بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

Abd al-Fattah Abu Ghuddah (d. 1417) said:

“If you are compelled to inform someone about a disliked matter, or the occurrence of a tragic event, or the death of a relative or someone dear to your friend or relative, or something similar, it is good for you to soften the impact of the news on the person you are informing, and to prepare them in a way that alleviates the shock of the calamity.

For example, when informing someone about a death, you might say: “I have heard that so-and-so was suffering from a severe illness, and his condition worsened, and I heard that he has passed away, may Allah have mercy on him.”

And do not inform about someone’s death in the manner some say:

“Do you know who died today?!”

But it is appropriate to start with the name of the person about whom you are informing before mentioning their death.

This is because when you ask someone, ‘Do you know who died today?’

Or say to them, ‘So-and-so died today…’

Or by saying: “So-and-so died today…”

They immediately think of severe and distressing possibilities, assuming that the death occurred to someone very close to them, whether a sick person, an elderly person, or a young person. This way of questioning or informing causes the most severe shock.

However, if you said:

‘So-and-so… died today’

Starting with the name of the person about whom you are informing, it would lessen the impact on them and prevent the shock, leaving only the essence of the sad or disliked news.

Similarly, you should consider the manner of informing about a fire, drowning, or accident…

So, prepare them with a manner that eases the severity of the impact on the soul, and mention the name of the affected person gently.

Do not strike the ears of your friend or relative or acquaintances with the tragic news abruptly.

Some hearts are weak in bearing such news, and it might cause severe harm, and some individuals might be shocked, faint, or affected in their hearing or vision.

Therefore, be gentle when informing about tragedies if you are compelled to do so.

Choose the appropriate time to inform them if there is a need to inform.

Do not tell them while they are eating, or before sleeping, or when they are ill or agitated, or in similar conditions.

Wisdom and prudence in this regard are among the best qualities you can have. May Allah ﷻ take care of you and protect you.”

[Min ‘Adabi al-Islam]

جَزَاكَ اللهُ خَيْرًا