and the people spoke ill of the deceased. He said: “He will certainly enter it.” I (Abul-Aswad) asked: “O Amir Al-Mu’minin (i.e., Leader of the Believers)! What do you mean by `He will certainly enter it’?” He replied: “I said the same as was said by the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, `If four persons testify the righteousness of a Muslim, Allah will grant him Jannah.’ We asked: `If three persons testify his righteousness?’ He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, `Even three’. Then we asked: `If two?’ He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, `Even two.’ We did not ask him (regarding the testimony) of one.”
[Al-Bukhari].

 

Desirability of returning Home by Day

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 176
Desirability of returning Home by Day

985. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When one of you stays away (from his family) for a long period of time, let him not surprise his family by night.”

  In another narration, Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) prohibited us from coming back to our family at night.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

986. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would not come (back) to his family by night. He used to come in the morning or in the evening (before dark).
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Helping a dying Person to Pronounce ‘La Ilaha Illahllah’

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 150
Helping a dying Person to Pronounce ‘La Ilaha Illahllah’

917. Mu`adh bin Jabal (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He whose last words are: `La ilaha illallah’ (There is no true god except Allah) will enter Jannah.”
[Abu Dawud].

918. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Exhort your dying men to recite: `La ilaha illallah’ (There is no true god except Allah).”
[Muslim].

Desirability of Entering the Mosque near one’s Home upon returning from aJourney for offering two Rak’ah Prayer

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 178
Desirability of Entering the Mosque near one’s Home upon returning from a
Journey for offering two Rak’ah Prayer

988. Ka`b bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Whenever the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) returned from a journey, he would proceed straight to the mosque and perform two Rak`ah of (optional) prayer.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Helping a Companion

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 169
Helping a Companion

969. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: While we were travelling with the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), a rider came and began to stare on the right and on the left. The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who has an extra mount should hand it over to one who has none, and he who possesses surplus provision, should give it to him who is without provision.” He named various kinds of possessions until we began to think (realize) that none of us had any right to anything surplus.
[Muslim].

970. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) made up his mind to go in an expedition, he would say to us, “O Muhajirin and the Ansar! There are among you such people who have no property and no kinsfolk. Let everyone of you take along with him two or three men. None of us had a spare animal we took rides by turn.” So I took two or three men with me and I rode my camel by turn equally with them.
[Abu Dawud].

971. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to lag behind while travelling and urge the weak to walk quickly. He used to take up someone behind him and make supplication for him.
[Abu Dawud].

Supplication at the time of returning Home and on seeing one’s Hometown

Chapter 177
Supplication at the time of returning Home and on seeing one’s Hometown

987. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: We returned with the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) from a journey; and when we entered the suburbs of Al-Madinah, he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “Ayibuna, ta’ibuna, `abiduna, li-Rabbina hamidun (We are returning in safety, turning to our Rubb, worshipping Him and praising Him).” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) continued repeating these words till we entered Al-Madinah.
[Muslim].

Etiquette of Staying, Riding, Encamping at night and sleeping during theJourney and other matters relating to the Journey

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 168
Etiquette of Staying, Riding, Encamping at night and sleeping during the Journey
and other matters relating to the Journey

962. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “When you travel through green and lush land, give the camels their due from the ground, and when you travel through a dry and barren land, make them walk quickly lest their strength falters. When you encamp at night, keep away from the roads, for beasts pass there and they are the resort of insects at night.”
[Muslim].

963. Abu Qatadah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) encamped at night during a journey, he would lie down on his right side, and when he stayed a little before dawn he would raise his forearm and place his head on the palm of his hand.
[Muslim].

964. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Keep to travelling by night because the earth is folded (traversed more easily) during the night.”
[Abu Dawud].

965. Abu Tha`labah Al-Khushani (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Whenever the people encamped during the journey, they would disperse in the mountain passes and valleys. (When) the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) noticed this he said, “Your act of scattering in the mountain passes and valleys is from Satan.” Afterwards the Companions kept close together whenever they encamped.
[Abu Dawud].

