Hadith Text & Reference

"The Messenger of Allah said: 'Prompt your dying ones to say La ilaha illahllah (there is none worthy of worship except Allah).'"

Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 1827 | Book: The Book of Funerals

Exegesis of the Hadith

This noble hadith establishes a fundamental Islamic practice concerning the final moments of a believer's life. The instruction to remind the dying of the declaration of faith (kalimah at-tawhid) serves multiple profound purposes in our tradition.

The wisdom behind this teaching is that a person's final words may influence their eternal destiny. When the soul departs while affirming Allah's Oneness, we hope for divine mercy and forgiveness. The Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized this as the ultimate spiritual preparation for meeting one's Lord.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam an-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) states in his commentary: "This hadith demonstrates the collective obligation upon Muslims to gently remind those near death of the shahadah. The reminder should be offered with wisdom and beautiful preaching, not with force or harshness."

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains: "The timing is crucial - one should begin this reminder when death signs appear, not before the soul reaches the throat. The purpose is to ensure the last words uttered are the best possible words - the affirmation of Allah's Oneness."

Scholars note that this practice reflects Islam's comprehensive concern for the believer's welfare in both worldly life and the hereafter, ensuring the journey into the next life begins with the purest testimony of faith.

Practical Implementation

The reminder should be given in a calm, clear voice near the dying person's ear. If they repeat the shahadah, one should not persistently interrupt their concentration. If they are unable to speak, the reminder still carries spiritual benefit.

This practice applies to all Muslims capable of understanding, including children who have reached the age of discernment. The environment should be kept peaceful, with unnecessary noise and distractions removed to facilitate spiritual focus.