Grave Preparation

REQUIREMENTS FOR QABR

a. Unbaked bricks, bamboo or timber where the ground is soft.

b. Sufficient spades.

c. The approximate depth of a grave for adults should be according to the height of the deceased.

THE QABR

GRAVES ARE OF TWO TYPES:

The LAHAD:

Where the ground and sides of the Qabr are firm, then a recess should be dug on the Qibla side to allow placing the body in the recess. Unbaked bricks should preferably be used to close the recess, and made to fit neatly.

 

 

 

The SHIQ:

where the soft nature of the ground does not allow a LAHD to be made, then a shallow trench should be dug in the centre at the bottom of the Qabr, to allow the body to be placed in this trench. Timber may be used to clever this.

 

 

 

The use of any fabrics or blankets, etc is undesirable and wasteful. The bamboo or planks must be cut to size and set to fit properly in the grave before burial, to avoid last minute inconvenience.

Note: It is MAKROOH (undesirable) to dig out and prepare one's own grave during one's Lifetime.

Kafan for a Female

Kafn for a Female

 

The MASNOON Kafn for a female consists of an IZAAR, KHIMAAR (Orni), QAMEES, LIFAFAH and a piece calf material to' hold the breasts (SINABAND).

The Khimaar is the Veil. The piece of material to hold the breasts should preferably be from the breasts to the thighs. Three garments, i.e..Izaar, Lifafah and Khimaar will suffice, but it is SUNNAT to have FIVE.

It is MAKROOH to use less than THREE, except when it is NOT available. It is the duty of the husband to bear the burial expenses of the wife. The Kafn could be smoked with LOBAAN, etc. but NOT scented with Itr. Children's Kafn should be cut to appropriate size.

The Kafan of a female should consist of five white garments, (Two winding sheet, a long loose sleeveless shirt {From shoulder to feet}, a waist wrapper, and a head veil), these should be large enough to cover the whole body and may be perfumed with incense, a loin cloth may be used to bind the upper part of her legs, use 4 tie ropes, each one is 7 feet long

STEPS OF SHROUDING:

The garments are spread out (First: winding sheets {7 x 7 feet}, Second: the long loose sleeveless shirt {3 1/2 x 14 feet, with a hole in the middle line for the head}, Third: waist wrapper {6 feet x 3 1/2 feet}, Fourth head veil {a 4x4 square feet white sheet}, and Fifth: the loin cloth {12 inches wide x 4 feet long}).

The deceased, covered with a sheet, is lifted and laid on her back on the shroud. Some scent or perfume may be put on those parts of the body upon which one rests during prostration that is the forehead, nose, hands, knees, and feet.

a. SHEETING : 4 metres-140 cm 150 cm or 180 cm wide according to the size of the body (1.75 meters for Izaar and 2.25 meters for Lifafah) OR

b. CALICO : 1.80 meters, 90 cm wide for Ames.

c. Any other material 2.50 meters 115 cm wide, this has to be made into two pieces for Tehbands, about 115 cm x 115 cm.

The loin cloth is bound round her upper legs (Acts like underwear).  The waist wrapper is tied in place. Put on the sleeveless shirt (Long to cover the body from the shoulder to the feet). Put the head veil. The deceased’s left hand should be placed on her chest, then put her right hand on the left hand like the way in the Salaat (Prayer). The edge of the top sheet is folded over the deceased right side, then the other edge over his left side. Then the second sheet should be folded the same way. These sheets should be fastened with a piece of cloth {Tie ropes}, one above the head, and another under the feet, and two around the body.

NOTE: There is no Islamic teaching of writing anything on the shrouds.

 

 

  
The balance should be used for making up bag like mittens, to be used for covering hands when performing Ghusl. A few strips must be kept for fastening the bags onto the hands and for tying the Kafn after it has been put on.

d. 60 grams camphor cut fine, 60 grams sandal wood powder and rose water for paste to be put off the body that touch the ground when making Sajdah.

e. One small bottle Itr or Hunoot if easily available, for males only. (Hunoot is anything with
which a corpse is perfumed, consisting of musk, sandal wood, ambergris and camphor or any PAAK substance.)

