Deathbed

An intriguing aspect of Shia belief about the deathbed is the concept of mizan, or weighing the deeds. According to Shia eschatology, the individual’s actions are weighed after death, determining their standing in the hereafter. Grasping this notion can incite a profound urgency to lead a virtuous life. Cultivating good deeds throughout one’s life is integral to facing death with tranquility. The teachings remind adherents that life is fleeting, and the preparation for the hereafter must commence long before encountering death.

Aligned with the overarching theme of preparing for the afterlife is the idea of dua or supplication. Shia teachings advocate for the continuous offering of prayers not only for oneself but also for loved ones who have passed away. The practice of invoking Allah’s mercy and forgiveness for the deceased is believed to alleviate their plight in the grave and beyond, according to Shia beliefs. This interconnectedness through prayer underscores the communal obligation to remember and seek intercession for one another, reinforcing the idea that death is not an end, but a transition that binds the living and the departed in a continuum of faith.

The significance of the Prophet Muhammad’s family, particularly the Ahlul Bayt, cannot be overlooked when discussing deathbed practices in Shia Islam. These revered figures are considered intercessors, and their names are invoked at critical moments, including at the time of death. The teachings emphasize that calling upon the Ahlul Bayt can bring about divine mercy during the passing. These figures exemplify the ultimate submission to God and provide a template of righteousness that adherents aspire to emulate, especially in their final moments.