Shahadah before death

[Nuran]

Assalam alaekum.  Does the Quran say anywhere that believers should recite the Shahadah before death?

[Heba E. Husseyn]

Walaikum As-Salam.   The Noble Quran does not say exactly that in so many words.  But the Quran does definitely tell people for the benefit of their own souls to be in a state of Monotheistic belief, so when they die, they die as believers who have surrendered to Allah Almighty alone.  Then only can they be considered eligible for maghfirah (or forgiveness and acceptance from Him).  This is the basic requirement for acquiring forgiveness in the Hereafter without which the process of maghfirah will not even be initiated.

"O you who believe, observe your duty to Allah with right observance, and die not save as those who have surrendered (unto Him)."  3:102  Al-Imran.

Thus, at the time of death or shortly prior to death, it's not mandatory to verbally recite the Shahadah .... particularly those who die very suddenly and unexpectedly might not have the time to recite it .... as long as their hearts and minds believe fully in The Almighty as the only Deity, the only Creator and the only Master Who is All-Powerful, All-Knowing.   Additionally if a believer is able to recite the Shahadah shortly prior to death, that is of course very good as the ideology of Shahadah is of top priority for Monotheistic belief.


Related posts for reference:

-  Good deeds without belief not enough to enter Paradise.
-  Ethical deeds of disbelievers will be fruitless in the Hereafter.
-  Is the human conscience enough as a guide?