❖ Sharʿī Ruling on Burying Sacred Pages or Books in the Grave ❖
Question:
A certain Shaykh al-Ḥadīth reportedly said: “It is permissible to bury sacred pages, and I have a great love for the particular copy of Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī from which I have taught 32 times. I wish for this copy to be buried with me in my grave.” What is the Sharʿī ruling on such a statement and action?
Answer by:
Fadhīlat al-Shaykh ʿAbdul Wakīl Nāṣir ḥafiẓahullāh
May Allah ﷻ bless the Shaykh with good health and a long life.
His statement seems to stem from a sense of deep reverence and personal attachment, which is understood emotionally.
A person knows his own intention best, and it appears his sentiment was motivated by love and veneration for sacred knowledge.
✔ Preserving sacred books,
✔ Showing love or respect for them,
✔ Holding them close out of reverence—
—all these acts are permissible and carry reward, inshā’Allāh.
However, formally requesting or insisting that a sacred text be buried with one’s body in the grave:
✘ Is not a practice established by the Sunnah.
✘ Is not supported by the actions of the Prophet ﷺ or the Ṣaḥābah.
✘ May be questionable, especially since the grave is meant to be solely for the body, not worldly possessions—even if they are religious.
This idea requires careful consideration and should be avoided to prevent setting an unfounded precedent.
◈ Expressing love for religious books is a noble sentiment.
◈ However, desiring or arranging to bury a sacred book inside the grave with the deceased is not appropriate according to Sharʿī principles.
◈ It is better to honor the sacred text by preserving it for continued benefit or disposing of it respectfully (e.g., burying in clean soil separately, not inside the grave with a body).
Question:
A certain Shaykh al-Ḥadīth reportedly said: “It is permissible to bury sacred pages, and I have a great love for the particular copy of Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī from which I have taught 32 times. I wish for this copy to be buried with me in my grave.” What is the Sharʿī ruling on such a statement and action?
Answer by:
Fadhīlat al-Shaykh ʿAbdul Wakīl Nāṣir ḥafiẓahullāh
❀ General Principle:
May Allah ﷻ bless the Shaykh with good health and a long life. His statement seems to stem from a sense of deep reverence and personal attachment, which is understood emotionally. A person knows his own intention best, and it appears his sentiment was motivated by love and veneration for sacred knowledge.❀ Permissible Acts:
✔ Preserving sacred books,
✔ Showing love or respect for them,
✔ Holding them close out of reverence—
—all these acts are permissible and carry reward, inshā’Allāh.
Concern Regarding Burial with the Deceased:
However, formally requesting or insisting that a sacred text be buried with one’s body in the grave:
✘ Is not a practice established by the Sunnah.
✘ Is not supported by the actions of the Prophet ﷺ or the Ṣaḥābah.
✘ May be questionable, especially since the grave is meant to be solely for the body, not worldly possessions—even if they are religious.
This idea requires careful consideration and should be avoided to prevent setting an unfounded precedent.
Conclusion:
◈ Expressing love for religious books is a noble sentiment.
◈ However, desiring or arranging to bury a sacred book inside the grave with the deceased is not appropriate according to Sharʿī principles.
◈ It is better to honor the sacred text by preserving it for continued benefit or disposing of it respectfully (e.g., burying in clean soil separately, not inside the grave with a body).
