Recitations for a Dying Patient (Hanafi Perspective)

Answer

According to the Hanafi school of thought, when a person is in their final moments (sakarat al-mawt), the following recitations are recommended:

1. Talqīn of "Lā ilāha illallāh"

The most important practice is to prompt (talqīn) the dying person to recite:

لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ "Lā ilāha illallāh" (There is no god but Allah)

Evidence: The Prophet ﷺ said:

"Prompt your dying ones to say 'Lā ilāha illallāh'." (Sahih Muslim, Book of Jana'iz)

This should be done gently and repeatedly in their presence, without insisting or causing distress. If they say it, stop prompting and just make du'a.

2. Recitation of Sūrah Yāsīn

It is recommended to recite Sūrah Yāsīn (Chapter 36) in the presence of the dying person.

Evidence: The Prophet ﷺ said:

"Recite Yāsīn over those who are dying among you." (Sunan Abi Dāwūd, Hadith 3121; Ibn Mājah, Hadith 1448)

Note: While some scholars consider this hadith weak (da'īf), the Hanafi fuqahā have accepted its practice as virtuous. The wisdom is that Sūrah Yāsīn contains mention of Tawḥīd, the Hereafter, and forgiveness, which brings comfort to the soul.

3. Recitation of Āyat al-Kursī (2:255)

The Throne Verse is also recommended for protection and ease during the final moments.

4. Sūrah al-Ikhlāṣ (112)

This chapter affirming tawḥīd is beneficial.

5. Other Recommended Supplications

Those present should also recite:

Allāhumma ighfir lahū warḥamhu (O Allah, forgive him and have mercy on him)

How to Recite:

• Recite in a moderate, gentle voice
• Do not recite loudly as it may disturb the dying person
• The family should face the dying person towards the Qiblah if possible
• Give them a sip of water if they can drink

Key Hanafi References

1. Radd al-Muhtār (Ibn 'Ābidīn) - States that tilāwat (recitation) of Qur'ān, especially Sūrah Yāsīn, is recommended at the time of death
2. Fatāwā 'Ālamgīrī (al-Hindiyyah) - Mentions prompting with Kalimah and reciting Sūrah Yāsīn
3. Imdād al-Fatāwā - Discusses talqīn and its proper method
4. Bahishtī Zewar (Maulānā Ashraf 'Alī Thānwī) - Comprehensive guidance for the dying patient
5. Fatāwā Usmānī - Confirms the practice of talqīn and recitation of Yāsīn

Important Practical Notes

• Do not force the dying person to speak if they are in distress
• Do not recite excessively loud or engage in wailing or lamentation
• Do make du'ā for the person's ease and forgiveness
• Do maintain a calm, spiritually uplifting environment

May Allah grant ease to the dying and patience to the family. Āmīn.