Fath al-Rabbani

Benefits: … Is it permissible to spread a sheet or mat, etc., under the deceased in the grave?

Imam Nawawi said: The servant of the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, Sayyiduna Shuqran radi Allahu anhu, spread this sheet in the grave and regarding it he said: "I disliked that anyone should wear it after the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam." … I disliked that anyone should wear this sheet after the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam (therefore I spread it in the grave). (Bayhaqi: 3/408) Imam Shafi'i and all our companions and other scholars have clarified that it is disliked (makruh) to place any sheet, mattress, or pillow, etc., under the deceased in the grave. However, among our companions, Imam Baghawi, while expressing a rare opinion in his book al-Tahdhib, said: In light of this hadith, there is no harm in doing such an act, but the correct view is that spreading such a sheet is disliked (makruh), as is the opinion of the majority of scholars. These scholars, in response to this hadith, said: This is the action of Sayyiduna Shuqran radi Allahu anhu, and he disliked that the sheet which the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam used to spread and wear should be worn by anyone after him; the conscience of this Companion could not be satisfied that this sheet be worn after the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, whereas other Companions opposed him in this, as Imam Bayhaqi (3/408) narrated that Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Abbas radi Allahu anhu said: It is disliked and undesirable that any cloth be placed under the deceased in the grave. And Allah knows best. (Sharh Muslim: 7/34)

The Noble Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, during his blessed era, did not make any arrangement for spreading cloth or mat, etc., in the grave, therefore one should adhere to this practical Sunnah.