● Explanation of Burial:
Placing the deceased into the earth is called burial. This method of Islam is unique and excellent compared to other religions. Just as washing, shrouding, and the funeral prayer for the deceased are a collective obligation (fard kifayah) in the Shariah, burial is also a collective obligation, and the related rulings of this obligation are as follows.
● Digging the Grave:
(1) Make the grave deep, wide, spacious, and clean.
(2) Digging a lahd (niche grave) is preferable. However, if the soil is very soft and there is a fear that the grave may collapse, then a lahd should not be dug; instead, a shaft grave (sandooqi) should be dug. In a lahd, the place for the deceased is made in the wall facing the qiblah, and this is called a lahd. In a shaft grave, the place for the deceased is made in the middle. Digging the grave in either way is permissible.
● Etiquette of Burial:
(1) If needed, soft stone or soil etc. may be placed under the head of the deceased as a pillow.
A sheet or similar cloth may also be spread in the grave.
(3) Lower the deceased into the grave from the side of the feet.
(4) Lay the deceased in the grave such that the face is toward the qiblah, the head is on the right side of the qiblah and the feet are on the left side of the qiblah. Muslims have acted upon this from the time of the Prophet ﷺ until today.
(5) While lowering the deceased into the grave, recite this supplication:
بسم الله وبالله وعلى سنة رسول الله ﷺ
(6) It is sunnah for all those present to throw three handfuls of soil on the grave.
(7) Sprinkle water on the grave.
(8) It is permissible to place stones or the like on the grave for identification.
● Making Supplication After Burial:
Sayyidina Uthman ibn Affan (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “When the Prophet ﷺ finished the burial, he would stand at the grave and say: Ask forgiveness and steadfastness for your brother, for he is now being questioned.”
● Words of Condolence:
Condolence means urging the heirs of the deceased to be patient, giving them hope of reward and recompense in the Hereafter, and lightening their grief by sharing in their sorrow and pain. Thus, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, while offering condolences, said:
إن لله ما آخذ وله ما أعطى وكل شيء عنده بأجل فلتصبر ولتحتسب.
“Indeed, what Allah took belongs to Allah, and what He gave also belongs to Allah. Everything with Him has a set term. So be patient and seek reward.”
● Qul, the Tenth Day and the Fortieth Day:
Serving food for the sake of conveying reward on the third, seventh, and fortieth days is an innovation (bid’ah) and a Hindu custom.
Supplications for Visiting Graves
(1) السلام عليكم على أهل الديار من المؤمنين والمسلمين، وإنا إن شاء الله بكم لاحقون، أسأل الله لنا ولكم العافية.
“Peace be upon you, O believing and Muslim people of these abodes. Indeed, we too, if Allah wills, will join you. I ask Allah for well-being for us and for you.”
(2) السلام على أهل الديار من المؤمنين والمسلمين ويرحم الله المستقدمين منا والمستأخرين، وإنا إن شاء الله كم لاحقون.
“Peace be upon you, O believers and Muslims of these abodes. May Allah have mercy on those among us who went before and those who come after. Indeed, we too, if Allah wills, will join you.”
Pray before
your own prayer is offered
وصلى الله على خير خلقه محمد، وآله، وصحبه وسلم
