Compiled by: Ahmed bin Abdullah Al-Salmi (May Allah Protect Him)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
All praise is for Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, and peace and blessings be upon the noblest of prophets and messengers, our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his companions.
People often forget about death, although it serves as a significant reminder.
Lack of Emphasis on Writing a Will:
Many people neglect preparing a will, considering death to be far off. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) advised that a Muslim should keep their will close by if they have any property. Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that after hearing this, he always kept his will written and ready. [Bukhari & Muslim]
Immediate Focus on Condolences and Gatherings After Burial:
Many people turn to gatherings and forget the deceased's will or unpaid debts. Failing to settle debts leaves a believer’s soul suspended.
Referring to the Angel of Death as ‘Azrael’:
This name has no basis.
Hiring Reciters to Recite Quran Upon Death:
Engaging people to recite the Quran, especially Surah Yaseen, and holding gatherings for this purpose are all baseless practices.
Placing the Quran on the Chest or Pillow of the Deceased:
There is no basis for such practices.
Expressing Grief Through Wailing and Despair:
Practices such as tearing clothes, scratching faces, and verbally questioning Allah’s decree are contrary to Islamic teachings. In such situations, believers should say “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un” and accept Allah’s decree.
Believing a Spouse Cannot Wash the Deceased Partner:
This belief is incorrect, as some Companions washed their spouses after death.
Covering the Janazah with a Cloth Bearing Quranic Verses:
It is incorrect to cover the body with a cloth containing verses such as Ayat al-Kursi.
Performing Salah During Prohibited Times:
Avoiding Salah at times of sunrise, zenith, and sunset is important, as these times are prohibited for regular prayers.
Performing Obligatory Prayers in Graveyards:
The Prophet (ﷺ) prohibited praying in graveyards except for the funeral prayer. Praying towards graves could lead to shirk (associating others with Allah).
Delaying Janazah for the Arrival of Relatives or Quran Completion:
Janazah should not be delayed, as expediency is part of the Sunnah.
Family Members Standing Beside the Imam for Janazah:
Family members should line up behind the Imam like other congregants.
Offering the Janazah Prayer for Non-Prayers:
Praying for someone who neglected Salah is prohibited.
Neglecting the Proper Method of Janazah Prayer.
Not Performing Janazah for a Four-Month Old Fetus:
A fetus over four months should be given ghusl, janazah, and burial.
Belief that Righteous Janazah Feels Light:
This notion has no basis.
Taking Janazah Slowly:
The Sunnah is to hasten in carrying the janazah.
Chanting Loudly During Janazah Procession:
Reciting phrases aloud is unnecessary.
Raising Hands for Collective Dua After Janazah Prayer:
This practice has no basis in Sunnah.
Neglecting the Rewards of Janazah:
Participating in the Janazah yields immense rewards, likened to the size of great mountains.
Belief That Attending Janazah Heals Eye Diseases:
This belief is based on ignorance.
Disposing of the Deceased’s Belongings: There is no need to discard the deceased's belongings, as some people think it is wrong to use them.
Burial at night is permissible if necessary.
Pre-Dug Graves for Personal Preference:
It is baseless to specify one’s burial site before death.
Creating Disturbance at Graveyards:
People should maintain silence and reflection rather than noise.
Reciting the Adhan or Sending Salutations While Lowering the Body:
Instead, one should say “Bismillah wa ‘ala millati Rasoolillah”.
Saying that the Deceased Has Reached Their Final Destination:
This is incorrect since the ultimate destination is either Jannah or Jahannam.
Reciting Verses While Placing Soil on the Grave:
No such practice is substantiated.
Raising the Grave Above a Handspan:
Graves should not be raised more than a handspan.
Addressing the Deceased After Burial.
Neglecting Dua for the Deceased's Forgiveness and Steadfastness.
Placing Markers or Inscribed Stones on Graves.
Slaughtering Animals Upon Taking the Deceased to the Graveyard:
This act is prohibited.
Disrespecting the Deceased by Sitting on Graves, Wearing Shoes Over Them, or Polluting the Area.
Shirk-Based Visits to Graves:
Requesting favors, circumambulating, or dedicating vows at graves is shirk (associating partners with Allah) and a severe misguidance.
Traveling Specifically to Visit Graves:
Even the Prophet’s grave should be visited as part of a pilgrimage to Masjid an-Nabawi, not for seeking blessings.
Friday or Eid Grave Visits:
Special visits on these days are unnecessary.
Touching or Placing Objects on Graves During Visits.
Reciting the Mother’s Name in Salaam During Visits.
Sprinkling Water on Graves.
Reciting Quran at the Grave.
Believing the Prophet’s Grave is the Source of Nur (Spiritual Light):
Actions such as seeking intercession or blessings from the Prophet's grave or touching it for healing are misguided innovations.
This causes undue disturbance.
Preparing Banquets by the Deceased’s Family:
The family should be assisted with meals by neighbors, not vice versa.
Reciting Quran Collectively in Condolence Gatherings.
Believing Condolences Can Only Be Offered After Burial.
Reciting Fatiha or Making Other Specific Readings for the Deceased’s Soul.
Women Loudly Weeping at Condolences:
This is unnecessary and considered an innovation.
Assuming the Deceased’s Soul Has Attained the Highest Rank:
Matters of the soul are known only to Allah.
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
All praise is for Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, and peace and blessings be upon the noblest of prophets and messengers, our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his companions.
