11 Islamic Sympathy Messages & Du’a for the Deceased

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Show support and sympathy for a grieving Muslim family
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When someone dies in Islam, it can be difficult to know the right thing to say. When you’re looking for words to comfort others in times of loss, look to our guide below for Islamic sympathy messages. You’ll discover thoughtful duas for the deceased and other meaningful ways to offer your condolences to those who are experiencing grief.

What to Say when Someone Dies in Islam

When someone dies in Islam, the first thing to say is Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (إِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ, which translates to “Verily, we belong to Allah, and truly to Him shall we return.” It is said as a reminder to accept and trust in God’s will when experiencing hardship or death.

Section 1 of 5:

First Du’a to Say After Someone’s Death

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  1. This powerful verse from the Quran is the very first thing you’d say upon hearing the news of a death in Islam. The phrase expresses acceptance of death as a temporary separation from those left behind, and it emphasizes a submission to divine will. The verse also speaks of feeling grief and seeking Allah’s mercy. It acts as a dua for forgiveness , and asks for trust in God when experiencing a death or serious hardship. [1]
    • Arabic: إِ نَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُون.
    • Pronunciation: Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un .
    • English translation: “Verily, we belong to Allah, and truly to Him shall we return.” — Al-Baqarah 21:56 [2]
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Section 2 of 5:

