Question:
The form of shahada, transliterated into English script as “La illaha il Allah Muhammadur RasullAllah” is not reported in any strong hadith, according to a question on Quora. Is that correct? And what is the best thing to encourage dying person to say?
Answer:
As-Salamu ‘Alaikum,
It is mustahabb (desirable) to encourage the dying person to utter the Kalimah or word of faith, so that his life will end with that and it will be the last words that he utters. It was narrated that Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) said: the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Encourage your dying ones to say Laa ilaaha ill-Allah.” Narrated by Muslim, 916.
Also Mu`adh bin Jabal (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “He whose last words are: ‘La ilaha illallah‘ (There is no true god except Allah) will enter Jannah.” [Abu Dawud].
Dr. Senad Agic, Imam
SABAH – Chicago
9920 Grand Ave
Franklin Park, IL 60131
