keep the dying person’s throat moistened with water or another drink. However, it should not be a large amount of water, for too much water may cause him to choke and harm him. Rather, a few drops of water should be dripped into his throat, so that it may be easier for him to pronounce the testimony of faith. This is a situation that calls for compassion toward the sick person before you, so take every course that is gentlest for him.

The author’s words, “with water or a drink”: water is well known, while a drink means something other than water, such as juice or the like. What matters is something that reaches his throat and moistens it.

“And his lips should be moistened with a piece of cotton, and he should be prompted to say: ‘There is no god but Allah,’ once . . .”

His words, “and his lips should be moistened with a piece of cotton,” mean that, in addition to dripping water into the dying person’s throat, the person present should moisten his lips with a piece of cotton, since the lips and throat are dry and need moistening.

His words, “and he should be prompted to say: ‘There is no god but Allah,’ once,” mean teaching him to say it, just as a pupil is instructed.

Should one say it in the form of a command—telling him, “Say: ‘There is no god but Allah’”—or should one say it without using a command, by mentioning Allah in his presence so that he hears it?

The answer is that one should consider the patient’s condition. If the patient is strong and able to bear it, or if he is an unbeliever, then he should be instructed and told: “Say: ‘There is no god but Allah.’ End your life with ‘There is no god but Allah,’” and similar words.

But if he is a weak Muslim, he should not be commanded; rather, Allah should be mentioned in his presence until he hears and remembers. This distinction is derived from textual evidence and rational consideration.

As for the textual evidence, it is that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, instructed his uncle Abu Talib, at the time of his death, to