Question
(#046)
Assalamu-Alaikum W R B.
Please explain me…………..
- How a person can Remember his death ?
2. Is there any Duas to remember Death ?
3. Janaza namaz can perform in graveyard in presence of other graves ? .- If there is no specific place can janaza prayer perform in grave yard ?
(as there is practice in Auckland )
Jazak Allah.
Answer
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته
حامدا و مصليا و مسلما
Muhtaram
We have received your question regarding the remembrance of death and Janazah Salaah at the graveyard.
Our response is as follows:
1/2) The importance of remembering death cannot be stressed enough. Nabi Sallaahu alai wa sallam has said “Remember the destroyer of pleasures in abundance which is death-Tirmidhi”. Due to remembering ones death one begins to make preparations for the Aakhirah (hereafter). Nabi Sallahu alai wa salam has said “Visit the graveyard it will remind you of the Aakhirah-Muslim”. There are many ways which one can remember death; we would like to briefly mention a few methods:
1) By visiting the graveyard one will naturally begin to think of death.
2) According to ones capacity one should try to assist in the Ghusl, Kafn and burial.
3) One should contemplate about one’s own death before retiring to bed. Thus, one should ponder over the entire sequence which one will face during the terrifying time of death; the extraction of the soul, Ghusl (bath) of the Mayyit (deceased), wearing of the Kafn (shrouds), the questioning of Munar and Nakeer (the angels which will question one in the grave) e.t.c.
4) The reading of Islamic books concerning death should also be read with the family. However, we should only read those Islamic books which are recommenced by reliable Ulama. We recommend the following books: Remembrence of Death by Shaikhul Hadeeth Maulana Muhammad Zakariya Rahimahullah, Ashrafs advice upon Death of a Muslim, Desire for the Aakhirah by Hakeemul Ummah Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi Rahimahullah.
5) Another method of remembering death is to remind our friends and family about death in moderation.
6) The more a person hankers and desires the luxuries of this world then accordingly his desire for death and Aakhirah will decrease. Therefore, one should not have long and far hopes regarding ones temporary life.
7) We should continue to ask Allah Ta’ala for a good death at its appointed time and a pleasant Akhirah. By making these duas we will yearn to meet our beloved creator. Duas with the above meaning are available in the book Munaajaate Maqbool- Maulana Ashraf Ali Thaanwi Rahimahullah. One can make the following Dua which is mentioned in Hisnul Haseen pg 223:
اَللَّهُمَّ ارْزُقْنى شَهَادَةً فِى سَبِلِكَ وَاجْعَلْ مَوْتى ببَلَدِ رَسُوْلِكَ
However, we should remember death in moderation. That amount should be remembered wherein the inclination towards this world is removed and the inclination towards good deeds and the Aakhirah is created. Excessive remembrance of death without moderation may have a negative outcome.
3/4) Regarding the performance of Janaaza Salaah at the graveyard, the Fatwa issued by Mufti Abduraheem Laajpoori Rahimahullah is as follows: If an empty place in the graveyard is readily available wherein the graves are not positioned in front of one or if the graves are in front of one then they are not in the vision of the one praying Salaat or there is some barrier between one and the graves then in these cases it will be permissible to pray in the graveyard without any Karaahat ( dislike). However if the above is not found then it will be Makrooh (undesirable). (Fataawa Raheemiya. pg 26. vl 7- Darul ishaat)
However, if one has a genuine excuse (i.e. he does not have any pure place to perform the Janaaza Salaah except by directly facing the graves, than in such a case he will be excused).
Hadrat Mufti Mahmood Hasan Gangohi Rahimahullah and other great luminaries have mentioned similar answers. Refer to Fatawaa Mahmoodiya. pg. 701- vl 8. Faarooqiyah Jadeed. Footnote of Imdaadul Fataawa. pg 579- vl 1. Darul uloom Karachi. DarulUloom Deoband pg 367- vl 5. Zakariya book depot Deoband.
Nevertheless, we should keep in mind that in either case the Janaaza Salaah will be valid.
AND ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST
Muhammad Irshad Motara
25th Zul Qa’dah 1433
12th October 2012
