When visiting the graves it is mustahabb to greet the occupants of the graves with salam and to make this du`a: (Al-salamu ‘ala ahl il-diyar min al-mu’minin wa’l-Muslimin, wa yarham Allah al-mustaqdimina minna wa’l-mustakhirin, wa innaa in sha Allah bikum la lahiqun.)

How to Offer Condolences in Islam: 1. Condolences may be offered in any words that bring comfort to the affected person and encourage him to show patience and seek reward with Allah. 2. Phrases of offering condolences narrated from the Prophet include: “To Allah belongs what He has taken, to Him belongs what He has given, and everything has an appointed time with Him, so be patient and seek reward.” 3. There is no specific ruling with regard to the place and manner of offering condolences. 4. The time for offering condolences begins from the moment the deceased passes away, and it is recommended to offer condolences both before and after the burial. It is not limited to only three days.

Praying to the occupant of the grave is major shirk. Praying the funeral prayer at the graveside is permissible. Praying the funeral prayer in the graveyard is permissible. Praying towards the graveyard is haram according to the correct opinion.

• The Sunnah is to put the deceased into the grave from the end, then he should be turned onto his right side in the grave, with his face directed towards the Qiblah. • The one who puts him into the Lahd (niche in the grave) should say, “Bismillahi wa ‘ala sunnat Rasul-Allahi or ‘ala millat Rasul-Allahi. • It is recommended for those who are at the grave to throw handfuls of earth, three handfuls scooped up in both hands, after the Lahd has been sealed.

The permissible ways of looking after graves include: Placing a marker at the head of the grave. Making the grave as high as a hand span only. The entire graveyard should be surrounded with a wall that will protect it. The prohibited ways of looking after graves include: Making the grave more than a hand span above ground level. Building structures over graves. Coating the grave with paint, plaster or any other type of adornment. Surrounding the grave with a fence. Writing on the grave. Planting trees on the grave, or planting greenery on it.

1- The scholars unanimously agreed that burial in the Lahd and burial in the Shaqq are both permissible. However, if the ground is stable and the soil will not collapse then the Lahd is preferable, otherwise the Shaqq is preferable. 2- The soil should not be filled in directly on the face or body of the deceased, whether the grave is a Lahd or a Shaqq

This is how to pray salat al- janazah: 1- Say the first takbir and recite al-Fatihah. 2- Say the second takbir and send blessings on the Prophet. 3- Say the third takbir and make dua` for the deceased. 4- Say the fourth takbir and offer salam.

The best way to wash the deceased in Islam is to start with cleaning the private parts, then Wudu, then washing the body with water and lote leaves three times, then pouring water over the body, three times on the right side and three times on the left.

Signs of a good end in Islam are: Uttering the Shahadah (testimony of faith) when dying. Dying with sweat on the forehead. Dying on the night or day of Friday. Dying as a fighter for the sake of Allah. Dying of plague. Dying of a stomach disease. Dying because of being crushed by a falling wall or by drowning. A woman dying as a result of childbirth, or when she is pregnant. Death caused by burning, pleurisy and tuberculosis. Dying while defending one’s religion, wealth or life. Dying while guarding the borders of Islam for the sake of Allah. Dying whilst doing a righteous deed.