Answer:
I have been told that death is very painful, even for the believer, and this pain is experienced regardless of how you die and regardless of your level of piety and good deeds in this life. Is this true?
Question:
Question:
Sheikh Salman al-Oadah
Ibn Hazm wrote a short epistle entitled “Refuting the Idea that Death is Painful”. He argues in it that there is no pain in death whatsoever. The only pain is that of the sickness that we cope with at the end of our lives. He also says that when we observe a dying person’s behaviour, it gives no indication that death itself is a painful process.
Likewise, Ibn Miskawayh wrote: “A Treatise on the Fear of Death” where he addressed this topic in a similar manner.
The Qur’an talks about “the intoxication of death” (sakarāt al-mawt). Intoxication refers to a befuddlement of the mind or the loss of consciousness. It does not indicate pain.
The “intoxication of death” that the Prophet suffered from is mentioned in the Sunnah. On the last day of the Prophet’s life, his daughter Fatimah witnessed his suffering. So she said: “How my father is suffering!” To these words, the Prophet remarked: “He will not suffer any more when today is over.” [Sahīh al-Bukhārī]
Some scholars mention that the intoxication of death may expiate for some of a person’s sins.
The Qur’an speaks about the death of the wicked: “If you could see when the wrong-doers reach the throes of death and the angels stretch their hands out saying: ‘Deliver up your souls’.” [Sūrah al-An`ām: 93]
“If you could see how the angels receive those who disbelieve, smiting their faces and backs, saying: ‘Taste the punishment of burning!’” [Sūrah al-Anfāl: 50]
Al-Barā’ related from the Prophet that the believer’s soul emerges from the body the way water flows from the mouth of a waterskin. [Sunan Abī Dāwūd] This indicates that the transition is easy.
As for the unbelievers and hypocrites, their souls are ripped from their bodies like a metal comb rips through wet wool.
The Prophet is reported to have said: “The believer dies with but sweat on his brow.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhī]
This can be understood in many ways. It can be taken to mean that a believer’s death is easy. The Prophet’s brow broke out in sweat right before his passing, and those who were with him wiped it off.
And Allah knows best.
Ibn Hazm wrote a short epistle entitled “Refuting the Idea that Death is Painful”. He argues in it that there is no pain in death whatsoever. The only pain is that of the sickness that we cope with at the end of our lives. He also says that when we observe a dying person’s behaviour, it gives no indication that death itself is a painful process.
Likewise, Ibn Miskawayh wrote: “A Treatise on the Fear of Death” where he addressed this topic in a similar manner.
The Qur’an talks about “the intoxication of death” (sakarāt al-mawt). Intoxication refers to a befuddlement of the mind or the loss of consciousness. It does not indicate pain.
The “intoxication of death” that the Prophet suffered from is mentioned in the Sunnah. On the last day of the Prophet’s life, his daughter Fatimah witnessed his suffering. So she said: “How my father is suffering!” To these words, the Prophet remarked: “He will not suffer any more when today is over.” [Sahīh al-Bukhārī]
Some scholars mention that the intoxication of death may expiate for some of a person’s sins.
The Qur’an speaks about the death of the wicked: “If you could see when the wrong-doers reach the throes of death and the angels stretch their hands out saying: ‘Deliver up your souls’.” [Sūrah al-An`ām: 93]
“If you could see how the angels receive those who disbelieve, smiting their faces and backs, saying: ‘Taste the punishment of burning!’” [Sūrah al-Anfāl: 50]
Al-Barā’ related from the Prophet that the believer’s soul emerges from the body the way water flows from the mouth of a waterskin. [Sunan Abī Dāwūd] This indicates that the transition is easy.
As for the unbelievers and hypocrites, their souls are ripped from their bodies like a metal comb rips through wet wool.
The Prophet is reported to have said: “The believer dies with but sweat on his brow.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhī]
This can be understood in many ways. It can be taken to mean that a believer’s death is easy. The Prophet’s brow broke out in sweat right before his passing, and those who were with him wiped it off.
And Allah knows best.
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