What should a person do who is present when a Muslim passes away?

When the person is confirmed dead, family members or those who are present should first say:

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un
Verily we belong to Allah, and truly to Him shall we return

  • Close the eyes of the deceased.
  • Bind the lower jaw to the head so that it does not sag.
  • Cover all his body completely with a clean sheet.
  • Make Du’a (Supplicate) to Allah to forgive him.
  • You can mourn his loss; Weeping is allowed – but wailing or chest-beating, tearing hair or clothes or any other form of mourning loudly is strictly not allowed.
  • Hasten to prepare the body for washing, shrouding and burial.