6/6. Chapter:
Sunan Ibn Majah 1455 — Close the Eyes and Say Good
What was narrated concerning closing the eyes of the deceased
Close the Eyes of the Deceased and Say Good Things
Sunan Ibn Majah : 1455
Sunan Ibn MajahHadith Number 1455
حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو دَاوُدَ، سُلَيْمَانُ بْنُ تَوْبَةَ حَدَّثَنَا عَاصِمُ بْنُ عَلِيٍّ، حَدَّثَنَا قَزَعَةُ بْنُ سُوَيْدٍ، عَنْ حُمَيْدٍ الأَعْرَجِ، عَنِ الزُّهْرِيِّ، عَنْ مَحْمُودِ بْنِ لَبِيدٍ، عَنْ شَدَّادِ بْنِ أَوْسٍ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ " إِذَا حَضَرْتُمْ مَوْتَاكُمْ فَأَغْمِضُوا الْبَصَرَ فَإِنَّ الْبَصَرَ يَتْبَعُ الرُّوحَ وَقُولُوا خَيْرًا فَإِنَّ الْمَلاَئِكَةَ تُؤَمِّنُ عَلَى مَا قَالَ أَهْلُ الْبَيْتِ " .
Shaddad bin Aws Narrated from:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “When you come to your dead ones, close their eyes, for the sight follows the soul. And say good things, for the Angels say Amin to what the members of the household say.”
Reference : Sunan Ibn Majah 1455In-book reference : Book 6, Hadith 23English translation : Vol. 1, Book 6, Hadith 1455
Summary of Sunan Ibn Majah Hadith 1455
This Hadith about closing the eyes of the deceased brings together two important actions. The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said that when people come to their dead ones, they should close the eyes, because the sight follows the soul. He also said to say good things, because the angels say Amin to what the members of the household say. The Hadith teaches both care for the body and care for the words spoken in the home. After death, people may feel shock and sadness, but the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم guides them to dignity, calm action, and good speech. The tongue should turn to dua and words that are pleasing.
What we learn from this hadith
- The eyes of the deceased should be closed, as stated in the Hadith.
- Good words should be said around the deceased.
- The Hadith says angels say Amin to what the household says.
