What to Say When Someone Dies in Islam
Life and death are essential parts of every human’s journey. In Islam, death is seen as a transition from this temporary world to the eternal Hereafter. When someone passes away, Muslims express their condolences and pray for the deceased with specific phrases and supplications, seeking Allah’s mercy and forgiveness. Understanding how to express condolences in Islam can bring comfort to both the grieving family and the person offering support.
What Muslims Say When Someone Passes Away in Islam?
When a Muslim hears about someone’s passing, the most common phrase to say is:
Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un (إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ)
This Arabic phrase translates to: “Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed, to Him we shall return.”It is a reminder of life’s temporary nature and that every soul will ultimately return to its Creator. This phrase originates from the Quran (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:156), where Allah instructs believers on how to respond to trials and losses.
Islamic Prayer for the Deceased:
Apart from reciting Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un, it is also common to say Islamic prayers for those who have passed away. One of the most frequently recited supplications is:
Allahumma ghfir lahu warhamhu wa ‘afihi wa’fu ‘anhu (اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُ وَارْحَمْهُ وَعَافِهِ وَاعْفُ عَنْهُ)
This supplication means:
“O Allah, forgive him, have mercy on him, pardon him, and grant him peace.”
For a deceased female, the wording changes slightly to:
Allahumma ghfir laha warhamha wa ‘afiha wa’fu ‘anha (اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهَا وَارْحَمْهَا وَعَافِهَا وَاعْفُ عَنْهَا)This Islamic supplication asks Allah to grant the person peace and a place in Jannah (Paradise).
Words of Comfort for the Bereaved:
When offering condolences to a grieving family, it is recommended to say:
“May Allah grant them Jannah and give patience to the family.”
Another comforting phrase is:
“May Allah make their grave a place of peace and grant them the highest ranks in Jannah.”
These words provide reassurance that death is not the end but a transition to an eternal life in the Hereafter.
The Significance of Praying for the Deceased:
Islam places great emphasis on praying for the departed souls. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) encouraged Muslims to offer duas (supplications) for those who have passed away. Some additional Islamic prayers for the deceased include:
- اللهم اجعل قبره روضة من رياض الجنة “O Allah, make his grave a garden from the gardens of Paradise.”
- اللهم اجعل مثواه الجنة “O Allah, grant him a place in Jannah.”
These prayers help the deceased receive Allah’s mercy and blessings in the afterlife.
Origin of the Phrase “Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un”:
The phrase “Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un” was first used by the companions of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). This expression of submission to Allah’s will is now a standard Islamic response to death and hardship.
Conclusion:
In Islam, prayers for the deceased hold immense significance. Saying Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un acknowledges the temporary nature of life and reminds believers of the eternal Hereafter. Offering Islamic prayers and comforting the bereaved with words of faith can bring peace and solace.Whenever you hear about a death, recite prayers for the deceased and ask Allah to grant them Jannah and patience to their loved ones. May Allah have mercy on all departed souls. Ameen. If you want to learn more about the prayers we say when someone dies, and understand the Quran verses that give us comfort, you can take our online Quran classes. We’ll teach you the prayers and what they mean, so you can offer real comfort to people who are going through a hard time.
