Surat Ya-Sin is undoubtedly one of the great surahs of the Qur’an. Reading it is considered to be highly beneficial and spiritually rewarding. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) called it “the heart of the Qur’an.” It contains a very important message about the resurrection and life after death. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) recommended reading it in front of a dying person and in time of distress.

Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states the following: Surat Ya-Sin, the 36th surah of the Qur’an, is undoubtedly one of the most important surahs. Often referred to as the heart of the Qur’an, it deals with important concepts and beliefs of Islam. It speaks of divine signs in the universe and nature, and the phenomena of death, resurrection, and final reckoning. Because of its vivid descriptions of these and other matters, its reading is highly recommended, even more than other surahs of the Qur’an, at certain times and in certain circumstances.

As stated in a report by Abu Ya`la on the authority of Abu Hurairah, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever reads Ya-Sin at night (before retiring to bed) will be waking up while being forgiven of their sins.” In another report by Imam Ahmad on the authority of Ma`qal ibn Yasar, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Read it (Ya-Sin) on those among you who are nearing death.”
In light of the above and similar reports, scholars have said that one of the salient characteristics of Surat Ya-Sin is that its reading helps ease hardships and difficulties; its recital by the bedside of those in the throes of death is hoped to be a source of descent of Allah’s mercy and blessings upon them, thus eventually aiding in the easy release of the soul from body.
Imam Ahmad (may Allah have mercy on him) said, “Great scholars and teachers used to say that reading Ya-Sin will help ease the difficulties that a dying person experiences.” And finally, Al-Hafiz Al-Bazzar reports on the authority of Ibn `Abbas that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “I wish that it (Ya-Sin) is fully retained in the heart of every member of my Ummah (community).”
In conclusion, Ya-Sin is undoubtedly one of the great surahs of the Qur’an; its reading is considered to be highly beneficial and spiritually rewarding. It is important to memorize the entire surah; it is also important to read it as often as one can, and more especially, while attending those who are nearing death.
May Allah, the most Exalted and Glorious, fill our hearts with the love of the Glorious Qur’an. May the Infinitely Merciful One make the Qur’an the spring of our hearts, a soothing balm and healer of all our spiritual ailments and worries, our guide and light in our earthly life, and a companion and source of comfort for us in our graves, and finally our escort to Jannah, the eternal realm of bliss that Allah has promised His righteous servants. Ameen.