ADDITIONAL KAFN REQIREMENTS FOR FEMALES

a. CALICA: 140 meters, 90 cm, wide for Khimaar (Orni).

b. CALICO: 180 to 2.50 meters, 90 cm wide for a woman's breast, (Sina band).

 

 

The MASNOON Kafn for a female consists of an IZAAR, KHIMAAR (Orni), QAMEES, LIFAFAH and a piece calf material to' hold the breasts (SINABAND). The Khimaar is the Veil. The piece of material to hold the breasts should preferably be from the breasts to the thighs. Three garments, i.e..Izaar, Lifafah and Khimaar will suffice, but it is SUNNAT to have FIVE. It is MAKROOH to use less than THREE, except when it is NOT available. It is the duty of the husband to bear the burial expenses of the wife. The Kafn could be smoked with LOBAAN, etc. but NOT scented with Itr. Children's Kafn should be cut to appropriate size.

Kaffan for a Male

THE KAFAN OF A MALE

The Kafan of a male should consist of three white winding sheets about {7 x 7 feet}, clean and large enough to conceal the whole body, after having been perfumed with incense. Use 4 tie ropes, each 7 feet long (Figure (1)). The material of the sheet should not be silk, nor should any gold be used.

STEPS OF SHROUDING

The winding sheets should be spread out one on the top of the other. The deceased, covered with a sheet, is lifted and laid on his back on the winding sheets. Some scent or perfume may be put on those parts of the body upon which one rests during prostration that is the forehead, nose, hands, knees, and feet. If it is possible the deceased’s left hand should be placed on his chest, then put his right hand on the left hand like the way in the Salaat (Prayer).

The edge of the top sheet is folded over the deceased right side, then the other edge over his left side. Then the second sheet should be folded the same way. The third and the largest sheet should be treated the same way. These sheets should be fastened with a piece of cloth {Tie ropes}, one above the head, and another under the feet, and two
around the body.



THE KAFN

The Kain are the grave clothes of the dead. It is desirable that the Kain be of white material and of medium quality according to the status of the deceased. Rasulullah said "Do not use Expensive cloth in Kafn, because it will very soon decay." It is PERMISSIBLE to prepare one's
Kafn during one's lifetime. This will avoid last minute rush and inconvenience.

KAFN FOR MALE
The MASNOON Kain for a male is an IZAAR, QAMEES and LIFAFAH. The Izaar is this case is a
sheet from the head to the feet, whereas the Ames is a long sheet that has to be folded in half and an opening cut to allow it to be put on as a shirt. The latter will have no pockets, sleeves or seams. The Lifafah is a sheet from above the head to below the feet, Just TWO, the Izaar and Lifafah will also suffice, but it is SUNNAT to have the THREE. It is MAKROOH to use less than two without a valid reason.

HOW THE KAFN SHOULD BE PUT ON MALE:

MASNOON SEQENCE.

1. First spread the LIFAFAH on the floor, then on it the IZAAR and on it that portion of the QAMEES that will be under the body. The portion that will cover the top of the body should be folded and put at the head side.
2. Lower the body gently onto the Kafn and cover the top of the belly up to the calf with the folded portion of the Ames.
3. Remove the TEHBAND and sheet used for covering the SATR.
4. Rub ITR or HUNOOT on the HEAD and BEARD.
5. Then rub camphor mixture paste on the places of SAJDAH, (i. e. those parts of the body that touch the ground in NAMAAZ: forehead, nose both the palms, knees and the forefeet.
6. First fold the LEFT flap and on it the RIGHT flap of the IZAAR over the QAMEES.
7. Thereafter fold the LIFAFAH in the same manner. Remember that the RIGHT flap must be on the top.
8. Lastly fasten the ends of the LIFAFAH

PROHIBITED ARTICLES IN THE KAFN

1. It is prohibited to enclose any charter or any other Du’aa on the Kafn.

2. It is forbidden to write the Kalima or any other Du’aa on the Kafn or on the chest of the deceased with camphor, ink, etc.

