13 Signs of Approaching Death in Islam: What Are They?

Everyone who lives will certainly experience death and the signs that someone is nearing the end. In Surah An-Nisa’ verse 78, Allah SWT says that wherever we are, death will still come, even within towers and strong fortresses.

Signs of Approaching Death

The following are some signs that a person nearing death may experience, according to Islam:

1. Shivering Body

The first sign is that the body shivers. After the Asr prayer, roughly 100 days before death, the body of the dying person shakes intensely, as if feeling cold from the top of the head to the feet.

However, these shivering signs will not be felt by those who are lost in worldly pleasures without thinking about death.

2. Throbbing in the Navel

About 40 days before death, after the time of Asr, a person will feel their navel throbbing. This is a sign that the leaf bearing their name has fallen from the Throne (‘Arsh).

The Angel of Death will take the fallen leaf and immediately prepare to come for them. Once everything is ready, the angel will come in human form, and the dying person will be startled by his arrival.

3. Pain in the Chest or Upper Abdomen 

Some scholars mention that a sign of approaching death is pain or discomfort in the chest and upper abdomen. This pain is felt when the Asr time begins.

4. Increased Appetite

Seven days before death, the appetite of a dying person may fluctuate. This sign does not occur in everyone, but only in those being tested with illness. Someone who previously struggled to eat because of sickness may suddenly experience an increase in appetite.

5. Throbbing in the Forehead

As death draws closer, three days before, a person will feel the center of their forehead throbbing strongly. The throbbing is intense in the middle of the forehead.

Scholars believe that when a Muslim experiences these signs, they should promptly repent and fast so that the stomach does not contain much waste, so that when they pass away, family or those closest to them will not have difficulty washing the body.

6. Dull Eyes and a Sinking Nose

Another sign of approaching death in Islam is that the eyes of the person appear dull. In someone who is seriously ill, the nose gradually appears to sink and look pushed inward. This sinking of the nose can be seen from the side.

7. Stiff Feet and Limp Ears 

In a person nearing death, the ears begin to look limp, with the tips gradually folding inward. The soles of the feet also become stiff and difficult to move.

8. Throbbing at the Crown of the Head 

After the Asr time, one day before death, a person will feel the crown of their head throbbing strongly. This is a sign that they will not see the Asr time the following day.

9. Weakening Body

When a person is about to die, their body gradually weakens drastically. Because of this weakness, they find it difficult to carry out their usual activities.

10. Difficulty Breathing

In someone nearing the end of their life, difficulty breathing is often a sign that they are in the final phase. Short, labored breaths indicate that the body is struggling to get enough oxygen.

11. Skin Discoloration 

Livor mortis or blotches on the skin may appear in someone approaching death. This is caused by a decrease in blood circulation in the body.

12. Cool Sensation in the Body 

Another sign of approaching death is a cool sensation felt around the navel, moving down to the waist, then rising up to around the Adam’s apple or the base of the neck. This cool sensation can usually be felt by placing a hand on the abdomen.

If a Muslim sees someone going through these moments, it is best to help guide them by increasing dhikr, reciting the declaration of faith (tawhid), or seeking forgiveness (istighfar). The purpose is to ask Allah SWT to forgive all their sins.

13. Experiencing Sakaratul Maut 

The last sign of approaching death is the process of sakaratul maut, the final moment of a person’s life in this world. This person will usually experience intense pain and struggle between life and death.

The Prophet Muhammad SAW taught us to pray for and offer support to someone who is experiencing sakaratul maut.

Signs of Death as a Reminder to Live Well

According to Ustadz Hidayah, in his book titled Menjemput Maut Bersama Rasulullah (Meeting Death with the Prophet), when a Muslim recognizes or senses the signs of death, it is recommended that they pray for themselves.

No one knows when their time of death will come. For this reason, these signs can serve as a reminder that people need to prepare good deeds to take with them into the afterlife.

Preparing for Death in the Future

Facing death is certainly a difficult thing to go through, especially when the one who has passed is someone beloved and dear. For this reason, there is nothing wrong with giving something special to those we care about.

One final gift that can show respect or love for a dear one is death insurance from Kamboja.

Kamboja is a professional provider of funeral and bereavement services. Besides death insurance, some of the services Kamboja offers are  funeral services up to Kamboja funeral home packages.

Kamboja offers Muslim funeral packages priced from IDR 25 million to IDR 85 million, with key services ranging from complete Muslim funeral arrangements to the processing of a death certificate.

Beyond that, Kamboja also provides non-Muslim funeral packages, for example for Christians, priced from IDR 45 million to IDR 100 million. These packages include complete funeral arrangements in accordance with the faith followed, up to the death certificate.

In addition to burials, Kamboja also offers cremation packages priced from IDR 45 million to IDR 85 million.

However, if you would like to make a request for funeral arrangements that are not included in a package, you can still choose a custom package, with its cost adjusted to the arrangements you want.