Died on a Thursday: Good Omen or Not? An Islamic Perspective

Losing a loved one is one of the most painful moments in life. In the midst of grief, many families seek comfort in many ways, including wondering whether the time of a person's passing carries a special meaning. One question that often arises is: according to Islam, is dying on a Thursday a good sign or not?

To understand this, we need to look at it based on the Qur'an, the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad SAW, and the explanations of scholars. In this way, we do not easily believe assumptions that may lack a religious basis, and we can also respond to the departure of a loved one with greater wisdom.

Is Dying on a Thursday a Good Sign in Islam?

In Islam, there is no authentic evidence that specifically states that dying on a Thursday is a sign that a person will attain a good end of life, or husnul khatimah.

Thursday does have certain virtues in Islam, particularly in connection with specific acts of worship. However, the virtue of a day does not automatically mean that everyone who dies on that day receives the same special status.

So what about someone who dies on Thursday night, or on the night of Friday?

In the Hijri calendar, a new day begins at sunset. This means that Thursday after Maghrib has already entered the night of Friday. There are hadiths that discuss the virtue of dying on Friday or on the night of Friday, although scholars differ in their opinions about the strength of these hadiths.

This should be distinguished from the belief that everyone who dies on a Thursday certainly receives a particular virtue. There is no sufficiently strong basis to draw such a conclusion.

Therefore, if someone dies on Thursday morning or afternoon, we cannot immediately call it either a good or a bad sign. The same applies when someone dies on Thursday night, which has already entered the night of Friday.

The time of a person's death, like dying on a Saturday is not the only measure for judging whether a person's end of life is good or bad. As Muslims, we are encouraged to pray for those who have passed away, ask forgiveness for them, and entrust matters we do not know to Allah SWT.

The Virtues of Thursday in Islam

Although there is no specific evidence establishing that dying on a Thursday is a sign of husnul khatimah, Thursday still holds virtue in several acts taught by the Messenger of Allah SAW.

Here is the explanation:

1. Thursday Is a Time When People's Deeds Are Presented

One of the virtues of Thursday relates to the presentation of people's deeds to Allah SWT.

In a hadith narrated by Imam Muslim, the Messenger of Allah SAW said:

"The deeds of people are presented on Monday and Thursday."

This hadith is narrated in Sahih Muslim, Book of Fasting, number 2565 in the commonly used numbering, in the section on deeds being shown to Allah.

The hadith explains that Monday and Thursday have a special significance in relation to people's deeds.

However, it should be understood that this hadith speaks about the raising up or examination of deeds, not about a special virtue of dying on a Thursday.

Thus, we cannot use this hadith as proof that a person who dies on a Thursday automatically attains a higher status before Allah.

Rather, the hadith can serve as a reminder for those of us who are still alive to increase our good deeds, mend our relationships with others, and prepare ourselves for death whenever its time comes.

2. The Messenger of Allah SAW Encouraged Fasting on Thursdays

Another virtue is the recommendation to fast on Mondays and Thursdays.

In a hadith narrated by Imam at-Tirmidhi, when the Messenger of Allah SAW was asked about fasting on Monday, he explained that it was the day of his birth and the day when revelation was sent down to him.

Meanwhile, another report explains that people's deeds are presented on Mondays and Thursdays, and the Messenger of Allah SAW liked for his deeds to be presented while he was fasting.

The hadith on this matter is narrated by Imam at-Tirmidhi, including in Jami' at-Tirmidhi number 747.

Fasting on Mondays and Thursdays is a recommended act of worship that Muslims may perform according to their ability and circumstances.

However, the recommendation to fast on Thursdays does not mean that a person who dies on that day certainly receives a special virtue. These are two different matters.

3. Thursday Serves as a Reminder to Increase Good Deeds

The virtue of Thursday can also serve as a reminder for Muslims to keep improving themselves.

We never know when death will come. A person may pass away on a Monday, Thursday, Friday, or any other day. For that reason, what matters most is not waiting for a particular day, but preparing for the hereafter through faith, worship, and good deeds.

In the Qur'an, Allah SWT says:

"Every soul will taste death." (QS. Ali 'Imran: 185).

This verse reminds us that death is certain for every living being. Humans cannot always predict its time or place.

For this reason, we should use the time Allah still grants us to do good, ask forgiveness when we have done wrong, maintain family ties, and carry out our religious obligations.

The Hadith on Dying on Friday or Friday Night

Discussions about dying on a Thursday are often linked to a hadith about the virtue of dying on Friday or Friday night.

This hadith is important to understand, because Thursday night after Maghrib already counts as Friday night in the Islamic calendar.

Here is the hadith narrated by Imam at-Tirmidhi.