Preface
My respected religious brothers, in this treatise, we highlight several prevalent innovations related to funerals, graves, and expressions of condolence. Many people engage in these due to ignorance and blind imitation. As a fellow believer, I felt it necessary to offer advice on this matter. This compilation focuses primarily on well-known innovations.Common Innovations Regarding Death
Neglecting the Reminder of Death:People often forget about death, although it serves as a significant reminder.
Lack of Emphasis on Writing a Will:
Many people neglect preparing a will, considering death to be far off. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) advised that a Muslim should keep their will close by if they have any property. Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that after hearing this, he always kept his will written and ready. [Bukhari & Muslim]
Immediate Focus on Condolences and Gatherings After Burial:
Many people turn to gatherings and forget the deceased's will or unpaid debts. Failing to settle debts leaves a believer’s soul suspended.
Referring to the Angel of Death as ‘Azrael’:
This name has no basis.
Hiring Reciters to Recite Quran Upon Death:
Engaging people to recite the Quran, especially Surah Yaseen, and holding gatherings for this purpose are all baseless practices.
Placing the Quran on the Chest or Pillow of the Deceased:
There is no basis for such practices.
Expressing Grief Through Wailing and Despair:
Practices such as tearing clothes, scratching faces, and verbally questioning Allah’s decree are contrary to Islamic teachings. In such situations, believers should say “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un” and accept Allah’s decree.
Believing a Spouse Cannot Wash the Deceased Partner:
This belief is incorrect, as some Companions washed their spouses after death.
Covering the Janazah with a Cloth Bearing Quranic Verses:
It is incorrect to cover the body with a cloth containing verses such as Ayat al-Kursi.
Performing Salah During Prohibited Times:
Avoiding Salah at times of sunrise, zenith, and sunset is important, as these times are prohibited for regular prayers.
Performing Obligatory Prayers in Graveyards:
The Prophet (ﷺ) prohibited praying in graveyards except for the funeral prayer. Praying towards graves could lead to shirk (associating others with Allah).
Delaying Janazah for the Arrival of Relatives or Quran Completion:
Janazah should not be delayed, as expediency is part of the Sunnah.
Family Members Standing Beside the Imam for Janazah:
Family members should line up behind the Imam like other congregants.
Offering the Janazah Prayer for Non-Prayers:
Praying for someone who neglected Salah is prohibited.
Neglecting the Proper Method of Janazah Prayer.
Not Performing Janazah for a Four-Month Old Fetus:
A fetus over four months should be given ghusl, janazah, and burial.
Belief that Righteous Janazah Feels Light:
This notion has no basis.
Taking Janazah Slowly:
The Sunnah is to hasten in carrying the janazah.
Chanting Loudly During Janazah Procession:
Reciting phrases aloud is unnecessary.
Raising Hands for Collective Dua After Janazah Prayer:
This practice has no basis in Sunnah.
Neglecting the Rewards of Janazah:
Participating in the Janazah yields immense rewards, likened to the size of great mountains.
Belief That Attending Janazah Heals Eye Diseases:
This belief is based on ignorance.
Disposing of the Deceased’s Belongings: There is no need to discard the deceased's belongings, as some people think it is wrong to use them.
Innovations Related to the Grave
Avoiding Night Burial:Burial at night is permissible if necessary.
Pre-Dug Graves for Personal Preference:
It is baseless to specify one’s burial site before death.
Creating Disturbance at Graveyards:
People should maintain silence and reflection rather than noise.
Reciting the Adhan or Sending Salutations While Lowering the Body:
Instead, one should say “Bismillah wa ‘ala millati Rasoolillah”.
Saying that the Deceased Has Reached Their Final Destination:
This is incorrect since the ultimate destination is either Jannah or Jahannam.
Reciting Verses While Placing Soil on the Grave:
No such practice is substantiated.
Raising the Grave Above a Handspan:
Graves should not be raised more than a handspan.
Addressing the Deceased After Burial.
Neglecting Dua for the Deceased's Forgiveness and Steadfastness.
Placing Markers or Inscribed Stones on Graves.
Slaughtering Animals Upon Taking the Deceased to the Graveyard:
This act is prohibited.
Disrespecting the Deceased by Sitting on Graves, Wearing Shoes Over Them, or Polluting the Area.
Shirk-Based Visits to Graves:
Requesting favors, circumambulating, or dedicating vows at graves is shirk (associating partners with Allah) and a severe misguidance.
Traveling Specifically to Visit Graves:
Even the Prophet’s grave should be visited as part of a pilgrimage to Masjid an-Nabawi, not for seeking blessings.
Friday or Eid Grave Visits:
Special visits on these days are unnecessary.
Touching or Placing Objects on Graves During Visits.
Reciting the Mother’s Name in Salaam During Visits.
Sprinkling Water on Graves.
Reciting Quran at the Grave.
Believing the Prophet’s Grave is the Source of Nur (Spiritual Light):
Actions such as seeking intercession or blessings from the Prophet's grave or touching it for healing are misguided innovations.
Innovations in Offering Condolences
Hosting Large Condolence Gatherings in Public Spaces:This causes undue disturbance.
Preparing Banquets by the Deceased’s Family:
The family should be assisted with meals by neighbors, not vice versa.
Reciting Quran Collectively in Condolence Gatherings.
Believing Condolences Can Only Be Offered After Burial.
Reciting Fatiha or Making Other Specific Readings for the Deceased’s Soul.
Women Loudly Weeping at Condolences:
This is unnecessary and considered an innovation.
Assuming the Deceased’s Soul Has Attained the Highest Rank:
Matters of the soul are known only to Allah.
