Imaam Muslim (rahimahullah) passed away in the month of Rajab in the year 261 AH. At the time of his demise, he was either 55 or 57 years old (based on the two different reports regarding the year in which he was born).

Regarding the cause of the demise of Imaam Muslim (rahimahullah), Ahmed bin Salamah has reported the following incident:

On one occasion, Imaam Muslim (rahimahullah) held a gathering to discuss Hadith. Thereafter, while they were discussing Hadith, a certain person quoted a Hadith which Imaam Muslim (rahimahullah) did not have knowledge of. This filled Imaam Muslim (rahimahullah) with concern and he thus wished to locate the Hadith.