sleep means that it is taken while remaining connected to the body by a cord like a ray of sunlight. When the body moves, the spirit returns to it faster than the blink of an eye. Some scholars have said that sleep is an affliction that befalls the spirit, but this view has no merit. What seems more likely to me is that its being taken at death means its removal from the body, whereas its being taken during sleep does not mean its removal from the body. Rather, it means that it is prevented from exercising discernment, sensation, and perception, and restrained from doing so. Similarly, one says that someone has restrained his servant, or that the ruler has restrained his minister, when he prevents him from doing what he was previously free to do, even without actually removing him from his place. On this interpretation, seizing and taking the soul are literal at death and metaphorical during sleep. Allah Most High knows best the true nature of all this. Allah, mighty and majestic, says:
“And they ask you about the spirit. Say, ‘The spirit is of the affair of my Lord, and you have been given only a little knowledge.’” [al-Isrā’: 85]
Section: What Is Recommended When Death Approaches
It is recommended to prompt the dying person to testify that there is no god but Allah, for it has been related: “Whoever’s last utterance is the testimony that there is no god but Allah will enter Paradise.” It is also recommended to turn him towards the qiblah, lying on his right side, as he will be placed in his burial niche and as a sick person who cannot sit prays. If that is not possible, he should lie on his back with his feet towards the qiblah.
It has been related that Mālik—may Allah Most High have mercy on him—said of turning the dying person towards the qiblah: “It is not part of the early practice.” This accords with the report that Saʿīd ibn al-Musayyab objected when someone did this to him during his illness. Ibn Habīb interpreted his objection as being only to their haste in doing so before the signs of death had appeared. What seems more likely, however, is that he disliked it in all circumstances. What indicates that it is not prescribed is that it has not been reported that this was done to the Prophet ﷺ or to any of the noble early Companions. Had it been done, it would have been transmitted and mentioned. Allah Most High knows best.
It is recommended that whatever is beneath and around him be ritually clean, if possible, and that those of his family who are most virtuous and best in conduct and speech be present with him, for the angels attend him. Once he dies, his eyes should be closed and arrangements made for washing him and preparing him for burial. Abū Hurayra—may Allah Most High be pleased with him—reported that the Prophet ﷺ said: “Hasten with your dead, for it is either something good to which you are bringing them, or an evil you are removing