The Law of 7 Days of People Died in Islam

Indonesia is a country that is rich in cultures and traditions. It is not only about society, but also it is related to worship. One of the traditions in Indonesia that is still familiar is the commemoration of 7 days of people died.

When someone passes away, then the heir or family who is left hold a prayer together (yasin tahlil) for 7 nights in a row. In general, those who pray are family and neighbors.

In fact, there is no verse about the activity of 7 days of people died in Qur’an. Then, how is actually the law of 7 days of people died in Islam?

Check out more in the following below!

Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala said,

إِنَّا وَجَدْنَا آَبَاءَنَا عَلَى أُمَّةٍ وَإِنَّا عَلَى آَثَارِهِمْ مُقْتَدُونَ

“Indeed we found our fathers follow a religion and indeed we are the followers of their footsteps.” (QS. Az-Zukhruf [43]: 22)

The culture or tradition that involves the worship elements does not only happen recently, but also it has been existing since a long time ago. Even before Islam came. This is as stated in the verse above.

The Privilege of Surah Yasin and Du’a Tahlil

Actually, if it is explored deeper, the prayer that is read in the activity of 7 days of people died is the reading of QS. Yasin and Du’a Tahlil. That prayer is a good prayer. The privilege of Surah Yasin itself can be known from its meaning. While the privilege of Du’a Tahlil can be known from this verse below:

إِنَّ بِكُلِّ تَسْبِيحَةٍ صَدَقَةً وَكُلِّ تَكْبِيرَةٍ صَدَقَةٌ وَكُلِّ تَحْمِيدَةٍ صَدَقَةٌ وَكُلِّ تَهْلِيلَةٍ صَدَقَةٌ وَأَمْرٌ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ صَدَقَةٌ وَنَهْىٌ عَنْ مُنْكَرٍ صَدَقَة

“The Prophet said: Indeed with every tasbih is alms, every takbir is alms, every tahmid is alms, every tahlil is alms, every amar makruf is alms, every nahi munkar is alms.” (Hadith Muslim)

Based on the hadith above, every tahlil is alms according to Islam. So, when we involve in the prayer of 7 days of people died, then Insha Allah every sentence of tahlil that we are read is counted as alms. Masha Allah!

The Time and Situation to Hold the Prayer

However, the problem is the time when the prayer is held which is specified on a certain day or situation. Is it allowed?

عَنِ ‏ابْنِ عُمَرَ ‏رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُمَا ‏قَالَ: ‏كَانَ النَّبِيُّ ‏صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ‏ ‏يَأْتِي ‏ ‏مَسْجِدَ قُبَاءٍ ‏‏كُلَّ سَبْتٍ، مَاشِيًا وَرَاكِبًا، وَكَانَ ‏عَبْدُ اللهِ بْنُ عُمَرَ ‏رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُمَا ‏ ‏يَفْعَلُهُ

The meaning: “From Ibnu Umar ra said, “The Prophet shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam always come to Quba Mosque every Saturday, it was either by walking or driving, while Abdullah bin Umar ra also always did it.” (Hadith Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim)

From the hadith above, it is known that it is okay to pray with the intention of worship at a certain time or situation. In another meaning, it is allowed as long as it does not violate the basic Islamic law.

[AdSense-C]

Sometimes, there are the differences between Islamic sharia law and traditional law. Prioritize to obey the Islamic sharia law. Because it is the responsibility in the world and the afterlife. And there are many kindnesses and wisdoms that we can obtain if we are obedient to Allah Ta’ala.

Based on the review above, then it is obvious that the law of 7 days of people died in Islam is allowed as long as it is in accordance with the Islamic sharia. Hopefully this review can give benefits to all readers, as well as improve our self-enthusiasm in applying various types of good deeds. Aamiin.