10 More Du’as for Those Who Have Passed Away

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  1. 1
    Du’a for the Closing of the Eyes of the Deceased This verse is a prayer for the soul of the deceased to be guided into paradise. It comes from the Sahih Muslim holy book, where the verse mentions how the Prophet Muhammad came to one of his companions when he died. Closing his companion’s eyes, Muhammad said, “When the soul is taken away, the sight follows it.” [3]
    • Arabic: اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُ ، وَارْفَعْ دَرَجَتَهُ فِي الْمَهْدِيِّينَ ، وَاخْلُفْهُ فِي عَقِبِهِ فِي الْغَابِرِينَ ، وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَلَهُ يَا رَبَّ الْعَالَمِينَ ، وَافْسَحْ لَهُ فِي قَبْرِهِ ، وَنَوِّرْ لَهُ فِيهِ.
    • Pronunciation: Allāhumma-ghfir lah, wa-rfaʿ darajatahū fi-l-mahdiyyīn, wa-khlufhu fi ʿaqibihi fi-l-ghābirīn, wa-ghfir lanā wa lahū yā Rabba-l-ʿālamīn, wa-fsaḥ lahū fi qabrih, wa nawwir lahū fīh.
    • English translation: “O Allah, forgive Him, raise his rank among those who are guided, and take care of those he leaves behind Him. Forgive us and Him, O Lord of the worlds; expand his grave for Him and illuminate it for Him.” — Hisn Muslim 2:634 [4]
    • Hisnul Muslim (Fortress of the Muslim) is a du'a book compiled by Said Bin Ali Bin Wahf Al-Qahtani of authentic supplications of the Prophet Muhammad. [5]
  2. 2
    Du’a for the Deceased at the Funeral This verse asks for purification for the deceased’s sins while guiding the deceased into paradise. It also asks Allah for a spacious grave, along with continued mercy and forgiveness. [6]
    • Arabic: اللهُـمِّ اغْفِـرْ لَهُ وَارْحَمْـه ، وَعافِهِ وَاعْفُ عَنْـه ، وَأَكْـرِمْ نُزُلَـه ، وَوَسِّـعْ مُدْخَـلَه ، وَاغْسِلْـهُ بِالْمـاءِ وَالثَّـلْجِ وَالْبَـرَدْ ، وَنَقِّـهِ مِنَ الْخطـايا كَما نَـقّيْتَ الـثَّوْبَ الأَبْيَـضَ مِنَ الدَّنَـسْ ، وَأَبْـدِلْهُ داراً خَـيْراً مِنْ دارِه ، وَأَهْلاً خَـيْراً مِنْ أَهْلِـه ، وَزَوْجَـاً خَـيْراً مِنْ زَوْجِه ، وَأَدْخِـلْهُ الْجَـنَّة ، وَأَعِـذْهُ مِنْ عَذابِ القَـبْر [وَعَذابِ النّـار].
    • Pronunciation: Allāhumma’ghfir lahu warḥamh, wa `āfihi, wa`fu `anh, wa akrim nuzulah, wa wassi` mudkhalah, wagh’silhu bi ‘lmā’i wath-thalji walbarad, wa naqqihi mina ‘l-khaṭāyā kamā naqqaytath-thawba ‘l-abyaḍa minad-danas, wa abdilhu dāran khayran min dārih, wa ahlan khayran min ahlih, wa zawjan khayran min zawjih, wa adkhilhu ‘l-jannah, wa a`idhhu min `adhābi ‘l-qabri [wa `adhābin-nār].
    • English translation: “O Allah, forgive Him and have mercy on Him, and give Him strength and pardon Him. Be generous to Him, and enlarge his entrance (to his abode), and wash Him with water and snow and hail. Cleanse Him of his transgressions as white cloth is cleansed of stains. Give Him an abode better than his home, and a family better than his family, and a wife better than his wife. Take Him into Paradise, and protect Him from the punishment of the grave [and from the punishment of Hell-fire].” — Hisn al-Muslim 3-598.
  3. 3
    Du’a for the Deceased During the Salatul Janazah Funeral Prayer This funerary prayer asks Allah for forgiveness, mercy, and guidance on behalf of the deceased. It also asks the same for all Muslims, whether living or dead. It helps bid farewell to loved ones who have died and reminds those grieving that they too will die one day. [7]
    • Arabic: اللَّهُمَّ عَبْدُكَ وَابْنُ أَمَتِكَ احْتَاجَ إِلَى رَحْمَتِكَ، وَأَنْتَ غَنِيٌّ عَنْ عَذَابِهِ، إِنْ كَانَ مُحْسِناً فَزِدْ فِي حَسَنَاتِهِ، وَإِنْ كَانَ مُسِيئاً فَتَجَاوَزْ عَنْهُ.
    • Pronunciation: Allahumma abduka wabnu amatika ihtaaja ila rahmatik wa anta ghaniyyun ‘an ‘adhaabih, in kaana muhsinan fazid fee hasanaatih, wa in kaana musee-an, fatajaawaz ‘anhu.
    • English translation: “Oh Allah, this son of a servant of yours is now in need of Your mercy, and You are not in need of punishing that person. If he was pious, then increase his rewards, and if he was a transgressor, then pardon Him.” — Al-Hakim 1:359 [8]
  4. 4
    Du’a for the Deceased When Visiting the Graveyard This prayer asks for love and support for the deceased, along with their grieving family. It’s also a way to ask dua so mourners can meditate both on the hereafter and how it affects their own life and eventual death. [9]
    • Arabic: السَّلامُ عَلَـيْكُمْ أَهْلَ الدِّيارِ مِنَ المؤْمِنيـنَ وَالْمُسْلِمين وَإِنّا إِنْ شاءَ اللهُ بِكُـمْ لاحِقـون نَسْـاَلُ اللهَ لنـا وَلَكُـمْ العـافِيَة.
    • Pronunciation: As-salāmu `alaykum ahla-d-diyāri minal-mu'minīna wal-muslimīn, wa innā in shā\'a-llahu bikum lāḥiqūn, as'alullāha lanā wa-lakumu-l-`āfiyah.
    • English translation: “Peace be upon you, O believing and Muslim dwellers of this place. Certainly, Allah willing, we will join you. We ask Allah to grant us and you well-being.” — Hisn al-Muslim 165 (Chapter 60) [10]
  5. 5
    Du’a for the Deceased After the Burial Mourners can use this verse to remember and honor their deceased loved ones, while seeking the mercy and forgiveness of Allah for the protection of the soul of the departed. [11]
