What is the ruling concerning one whose face darkened slightly during his illness and after his death, after it had been fair?
The blackening or change in the face of a deceased person due to illness or after death does not indicate a bad ending. It may occur for health reasons. There is no legitimate evidence that a change in the face at the time of death is a sign of a bad ending, and the sign of a servant's righteousness is their piety. This should be concealed and not spoken about to preserve the sanctity of the Muslim. Ibn al-Arabi conveyed: "He was commanded to cover the face of the deceased because it might change in a monstrous way due to illness, and those who lack knowledge might assume what is impermissible." Ibn Uthaymeen said: "It is not permissible for one to speak to people and say: 'I saw his face darkened'; because if he says that, people will think ill of him." However, if the servant was known for their evil deeds, injustice, and transgression of Allah's limits, and this coincided with the blackening of their face at the time of death or their refusal to utter the two testimonies (Shahadatayn), then that is usually a sign of a bad ending.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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