"O my father, how close he is now to his Lord! O my father, we announce the news (of his death) to Jibril! O my father, Jannat Al-Firdawas is now his abode!"
The Book of Funerals - Sunan an-Nasa'i
Hadith Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 1844
Commentary on the Funeral Supplication
This profound narration demonstrates the proper etiquette and spiritual perspective Muslims should maintain when facing death. The three-fold exclamation reveals deep theological wisdom: First, recognizing the soul's proximity to its Creator emphasizes the transition from temporal to eternal existence. Second, announcing to Angel Jibril signifies the celestial recording of a believer's final journey. Third, affirming Jannat Al-Firdawas reflects certainty in divine mercy for the righteous.
Classical scholars explain that such utterances should be made with solemn dignity, not loud wailing. The repetition of "O my father" shows permissible emotional expression while maintaining submission to divine decree. This balanced approach distinguishes Islamic funeral rites from pre-Islamic mourning practices. The mention of the highest paradise level indicates the speaker's hopefulness in Allah's forgiveness.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes that this tradition teaches Muslims to focus on the deceased's spiritual state rather than worldly loss. The triple declaration serves as reminder of death's reality, the angelic realm, and the ultimate reward for believers - transforming grief into conscious preparation for one's own inevitable return to the Lord.