    • Arabic: اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُ الَّلهُمَّ ثَبِّتْهُ.
    • Pronunciation: Allaahum-maghfir lahu Allaahumma thabbithu.
    • English translation: “O Allah, forgive Him. O Allah, strengthen Him.” — Abu Dawud 3:315. — Hisn al-Muslim 164 (Chapter 59) [12]
  6. 6
    Du’a Offering Protection During Difficult Times This verse comforts the grieving family as it emphasizes the importance of faith in God. It also acts as a reminder that the righteous will inherit the Earth. [13]
    • Arabic: قَالَ مُوسَىٰ لِقَوْمِهِ ٱسْتَعِينُوا۟ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱصْبِرُوٓا۟ ۖ إِنَّ ٱلْأَرْضَ لِلَّهِ يُورِثُهَا مَن يَشَآءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِۦ ۖ وَٱلْعَـٰقِبَةُ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ.
    • Pronunciation: Q̣āla Mūsā li-qawmihi: istīnuu billāhi wa-ṣbiru, innallāha yurithuhu man yashā`u min `ibādih, wal `āqibatu lilmuttaqīn.
    • English translation: “Seek help through Allah and be patient; indeed, the earth belongs to Allah. He grants it to whom He wills of His servants, and the best outcome is for the righteous.” — Al-A’raf 7:128 [14]
  7. 7
    Du’a so Allah Will Never Delay a Soul When Its Time Has Come This verse is a reminder to remain vigilant in never taking life for granted while striving to be a good Muslim during your time on Earth. [15]
    • Arabic: وَلَن يُؤَخِّرَ ٱللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِذَا جَآءَ أَجَلُهَا ۚ وَٱللَّهُ خَبِيرٌۢ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ.
    • Pronunciation: Wa lan yu'akh-khir Allahu nafsan idza ja'a ajaluha, Wa Allahu khabirun bima ta'malun .
    • English translation: “And spend [in the way of Allah ] from what we have provided you before death approaches one of you and he says, ‘My Lord, if only you would delay me for a brief term so I would give charity and be among the righteous’. But never will Allah delay a soul when its time has come. And Allah is acquainted with what you do.” — Al-Munafiqun 63:10-11. [16]
  8. 8
    Du’a So No Soul Perceives in What Land It Will Die This verse is a reminder of how those left behind are always at Allah’s mercy and can never know when death will come. They can embrace their faith and trust in God. [17]
    • Arabic: ٱلْغَيْثَ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا فِى ٱلْأَرْحَامِ ۖ وَمَا تَدْرِى نَفْسٌۭ مَّاذَا تَكْسِبُ غَدًۭا ۖ وَمَا تَدْرِى نَفْسٌۢ بِأَىِّ أَرْضٍۢ تَمُوتُ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌۢ.
    • Pronunciation: Inna Allaha aaindahu aailmu alssaaaati wayunazzilu alghaytha wayaaalamu ma fee alarhami wama tadree nafsun matha taksibu ghadan wama tadree nafsun biayyi ardin tamootu inna Allaha aaaleemun khabeerun .
    • English translation: “Indeed, Allah [alone] has knowledge of the hour and sends down the rain and knows what is in the wombs. And no soul perceives what it will earn tomorrow, and no soul perceives in what land it will die. Indeed, Allah is knowing and acquainted.” — Luqman 31:34 [18]
  9. 9
    Du’a When Their Specified Time Has Come, They Cannot Delay It for a Single Hour This verse acts as a further reminder that you cannot control the moment death will come. It states that death is a blessing given to you by Allah to be accepted. [19]
    • Arabic: وَلَوْ يُؤَاخِذُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلنَّاسَ بِظُلْمِهِم مَّا تَرَكَ عَلَيْهَا مِن دَآبَّةٍۢ وَلَـٰكِن يُؤَخِّرُهُمْ إِلَىٰٓ أَجَلٍۢ مُّسَمًّۭى ۖ فَإِذَا جَآءَ أَجَلُهُمْ لَا يَسْتَـْٔخِرُونَ سَاعَةًۭ ۖ وَلَا يَسْتَقْدِمُونَ.
    • Pronunciation: Wa laa yu'akhidhu al-l-ahu an-nas bi zumhim ma taraka alayha min dabah walakin yu'akhhiruhum ila ajalin musamma fa idha jaa ajalhum la yastakhiruna sa'atan wala yastaqdimuna.
    • English translation: “If Allah were to punish people ˹immediately˺ for their wrongdoing, He would not have left a single living being on earth. But he delays them for an appointed term. And when their time arrives, they cannot delay it for a moment, nor could they advance it.” — An-Nahl 16:61 [20]
  10. 10
    Du’a for a Soul at Rest This verse instructs believers to embrace death as the final comfort of life and view it as a time when they can return to Allah. It prays that they have the strength needed to welcome death as the last of Allah’s blessings on Earth. [21]
    • Arabic: يَٰٓأَيَّتُهَا النَّفْسُ الْمُطْمَئِنَّةُ، اِرْجِعِي إِلَى رَبِّكِ رَاضِيَةً مَرْضِيَّةً، فَادْخُلِي فِي عِبَادِي، وَادْخُلِي جَنَّتِي..
    • Pronunciation: Yaa ayyuhal nafsul mutmainnah irji'ee ilaa Rabbiki raadiyatan marrediyyah fadkhuli 'ibaadee wadkhuli jannatee.
    • English translation: “Allah will say to the righteous, ‘O tranquil soul! Return to your Lord, well-pleased with Him and well-pleasing to Him. So join my servants, And enter my paradise.’” — Al-Fajr 89:27-30 [22]
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Section 3 of 5:

