Source : IslamicBulletin / 14  May 2014

There is no doubt that the only guaranteed event that will definitely  face each and every single living being; be they male or female, rich or poor, black or white, sick or healthy, is death. Despite the uneasiness people feel in talking about or even merely thinking about this dark topic, due to it’s unavoidable and inevitable nature, it only makes sense to prepare for it. 

MUHTADAR:

A person on whom the signs of death are clearly seen is called a muhtadar. It is sunnah to let him lie on his right side facing the Qiblah. It is permitted that he be positioned to lie on his back with his feet towards the Qiblah, and the head slightly raised with a cushion so that it faces the Qiblah. All the bed linen must be tahir (clean). If moving the muhtadar causes him any discomfort then leave him in any convenient position.

 It is desirable to use loban (Frankincense), Itr (perfume) or any other aromatics that are tahir in the room. Anyone who is in the state of janabah (Impurties), haydh (menustrual Bleeding) or nifaas (post-natal bleeding) must leave the room. At this time the recital of Surah Yasin and Surah Ar Ra`d is recommended. This may be done in the same room. When one is incapable of reciting the Qur'an, someone else may be requested to recite these chapters or any other portions of the Qur'an.

Talqin: 

Talqin is to remind the dying, of the Shahadah.

ASH-HADU ’ALLA ILAHA ILLAL-LAHU WA ASH-HADU ANNA MUhAMMADAN `ABDUHU

WA RASULUH

(I testify that there is none worthy of worship but Allah and I testify that Muhammad r is His servant and His messenger.)

When the end nears, the dying person's breath quickens, the knees become so weak that they cannot move, the nose becomes bent and the temples subside. By these signs understand that the person is nearing his end.The talqin should be read before the dying person takes his last breaths, the muhtadar must not be asked or ordered to read the kalimah, but must be helped to recall it. i.e. those present should continually repeat it aloud, in front of the dying.

Once the departing person utters the kalimah, all who are present should remain silent. The dying person should not be drawn into any worldly discussions, but if he discusses any worldly affair, then the talqin should be repeated.