966. Sahl bin `Amr known as Ibn Al-Hanzaliyyah reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) happened to pass by a camel whose belly was sticking to its back (because of hunger), whereupon he said, “Fear Allah in respect of these dumb (animals). Ride them while they are fit, and slaughter them and eat their meat when they are fit.”
[Abu Dawud].

967. Abu Ja`far `Abdullah bin Ja`far (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) made me ride behind him one day and confided something to me which I shall never disclose to anyone. (`Abdullah added:) He ((sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) preferred to screen himself from others when responding to the call of nature, either behind a wall or the trunk of a date-palm.
[Muslim].

Al-Barqani added: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) entered an orchid belonging to an Ansari and saw there a camel. When it saw him, it began to groan and its eyes shed tears. The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) approached it and patted it on the hump and the base of its head until it quieted down. Then he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) asked, “Who is the owner of this camel? To whom does it belong?” An Ansari youth stepped forward and said: “It is mine O Messenger of Allah!” He said, “Do you not fear Allah in respect of this beast which Allah has placed in your possession? This camel is complaining to me that you starve it and put it to toil.”
[Abu Dawud].

968. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When we encamped, we would not offer (voluntary) prayers until we had unsaddled our beasts.
[Abu Dawud].

Supplication at the time of Riding

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 170
Supplication at the time of Riding

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“… and has appointed for you ships and cattle on which you ride. In order that you may mount on their backs, and then may remember the Favour of your Rubb when you mount thereon, and say: `Glory to Him Who has subjected this to us, and we could never have it (by our efforts). And verily, to Our Rubb we indeed are to return!”’ (43:12-14)

972. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Whenever the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) mounted his camel for setting out on a journey, he would recite: “Allahu Akbar (Allah is Greatest),” thrice. Then he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would supplicate: “Subhanal-ladhi sakh-khara lana hadha, wa ma kunna lahu muqrinin, wa inna ila Rabbina lamunqalibun. Allahumma inna nas’aluka fi safarina hadh al-birra wat-taqwa, wa minal-`amali ma tarda. Allahumma hawwin `alaina safarana hadha, watwi `anna bu`dahu. Allahumma Antas-Sahibu fissafari, wal-Khalifatu fil-ahli. Allahumma inni a`udhu bika min wa`ta’is-safari, wa kaabatil-manzari, wa suil-munqalabi fil-mali wal-ahli wal-waladi (Far removed from imperfection is the One Who has made this subservient to us, for we have no power to subjugate it, and certainly to our Rubb shall we return. O Allah, we ask You during this journey of ours for righteousness, piety and such deeds as are pleasing to You. O Allah, make easy for us this journey of ours and make the distance short for us. O Allah, You are our Companion during the journey and the Guardian of the family and the property in our absence. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the hardships of travelling, unhappiness connected with ghastly scenes and evil turns in property and family).” When he returned, he recited this supplication making addition of these words: “Ayibuna, ta’ibuna, `abiduna, li-Rabbina hamidun (We are those who return; those who repent; those who worship and those who praise our Rubb).”
[Muslim].

973. `Abdullah bin Sarjis (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Whenever the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) proceeded on a journey, he would seek refuge in Allah from the hardships of the journey, and against deviation after guidance, and against the supplication of the oppressed, and occurrences of unpleasant events in the family and property. He would say: “Allahumma inni a`udhu bika min wa`tha’is-safari, wa kaabatil-munqalabi, wal-hauri ba`dal-kauni, wa da`watil-mazlumi, wa suil-manzari fil-ahli wal-mal.”
[Muslim].