Things to Remember When Someone Dies in Islam

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  1. Be specific and avoid generic statements that don’t feel personal to those who are grieving. Offer empathy with words, phrases, and verses that inspire their faith and comfort them at the same time. [23]
    • Avoid making comparisons to losses you have felt; try to stay focused on what they are going through and be there for them.
  2. 2
    Dress respectfully for an Islamic funeral . Dress modestly in a way that shows respect for Islamic traditions. Men can wear a shirt and pants, while women are expected to wear an ankle-length skirt, a long-sleeved and high-necked shirt, and a headscarf. Avoid wearing bright colors or any flashy jewelry, hairstyle, or makeup. [24]
    • An Islamic funeral (called a janazah ) is an opportunity to come together with other Muslims as a community and act as a reminder that death is a part of life.
  3. 3
    Be patient during the mourning process. Having patience during hardship and loss is an important part of Islamic practice. Try not to push them about “getting over” the loss too soon and allow them the time they need to grieve. They’ll mourn at their own pace with the help of good friends and loved ones like you by their side. [25]
    • It’s important to note that Islam forbids excessive grieving, including overly weeping, tearing at clothing, or anything that might be seen as a dissatisfaction with Allah.
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Section 4 of 5:

Other Ways to Offer Condolences When Someone Dies in Islam

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  1. 1
    Visit after the traditional 3-day mourning period. Make time to spend with the grieving family members to show them you care. They’ll appreciate your being there to listen and offer help when needed. You can be a part of their lives as they cherish memories of the deceased and pray for their soul. [26]
    • The mourning period for most Muslims is 3 days, while the mourning period for a widow is 4 months and 10 days.
  2. 2
    Bring food as a token of your support. It’s considered an acceptable tradition to make and give food to the family of the deceased in Islam. Bring them simple, easy-to-eat food that follows halal dietary laws. Foods like rice, fruits, vegetables, and baked goods are acceptable; avoid pork and alcohol in your food preparations. [27]
  3. 3
    Offer practical help. It’s just as important to help a grieving family with day-to-day errands as it is to simply visit them. If they need help with shopping, funerary preparations, or assistance with older family members or children, be there to help out. It can make all the difference as they experience a loss in the family. [28]
  4. 4
    Do good deeds that will benefit others. While monetary donations in the name of the deceased show appreciation, it’s a Muslim tradition to perform Sadaqah Jariyah, which is known as ongoing charity. Sadaqah Jariyah emphasizes doing good deeds after someone’s death. Major projects include building a school, a wall, or helping adopt orphans, which sometimes take an entire community to get done. [29]
    • The practice of Sadaqah Jariyah is based on quotes like this one from the Prophet Muhammad: “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah (ceaseless charity); a knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him (for the deceased).” [30]
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Section 5 of 5:

What happens after a death in Islam?

