For Those Left Behind: Guidance on Death and Grieving

by Omar Suleiman

As our community encounters death at an increasing rate, how do we honor those who have left us beyond the Janazah? How can the families of our deceased brothers and sisters cope and grow, while staying connected to their loved ones? This book is meant to provide guidance spiritually to those who are grieving, while also covering the rulings associated with death and mourning for practical purposes. We pray that this will offer clarity and comfort to those who need it most in these difficult times.

Genres: Islam, Religion

186 pages, Paperback

Published February 21, 2023

About the author

Imam Omar Suleiman is the Founder and President of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, and an Adjunct Professor of Islamic Studies in the Graduate Liberal Studies Program at SMU (Southern Methodist University). He is also the Resident Scholar at Valley Ranch Islamic Center and Co-Chair Emeritus of Faith Forward Dallas at Thanks-Giving Square.

Reviews

[Samya Errum Junedi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I will be rereading this book again and again in the future as a reminder to myself. As a person who has experienced personal loss, this book has taught me many things.

[Lulu Khodijah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buku ini TIDAK membahas bagaimana ketentuan memandikan jenazah ataupun menyolatkannya. No. Lebih ke kumpulan jawaban dari pertanyaan yang timb seputar kematian.

Kemana sih arwah setelah pergi?
Apa iya mimpi didatangi orang meninggal itu suatu "pertanda"?
Boleh nggak perempuan ikut ke pemakaman?
Daan masih banyak lagi pertanyaan lain.

Buatku ini penting untuk mengingat 1 hal yang pasti kita alami: kematian. Dan mempersiapkan sebaik-baiknya.

[Fatima · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars, only because it had a different feel with regards to layout and structure (not content) than the usual books from Shaykh Omar.

All the chapters have something new to learn from, particularly enjoyed reading the last few chapters.

Good to see topics like this addressed, and well.

[Maleeha Siddiqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this needs to be a regular re-read for me as a reminder that one day we will all leave our loved ones and this dunya behind. Omar Suleiman is a master teacher.

[Khadija Boukhobza · Rating 5 out of 5]

A priceless book and a crucial reminder about the reality of death and the shortness of this life. I highly encourage you to read it.

[Shanifiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baca ini bawaannya sedih, terus berasa diingetin soal kematian. Siapapun gak akan bisa menghindarinya, tapi kita bisa mempersiapkannya.

[Jaida Mohd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended to read it. In this book, Imam Omar Suleiman has covered the things that usually happen when there is a death. How we confront the death of our loved ones and what shoul we do?
And also reprimanding the practices that are customary in the culture where they contradict the teachings of Islam.
The losing of my son is the reason I have this book. This book has given me peace to some extent. Baarakallahu fiik.

[Sarah Siddiqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comforting read for anyone who has lost a loved one. I first learned of this book after seeing it on the night stand of a family member whose father had passed away. Someone had gifted it to her at the janazah and she said reading it in those initial days had really helped. It's the type of book which one should return back to time and again, for it reminds one of death and how we all ultimately have to go through its stages. So in that sense, it urges one to prepare for that journey. At the same time, it instills a feeling of hope for the believer that the final abode is beautiful and eternal where we will all reunite and live with our loved ones Insha'Allah. As for those who have passed away before us, they are in the special care of Allah in peace and bliss Insha'Allah.

[Huda Ahmad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr Omar Suleiman is amazing with his words and delivery.

Every Muslim should read this book and anyone looking to better understand the prophetic way of saying goodbye to your loved ones and being a source of sadqa e jariah (ongoing goodness) for them.

It answers some of the most common questions we have around death and visiting graves, the jannazah, how to grieve. These are things we don't usually find answers to and follow our cultural practices mostly. This book is short and easy to read and will clear so many questions with authenticity , about the entire process from burial to grieving your loved one according to the Sunnah.

[AS · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book as a gift when it had just come out, I hadn’t read it because I felt uncomfortable to do so, thoughts crossed my mind that why would I receive such a gift. I realise only now having lost my Grandmother it was a sign from Allah SWT that I would be losing someone very close to me very soon.

Reading this made me feel somewhat lighter knowing about death and especially the death of my grandmother. This life is only temporary and the things we go through and the things we end with are rather very subtle. Allah is so merciful

[Mumtaz Malik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written, using simple and straightforward language.

It really helped me to cope with the death of my nephew who died at the age of ten earlier on this year.

I would recommend this to anyone who experiences loss.

[Zeba Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's so relatable reading this piece because I've just lost my mother and this work by Imam Omar Suleiman blesses you in many forms. I cried a lot and but this book healed me and also mended my heart ❤️

[Warda · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐4.5 stars⭐

[She Reads Sometimes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, on what happens after death and bereavement from Islamic perspective.

[Mustafa Hussain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful & reassuring how death must be viewed in Islam. Guidance on what to do for the loved ones.

[Ruqayyah · Rating 5 out of 5]

subhanallah I love Omar Suleiman. muslims with questions will get answers reading his books. and although I myself have not experienced a loved one passing (yet) I want to be prepared.

[maariya ☾ ° ⋆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

took me four months but i’m glad i took a little bit of time with it across many nights. may Allah have mercy on my grandfather <3

[Hamayal Tariq · Rating 4 out of 5]

Losing my baby boy shattered my world and left me drowning in questions about death, the afterlife, and how to find peace amid unbearable pain. This book offered comfort and clarity in many areas I struggled with, gently guiding me through some of the darkest moments of grief. Omar Suleiman writes with compassion and understanding, and many parts of the book felt like a hand reaching out to hold mine when I needed it most.

Yet, the portion about losing a child felt painfully short—too brief to fully address questions revolving in me about this devastating loss. Maybe it was just my own overwhelming grief that made it seem that way. There are still so many questions I carry with me, questions that this book, or any book, might never fully answer. Sometimes the weight of loss feels too heavy for words or explanations, no matter how wise or comforting.

Despite this, the book has been a beacon of hope in my darkest hours. It acknowledges the complexity of grief without minimizing it. I am grateful for the guidance it offers, even if my heart still aches with many unanswered questions.

[Rima Alghussein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never got the chance to review this book but this will definitely be an annual reread-

If you have ever lost a loved one, please read this book or listen to his series of this book online.

I spent 3 years grieving my dad, not understanding/being knowledgeable of the Islamic concepts (what,why’s how’s and when’s) and guidelines with Death in Islam. Subhanallah when I read this book, I cried at every word as if Omar S. was talking about my dad to me. It was so painfully and beautifully healing, that I regret not reading this book earlier on to help me seek the peace and comfort I needed in my religion to understand and accept my dad’s death
.
I also have a few friends who have lost their loved one and I will always direct them this specific book, because Omar Suleiman’s words and the Islamic teachings that this book discusses has brought me so much peace in my heart and I wish it does the same for whoever picks this book up.

May we all be reunited in Jannah with our loved ones.