974. `Ali bin Rabi`ah reported: In my presence, a beast was brought to `Ali bin Abu Talib (May Allah be pleased with him) for riding. When he put his foot in the stirrup, he said: “Bismillah (With the Name of Allah).” When he had settled himself on its back he recited: “Al-hamdu lillahil-ladhi sakh-khara lana hadha, wa ma kunna lahu muqrinin, wa inna ila Rabbina lamunqalibun. (All praise belongs to Allah Who has made this subservient to us, for we had not the strength to overpower it; and to our Rubb shall we return).” He then recited thrice: “Alhamdu lillah (Praise be to Allah),” and then three times: “Allahu Abkar (Allah is Greatest).” Then he said: “Subhanaka inni zalamtu nafsi faghfir li, innahu la yaghfirudh-dhunuba illa Anta (You are far removed from imperfection I have wronged myself, so forgive me, because none but You can forgive sins).” Then he smiled. It was asked: “Why have you smiled, O Amir Al-Mu’minin (Leader of the Believers)?” He replied: “I saw the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) doing as I have done. I (i.e., Ali) asked him (the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)) the reason for smiling. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, `Your Rubb, Glorious is He, is pleased when His slave seeks His forgiveness. He (the slave) has firm faith that none except Allah Alone can forgive sins)’.”
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

The Ruling of crying and wailing over a Dead Person

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 153
The Ruling of crying and wailing over a Dead Person

Wailing is unanimously forbidden (Haram) as will be mentioned later on. There are some Ahadith which forbid us from crying over somebody’s death, and which inform us that the dead will be tormented in their graves as a result of their relatives crying over their death. This prohibition applies only to those cases where crying is accompanied with lamenting and wailing. Weeping without these two is, permissible; and the Ahadith in support of this are many, including the following:

925. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) visited Sa`d bin `Ubadah during his illness. He was accompanied by `Abdur-Rahman bin `Auf, Sa`d bin Abu Waqqas and `Abdullah bin Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with them). The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) began to weep. When his Companions saw this, their tears also started flowing. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Do you not hear, Allah does not punish for the shedding of tears or the grief of the heart, but punishes or bestows mercy for the utterances of this (and he pointed to his tongue).”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

926. Usamah bin Zaid (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A grandson (child of the daughter) of the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) was presented to him while the child was at his last breath. Tears began to flow from the eyes of the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). Sa`d said to him: “What is this, O Messenger of Allah?’ He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “It is mercy which Allah has placed in the hearts of his salves. Allah bestows His Mercy on the merciful among His slaves.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

927. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) came to his son Ibrahim (May Allah be pleased with him) when he was breathing his last. The eyes of the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) began shedding tears. `Abdur-Rahman bin `Auf  (May Allah be pleased with him) said, “O Messenger of Allah, you too weep?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “O Ibn `Auf! It is mercy.” Then he began to weep and said, “The eyes are shedding tears and the heart is grieved, and we will not say except what pleases our Rubb. O Ibrahim! Indeed we are grieved by your departure.”
[Al-Bukhari].

Supplications in Funeral Prayers

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 157
Supplications in Funeral Prayers

To pronounce four Takbir (saying Allahu Akbar) in the funeral prayer. After the first Takbir, after saying A`udhu billahi minash-Shaitanir-rajim, recite Surat Al-Fatihah. After the second Takbir, send Salam [Allahumma Salli `ala Muhammadin wa `ala ali Muhammadin kama sallaita `ala Ibrahima wa `ala ali Ibrahima, innaka Hamidun Majid. Allahumma barik `ala Muhammadin wa `ala ali Muhammadin, kama barakta `ala Ibrahima, wa `ala ali Ibrahima, innaka Hamidun Majid. Then after the third Takbir, invoke supplication for the deceased and for the Muslims as we will mention later on, in sha’ Allah. After the fourth Takbir, supplicate Allah. (Some of the supplications of the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), which are to be recited after the third Takbir are mentioned in the following Ahadith:)

