(Recommending of particular Sura and Dua for particular...

(Recommending of particular Sura and Dua for particular objectives is because of the special meanings contained in them; which if understood and taken to heart have corrective influences upon man). Second Occasion: Adeela indal-Maut (Satanic thought in death). This is the turning away from the truth to the false and wrong at the time of death.

This is because Satan approaches men at the time of their death creating and raising doubts in their minds to the extent that one's correct faith may be completely shaken. One may even become bereft of it and he may die an infidel or faithless. Traditions advice us that as a safeguard one should be in the habit of recalling Usul al-Deen with its proof so that when he is reminded of the Usul al-Deen on his death-bed and in Talqeen, certainty of his faith would prevail and doubts would cease.

Dua al-Adeela in Mafatihul Jinan is also helpful and should be read at the death-bed. Reciting the Tasbih of Hazrat Fatima (as), wearing Aqiq (Carnelian) ring, reading Sura al-Mu'minun on Fridays, reading “Bismillahi La Hawla Wala Quwwata Illa Billah” after Morning and Maghrib Prayers, are all beneficial. Third Occasion: Wahshat al-Qabr (Fear and horror of the Grave): This is more severe, and fearful than the previous occasions.

When the body is brought near the grave, it should not be put into it at once. Since this is a very fearful time, it should rather be prepared for it by breaking the journey thrice (Manzil), because the spirit still retains interest in the body. The Holy Prophet has said, “The most fearful time for the dead is their first night in the grave. Help your dead in this time of need by giving charity on their behalf and by praying for them (Salaat al-Wahshat).

In this prayer in the first rakat, one should read Ayaat al-Kursi (2:255) after Sura al-Hamd (1) and in the second Sura al-Qadr (97) ten times after Sura al-Hamd (1). Alternatively, Sura al-Tawheed twice in the first rakat and Sura al-Takathur ten times in the second rakat. ( i.e. after Sura al-Hamd).

Also beneficial is reading “LA Ilaha Illa Allahu Al-Malikul Haqqul Mubeen” (There is no power except Allah, the King, the Right, the Manifest) 100 times daily and reading Sura Yaseen (36) every night before sleeping. Fourth Occasion: Constriction in the Grave: This is also a difficult time. The grave calls out everyday. “I am the rest-house of the travellers.