WHAT TO DO AFTER THE KAFN

With the completion of the Ghusl and Kafn, the Mayyit (deceased person) is ready for DAFAN (burial). No time should be wasted and the Namaaz of the Janaza should be arranged without delay. Rasulullah (S.A.W.) has said:

 "If a person passes away, hasten him to his grave and do not keep him away."

The Janaza Namaaz should be arranged quickly and the Mayyit should be buried in the nearest Muslim Qabrastaan (cemetery). To transport the body over long distances is undesirable. It is also MAKROOH to delay the Janaza Namaaz and wait for late comers to increase the Jamaat.

IMPORTANT:

• It is only permissible for MAHRAM women of the deceased male to see his face.
• They are his WIFE, MOTHER, GRAND MOTHER (paternal and maternal), SISTERS, AUNTS and (GRAND DAUGHTERS, etc.)
• Similarly only the MAHRAM males should view the face of a deceased female.
• They are her HUSBAND, FATHER, GRAND FATHER, BROTHERS, UNCLES, SONS and GRANDSONS, etc.
• In both cases of a male and female Mayyit, the face of the deceased should NOT be kept OPEN after the Kafn is put on.
• It is permissible to recite the Qur'an after the Ghusl has been performed.

Death of a Muslim

JANAZA (Prayer over dead body)

DEATH OF A MUSLIM

THE MUHTADHARA person on whom the signs of DEATH are clearly seen is called a MUHTADHAR. It isSUNNAT to let him lie on his RIGHT side facing the QIBLAH. It is permitted that he be positioned to lie on his BACK with his FEET towards the QIBLAH, and the head slightly raised with a cushion so that it faces the Qibla. all the bed linen must be PAAK. If moving the Muhtadhar causes him any discomfort then leave him in any convenient position.

• It is desirable to use LOBAAN, itr or any other aromatics that are Paak in the room. Anyone who is in the state of Janaabat, Haiz or Nifaas must leave the apartment.

• At this time the recitals of Suras YASEEN (starting at the 17th Ruku of the 22nd Para) and RA'D (beginning at the 6th Ruku of the 13th Para) is recommended. This may be done in the same room.

When one is incapable of reciting the Qur'an, someone else may be requested to recite these Suras or any other portion of the Qur'an.

THE TALQEEN

• TALQEEN is to remind the dying person of the two SHAHADATS,

(i.e. Ash hadu alla ilâha il-lal-laahu was ash hadu Anna Muham-madan Abduhu wa Rasuluhu).

When the end nears the dying person's breath quickens, the knees becomes so weak that they cannot move, the nose becomes bent and the temples subside. By these signs understand that the person is nearing the end.

• The Talqeen should be read before the dying person takes hits last breaths. The Muhtadhar must NOT he asked or ORDERED to read the Kalima, but must be helped to recall it. This can easily he done by reciting the Kalima aloud while being present in the room. Once the departing person utters the Kalima all who are present should remain SILENT. The dying person should NOT be drawn into, any WORLDY discussions, but if he discusses any worldly affair, then the Talqeen should be repeated.

• After the Muhtadhar passes away, his mouth should be kept CLOSED by fastening a piece of Paak material around his chin and over his head, his eyes should be also be closed. Both feet should be tied together with a similar piece of cloth, and the body covered with a Paak sheet.

The one who does this should read...

WHAT TO DO AFTER A PERSON HAS PASSED AWAY

1. Obtain a doctor's certificate.

2. Obtain a burial order.
3. Obtain a death certificate.
4. If the body is to be removed from one Municipality to another then it is necessary to obtain a REMOVAL ORDER from the police of the town in which the death took place.
5. If the death is due to unnatural causes (e.g. drowning or a motor accident, etc.) then one must comply with the legal requirements.
6. Inform relatives and friends of the death and of the time of Janaza.
7. Prepare the QAB'R.
8. Perform GHUSL.
9. Put on the KAFAN.
10.Arrange transport if the QABRASTAAN (cemetery) is at a distance.

 

Wudhu - Cleansing Bath

Wudhu and Ghusl is allowed with the Following Water... 

