Salwa

For anyone who has lost someone dear. Gentle answers from faith, philosophy and psychology, and practical help for the days after a death.

العربية

﴿الَّذِينَ إِذَا أَصَابَتْهُم مُّصِيبَةٌ قَالُوا إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ﴾

“Those who, when an affliction visits them, say, ‘Indeed we belong to Allah, and to Him do we indeed return.’”

Quran, al-Baqara 2:156

Start here

How do I tell a child that a relative has died?Tell them yourself, soon, somewhere quiet, in simple honest words: “Grandad has died. His body stopped working, and he w...Deeds that benefit the deceased after deathDeath does not cut what is between you and the one you love. Imam al-Sadiq is narrated to have said that six things reac...The occasions after a death: the 3rd, 7th, 40th and the anniversaryAfter a death, Iraqi families hold the fatiha, then mark the fortieth and the anniversary. In the sources, condolence is...Words of condolence and how to replyThe most common Iraqi condolences are "'Azzam Allahu ajrakum" (may God magnify your reward), "Ahsan Allahu lakum al-'aza...The first days after a death: a practical guide for the familyIn the first days you don't need to know everything. Start with three things: the death certificate from the hospital or...

Losing a child

Am I allowed to grieve a pregnancy I lost?How can a mother bear the loss of her child?

Faith and the hereafter

I feel angry at God after a death. Is that disbelief?Do the souls of the dead visit us?Does the reward of the Quran and al-Fatiha reach the deceased?Does the deceased feel it when family visit the grave?Is crying for the dead haram?Seeing the deceased in a dream: what does it mean?What happens to the deceased on the first night in the grave?Why do good people die?

Grief and loss

Guilt after the death of someone you loveWhen does grief for someone who has died start to ease?How do I comfort someone who has lost a loved one?Is long-lasting grief a mental illness?

Occasions and anniversaries

How do I get through the first Eid after a death?

Losing a parent

How do I cope with my father’s death?How do I cope with grief after my mother’s death?

Practical steps

What should I do with the belongings and clothes of someone who died?

Losing a spouse

How do I go on living after my husband or wife has died?

Sudden death

Sudden death: how do I come to terms with it?

You are not alone

Share memories and comfort with others who have lost someone, or open a private space for your family.

Salwa community (Arabic) Talk to someone

If you are struggling to cope

Grief can be overwhelming. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, or feel you cannot go on, please call now or go to the nearest hospital. You are not alone, and asking for help is a strength.

  • 911Unified emergency — federal Iraq (includes mental health support)

Numbers checked 2026-10-25. Outside Iraq, call your local emergency number.

Things you can do for them

Recite al-Fatiha at their grave pageStart a Quran khatma for themQada prayers and fasts on their behalfMap of Wadi al-Salam for your visitPublish an obituary and majlisFind a grave in Wadi al-Salam