Question:
Is it permissible to recite the Quran loudly at the house of the deceased or to play the Quranic recitation through a tape recorder? In some countries, it is customary that after the death of a person, collective or recorded recitation is played loudly in their house. What is the ruling of Shariah regarding this practice?
Answer:
الحمد لله، والصلاة والسلام علىٰ رسول الله، أما بعد!
This practice is an innovation (Bid’ah) because there is no evidence of it during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) nor during the era of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them). The details are as follows:
Finding solace through the Quran
◈ The Holy Quran certainly removes grief and worry, but the correct way is that a person recites it themselves.
◈ Reciting the Quran through loudspeakers or loudly is not correct because:
➊ It forces everyone to listen, whether they are engaged in frivolity or fond of music.
➋ In this case, it is as if they are listening to both the Quran and music at the same time.
➌ This act becomes synonymous with disrespect and mockery of the Quran.
Order of Gathering for Condolences at the Deceased’s House
◈ Gathering of people for condolences at the deceased’s family home is also an innovation which neither existed during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) nor during the era of the Companions.
◈ Some scholars have explicitly declared this gathering as an innovation.
What Should the Family of the Deceased Do?
◈ The family of the deceased should not sit collectively to receive those who come for condolences.
◈ It is better that they keep the door closed.
◈ If someone happens to meet them in the market or comes for condolences without any arrangement, there is no harm.
◈ However, keeping the door open for everyone who comes and goes was not practiced during the time of the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him).
Lamentation, Mourning, and the Warning Related to It
◈ The Companions of the Prophet, may Allah be pleased with them, considered lamenting, mourning, and setting aside special food for it as a major sin.
◈ The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, cursed the woman who laments and listens to lamentation.
◈ In a noble hadith it is stated:
«اَلنَّائِحَةُ إِذَا لَمْ تَتُبْ قَبْلَ مَوْتِهَا تُقَامُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ وَعَلَيْهَا سِرْبَالٌ مِنْ قَطِرَانٍ وَدِرْعٌ مِنْ جَرَبٍ»
Translation:
“If a woman who laments does not repent before her death, on the Day of Judgment she will be made to wear a sulfur (or tarcoal) ring and a garment that causes itching.”
Advice to Avoid Innovations
◈ I advise all my Muslim brothers:
➊ Abandon all such innovations because this is better and a cause of goodness in the sight of Allah Almighty.
➋ These practices not only distance them from Allah but also cause distress to the deceased.
Effects of Crying and Lamenting over the Deceased
◈ The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:
“The deceased is punished because of the crying and lamentation of his family.”
◈ This means that the deceased experiences distress, not a punishment in the strict sense, but pain and sorrow are meant.
◈ In the Holy Quran, Allah Almighty says:
﴿وَلا تَزِرُ وازِرَةٌ وِزرَ أُخرى﴾
Translation:
“No soul will bear the burden of another.”
Explanation of the Meaning of Punishment
◈ Punishment does not always mean a penalty.
◈ The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said:
«اَلسَّفَرُ قِطْعَةٌ مِنْ الْعَذَابِ»
Translation:
“Travel is a part of punishment.”
◈ Although travel is not a punishment, it involves hardship and difficulty, therefore it is called a punishment.
◈ Common people also refer to the grief and distress that affect the heart as “punishment of the conscience.”
Final Advice
◈ In summary, my brothers!
➊ Give up such habits and customs that distance you from Allah Almighty.
➋ These deeds not only cause worldly loss but also become a cause of torment for your deceased loved ones.
ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
