What should be done for whom about to die

[ابوالوليد المسلم]

What should be done for whom about to die (1)

‘Abdullah bin Hamoud al-Furaih




What should be done for whom about to die

Is there an angel who is responsible for death?

Yes, death has an angel designated to take the soul from the body. His name is the Angel of Death. For you, O blessed one, there is an appointment with him which cannot be brought forward nor delayed. Allah Almight says:

{قُلْ يَتَوَفَّاكُمْ مَلَكُ الْمَوْتِ الَّذِي وُكِّلَ بِكُمْ }
“Say, "The angel of death will take you who has been entrusted with you. Then to your Lord you will be returned.".” [Al Sajda 11].
As for the name of "Azraeel" which people give to the angel of death, it is neither correct nor confirmed by the Prophet (peace be upon him). [1]

A benefit: As for causing death, it came in the Glorious Qur'an in three forms as follows:
Firstly: Adding death to the “Angel of Death” as mentioned in the previous Ayah, because he is the one who is responsible for taking out souls from bodies.


Secondly: Adding death to “Angels”, Allah Almighty said:

{حَتَّىَ إِذَا جَاء أَحَدَكُمُ الْمَوْتُ تَوَفَّتْهُ رُسُلُنَا وَهُمْ لاَ يُفَرِّطُونَ}
“Until, when death comes to one of you, Our messengers take him, and they do not fail [in their duties].” [Al Anaam: 61].
Here it was ascribed to “Angels”, because they are helpers to the Angel of Death.


Thirdly: Adding death to Allah Almighty as He says:
{اللَّهُ يَتَوَفَّى الْأَنفُسَ حِينَ مَوْتِهَا}
“Allah takes the souls at the time of their death” [Al Zumar: 42].
Death is added to Allah because it takes place by His Command.


[1] Look at: Al Mumti’ (5/245)