1. Rain water.

2. Well water.

3. Spring, sea or river water. '

4. Water of melting snow or hail.

5. Water of a big tank or pond.

Water left over after drinking by human beings, Halaal animals and Halaal birds (e.g. cows, goats, and pigeons) is Taahir (clean)

 Wudhu and Ghusl is NOT allowed with the Following Water... 

1. All NAJIS or Dirty water.

2. Water extracted from fruit and trees.

3. Water that has changed its color, taste and smell and becomes thick because something was soaked in it. 4. Small quantity of water in which something NAJIS has fallen, e.g. Urine, blood, stool or wine or some animal had died after falling into it.

5. Used water of Wudhu or Ghusl.

6. Water left over after drinking by HARAAM animals, e.g. dogs, pigs or animals of prey.

7. Water which a cat drinks immediately after eating a mouse is NAJIS.

8. Water left by a person who has just drunk wine is NAJIS.

THE NIYYAT (Intention) 

It is SUNNAT to make the NIYYAT for WUDHU. •

For Wudhu one should make the Niyyat at heart that he is performing Wudhu...

DU'A BEFORE COMMENCING UDHU, NAMAAZ

I begin with the name of Allah

2. One should sit on a high and clean place to perform Wudhu. Face the direction towards the Holy KA'BA Sharif if possible.

3. Using TAHIR (clean) water FIRST wash BOTH the HANDS up to the WRISTS THREE times. And all praises are for Allah.

To wash one's hands, face and feet, etc. before performing NAMAAZ is called WUDHU or Ablution. No Namaaz is accepted without Wudhu.

4. Use a MISWAAK for cleaning the teeth and then GARGLE the mouth THREE times.

It is SUNNAT to make MISWAAK during WUDHU. By using a Miswaak the reward of a NAMAAZ increases 70 times.

5. Thereafter take water up to the NOSTRILS THREE times with the RIGHT hand and clean the nose with the LEFT hand.

6. Then wash your FACE THREE, times. Wash from the hairy part of the forehead to below the chin and from one ear lobe to the other.

7. Then make KHILAL of the BEARD. 8. Thereafter wash the RIGHT HAND INCLUDING (, THE ELBOWS THREE times.

9. Then wash the LEFT HAND INCLUDING the ELBOWS.

10.Then make KHILAL of the FINGERS.

11.Thereafter wet the hands and pass them over the head, ears and nape. This must be done ONCE only. It is known as MASAH.

DU'A WHILST MAKING WUDHU O Allah' forgive my sins and give expansion (abundance) in my home and grant me blessings in my substance.

MASAH WET THE HANDS AND FINGERS

• Keep THREE fingers of each hand together (middle finger, ring finger and little finger).
• Keep thumb and index finger raised (away).
• Keep thumb, index finger and palm away from the head.
• Pass the three fingers from the forehead to the upper portion of the nape.
• Then place the palm on the sides of the head and bring forward to forehead.
• Then insert the front portion of the index finger into the openings of the ear.
• Then make Masah behind the ears with the inner part of the thumb.
• Make Masah of the nape with the back of the middle finger.

Then wash BOTH the FEET INCLUDING the ANKLES THREE times. First the Right and then the Left foot.

N.B. Use LEFT HAND for KHILAL of toes and washing of the feet. First wash the RIGHT FOOT including the ankle and then make KHILAL of the TOES. Beginning with the LITTLE toe of the RIGHT FOOT. Then wash the LEFT FOOT including the ankle and then intake KHILAL of the TOES. Completing at the LITTLE toe of the LEFT FOOT.

DU'A AFTER COMPLETING WUDHU RECITE KALlMA SHAHADAT.

Ashhadu Alla Ilaha Illal Allah WA Ashhadu Anna Muhammad Abduhu wa Rasuluhu (I testify that there is none worthy of worship but Allah and I testify that Muhammad (Sallallaahu-Alaihi-Wa-Salam) is Allah's worshipper and messenger.) Allaahummaj-‘alnee minat-Tawwaabeen Waj’alnee minal-Mutatahhireen (O Allah." make me of the repenters and make me of the purified.)...