From Abdullah bin Amr RA, the Messenger of Allah SAW said:

"ما من مسلم يموت يوم الجمعة أو ليلة الجمعة إلا وقاه الله فتنة القبر"

Meaning:

"No Muslim dies on a Friday or Friday night except that Allah will protect him from the trial of the grave."

(Narrated by at-Tirmidhi, Jami' at-Tirmidhi number 1074).

This hadith can be read in Jami' at-Tirmidhi 1074.

In general, the hadith mentions the virtue for a Muslim who dies on Friday or Friday night: protection from the trial of the grave.

The trial of the grave refers to the test a person undergoes in the grave. In Islamic teaching, people will face questions and trials after they die.

However, there is an important point to note: the scholars differ over the status of this hadith.

Imam at-Tirmidhi himself explained that the hadith is gharib and its chain is not continuous. His explanation raises questions about whether Rabi'ah bin Saif actually transmitted it from Abdullah bin Amr RA.

Some scholars regard this narration as weak because of problems with its chain. On the other hand, some scholars accept or strengthen it through other transmission routes. In the assessment of Darussalam, listed on Sunnah.com, the hadith is graded hasan.

This difference in assessment shows that the hadith cannot be described as if all scholars agree on its authenticity.

For this reason, we should be careful when using this hadith as a basis for determining a person's fate in the hereafter.

Does this hadith prove that dying on a Thursday is a good sign? The answer depends on the time of death.

If a person dies on Thursday during the day, that time is not yet Friday night. The hadith above does not specifically address Thursday daytime.

However, if a person dies after Maghrib on a Thursday, that time has already entered Friday night. Thus, that person falls within the time mentioned in the hadith, if one follows the opinion that accepts this narration.

Even so, we must not immediately conclude that the person is certainly free from all the trials of the grave or certainly has the highest place with Allah. Judgments about hadith and matters of the unseen must be made carefully.

A wiser attitude is to hope that Allah grants mercy, forgiveness, and protection to the deceased, without making certainties that are not supported by strong evidence.

What Is the Right Attitude If a Family Member Dies on a Thursday?

When a family member dies on a Thursday, it is natural for relatives to seek meaning in that timing. However, in a time of grief, we should prioritize attitudes that are in line with religious guidance.

Here are some things that can be done.

1. Praying for Allah's forgiveness and mercy

Prayer is a deeply meaningful expression of care for someone who has passed away.

Family members can ask Allah to forgive their sins, accept their good deeds, widen their grave, and grant them the best place in His presence.

There is no need to wait for a specific day to pray for someone who has died. Prayers can be offered at any time.

2. Caring for the body according to Islamic guidance

In Islam, the care of a Muslim's body is a collective obligation, or fardu kifayah.

In general, this obligation includes washing the body, shrouding it, performing the funeral prayer, and burying it in accordance with Islamic law.

If a person dies on a Thursday, the family does not need to delay the funeral arrangements just to wait for Friday in hope of a particular virtue.

The funeral arrangements should be carried out promptly and in accordance with the applicable rules, while taking into account administrative needs, the condition of the body, and local circumstances.

3. Not regarding the day of death as a bad omen

Just as there is no solid basis for calling a death on a Thursday a definitely good sign, we also have no basis for considering that day a bad sign.

Death is part of Allah SWT's decree. No one fully knows the wisdom behind the timing of a person's passing.

For this reason, families are encouraged not to be burdened by beliefs that cause fear or guilt.

4. Maintaining good relationships and continuing good deeds

After a person passes away, the family can carry on the good the deceased once did, such as helping those in need, keeping ties of kinship strong, or fulfilling trusts that remain unfinished.

In a hadith narrated by Muslim (no. 1631), the Prophet Muhammad SAW explained that when a person dies, their deeds come to an end except for three things: ongoing charity (sadaqah jariyah), beneficial knowledge, and a righteous child who prays for them.

This hadith reminds us of the importance of deeds whose benefits continue, and of the prayers of a righteous child for their parents.

In this way, families can make the time of grief an opportunity to increase prayers and continue good works, rather than simply searching for signs in the day of death.

Kamboja.co.id Funeral Services, Helping Families Through Grief

The loss of a family member leaves behind not only sorrow but also many responsibilities that need to be attended to promptly. Families must care for the body, arrange the funeral, handle administrative paperwork, and coordinate other needs in the midst of mourning.

To help this process run more smoothly, families may consider assistance from a funeral service professional such as Kamboja.co.id.

If you need help, you can visit Kamboja.co.id – Muslim Funeral Services to learn about the service options available.

Kamboja.co.id also provides a 24-hour bereavement hotline for reporting the passing of a Kamboja.co.id member and for bereavement services. More information can be obtained at the number +62 822-1111-1415 .

In the end, passing away on a Wednesday or Thursday need not be a source of worry for the family. What matters most is accepting Allah's decree with patience, praying for the deceased, and ensuring that the rights of the deceased are properly fulfilled.