935. Abu `Abdur-Rahman `Auf bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him)  reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) offered a funeral prayer and I memorized his supplication. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) prayed: “Allahummaghfir lahu, warhamhu, wa `afihi, wa`fu `anhu, wa akrim nuzulahu, wa wassi` mudkhalahu, waghsilhu bil-ma’i wath-thalji wal-baradi, wa naqqihi minal-khataya, kama naqqaytath-thawbal-abyada minad-danasi, wa abdilhu daran khairan min darihi, wa ahlan khairan min ahlihi, wa zawjan khairan min zawjihi, wa adkhilhul-Jannata, wa a`idh-hu min `adhabil-qabri, wa min `adhabin-nar [if the dead person is a woman, one should change the ending of certain words in this supplication from hu to ha] (O Allah! Forgive him, bestow mercy upon him, pardon him, accord him a noble provision and make his grave spacious, wash him with water, snow and hail, purify him from sins as You have purified the white garment from soiling, give him a better abode in place of his present one, and a better family in exchange of his present one, and a better spouse in place of his present wife; admit him to Jannah and protect from the trial in the grave and punishment in the Hell).” (After hearing this supplication of the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), Abu’ Abdur-Rahman ‘Auf bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) said: I wished I had been that dead man.
[Muslim].

936. Abu Hurairah, Abu Qatadah, and Abu Ibrahim Al-Ash-hali (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) offered a funeral prayer and said: “Allahummaghfir lihaiyina wa maiyitina, wa saghirina wa kabirina, wa dhakarina wa unthana, wa shahidina wa gha’ibina. Allahumma man ahyaiytahu minna, fa’ahyihi `alal-Islam, wa man tawaffaiytahu minna, fatawaffahu `alal-Iman. Allahumma la tahrimna ajrahu, wa la taftinna ba`dahu (O Allah, forgive our living and our dead, our present and our absent, our young and our old, our male and our female. O Allah, whosoever of us You keep alive, keep him alive (faithful) to IslÀm, and whosoever of us You cause to die, let him die having Iman. O Allah, do not deprive us of our reward (for being patient) and do not subject us to trials after his death.”
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

937. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying: “When you pray over the dead, make a sincere supplication for him.”
[Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah].

938. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him)  reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) supplicated in course of funeral prayer: “Allahumma Anta Rabbuha, wa Anta khalaqtaha, wa Anta hadaytaha lil-Islam, wa Anta qabadta ruhaha, wa Anta a`lamu bisirriha wa `alaniyyatiha, ji’naka shufa`a’a lahu [if the dead person is a man, or laha if the dead person is a woman], faghfir lahu [or laha, if it is a woman] (O Allah, You are its Rubb; You created it; You guided it to Islam; You have taken its life back and You know best its insight and outer condition. We have come as intercessors, so forgive him).”
[Abu Dawud].

939. Wathilah bin Al-Asqa` (May Allah be pleased with him)  reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) led the funeral prayer of a Muslim man in our presence, and I heard him saying “Allahumma inna [name of the dead person] fi dhimmatika wa habli jiwarika, faqihi fitnatal-qabri; wa `adhaban-Nari, wa Anta ahlul-wafa’i wal-hamdi; Allahumma faghfir lahu warhamhu, innaka Antal-Ghafur-ur-Rahim [If the dead person is a woman, one can change hu in some words here with ha] [O Allah, (so-and-so son of so-and-so) is in Your Protection and inside the surroundings of Your Refuge. Safeguard him from the trial of the grave and the punishment of the Hell. You keep Your Promise and You deserve to be praised. O Allah! Forgive him and be merciful to him. Indeed, You are the Forgiving, the Merciful].”
[Abu Dawud].

940. `Abdullah bin Abu Aufa (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: While offering the funeral prayer of one of his daughters, he recited four Takbir, and after the fourth Takbir he continued standing for a time equal to an interval between two Takbir, praying for her and seeking Allah’s forgiveness for her.” Then he said: “The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to do so.”

 Another narration is: He (Abdullah) recited four Takbir and remained standing in prayer for some time till we thought that he would recite the fifth Takbir. Then he gave Salam on the right and on the left. When he turned aside, we asked him about it. He replied: “I would add nothing to what I saw the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) doing,” or he said: “The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to do so.”
[Al-Hakim].