Nasai

1852. Commentary: By "wailing" (nawhā), it is meant to mention the (true or false) qualities of the deceased and to cry out loudly; this is prohibited because, generally, exaggeration occurs on such occasions. In Arab society, professional wailers were even hired, who would fabricate and enumerate qualities from themselves, to the extent that the gathering would turn from one of grief to one of pride, boasting, eloquence, and rhetoric. Furthermore, crying out loud is also prohibited, and wailing cannot occur without raising the voice. Reciting elegies (marsiya) for the deceased in such a way that it causes people to weep is also included in wailing and is forbidden.