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  1. When families lose loved ones, they recite prayers at several points during the funerary process. They say these prayers or du’a before the body is prepared for burial, at a mosque during the funeral, and at the burial. During burial, mourners recite the phrase “Bismillah wa ala millati rasulillah” before burying their loved one at the cemetery. [31]
    • Prayers over the deceased: Prayers are said that affirm faith and trust in Allah before and after death.
    • Preparation of the body: Mourners wash and shroud the deceased’s body before burial.
    • Mosque prayers: Prayers take place at a mosque during the funeral.
    • Funeral prayers: Mourners recite prayers in a designated prayer room while facing Mecca.
    • Burial: When at the cemetery, mourners recite the phrase “Bismillah wa ala millati rasulillah” and each places 3 handfuls of soil into the grave.

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      References

      1. ↑ https://myislam.org/what-to-say-when-someone-dies-islam/
      2. ↑ https://quran.com/en/al-baqarah/156
      3. ↑ https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/post/hope-and-healing-supplications-for-a-loved-one-who-passed-away
      4. ↑ https://sunnah.com/hisn:155
      5. ↑ https://myislam.org/dua-for-deceased-at-funeral/
      6. ↑ https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/post/hope-and-healing-supplications-for-a-loved-one-who-passed-away
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/QZCqfqyLwCk?si=qo0s9RCeDa0hU6LS&t=44
      8. ↑ https://sunnah.com/hisn:159
      9. ↑ https://myislam.org/dua-for-visiting-the-grave/
      1. ↑ https://sunnah.com/hisn:165
      2. ↑ https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/post/hope-and-healing-supplications-for-a-loved-one-who-passed-away
      3. ↑ https://sunnah.com/hisn:164
      4. ↑ https://www.bostonislamicseminary.org/2023/10/17/quranic-guidance-during-challenging-times/
      5. ↑ https://quran.com/7:128
      6. ↑ https://themuslimvibe.com/faith-islam/5-verses-from-the-holy-quran-on-death
      7. ↑ https://quran.com/en/al-munafiqun/11
      8. ↑ https://themuslimvibe.com/faith-islam/5-verses-from-the-holy-quran-on-death
      9. ↑ https://quran.com/en/luqman/34
      10. ↑ https://themuslimvibe.com/faith-islam/5-verses-from-the-holy-quran-on-death
      11. ↑ https://quran.com/en/an-nahl/61
      12. ↑ https://themuslimvibe.com/faith-islam/5-verses-from-the-holy-quran-on-death
      13. ↑ https://quran.com/en/al-fajr/27-30
      14. ↑ https://studioarabiya.com/how-to-give-condolences-in-islam/
      15. ↑ https://studioarabiya.com/how-to-give-condolences-in-islam/
      16. ↑ https://studioarabiya.com/how-to-give-condolences-in-islam/
      17. ↑ https://alhiqma.com.sg/blogs/blog/how-muslims-deal-with-grief-and-loss
      18. ↑ https://studioarabiya.com/how-to-give-condolences-in-islam/
      19. ↑ https://alhiqma.com.sg/blogs/blog/how-muslims-deal-with-grief-and-loss
      20. ↑ https://studioarabiya.com/how-to-give-condolences-in-islam/
      21. ↑ https://sunnah.com/riyadussalihin:1383
      22. ↑ https://www.centralmosqueofbrent.com/funeral-faq

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