Sharʿī Ruling on Lighting Fire at the Head of a Grave
Source: Fatāwā ʿIlmiyyah, Volume 1, Kitāb al-Janā’iz, Page 527
After burying the deceased, some people light a fire at the head of the grave during the night. Is it permissible to do so according to the Sharīʿah?
(Asked by: Ḥājī Naẓīr Khān, Dāmān Hazro)
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd!
Lighting a fire at the head of the grave at night after burying the deceased is not supported by any authentic Sharʿī evidence. Therefore, such a practice is regarded as a bidʿah (innovation).
A narration from the renowned and trustworthy tābiʿī, Imām Saʿīd ibn Abī Saʿīd al-Maqburī (رحمه الله), states:
Sayyidunā Abū Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه) forbade his family and companions from taking fire with his funeral after his death.
Muwaṭṭa’ Imām Mālik 1/226, Ḥadīth No. 532 – Chain is authentic
It means that Abū Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه) made a will to his relatives:
“Do not accompany my body with fire after I die.”
(Al-Ḥadīth Magazine, Issue 61)
This shows that the Companions were cautious to avoid imitating non-Islamic rituals or unnecessary practices around graves and burials.
✔ Lighting fire near or around a grave—especially at the head—is a baseless act in Sharīʿah.
✔ It contradicts the simplicity and humility prescribed in Islamic funeral rites.
✔ It should be avoided completely as an act of innovation.
ھٰذَا مَا عِندِي، وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَاب
Source: Fatāwā ʿIlmiyyah, Volume 1, Kitāb al-Janā’iz, Page 527
❖ Question
After burying the deceased, some people light a fire at the head of the grave during the night. Is it permissible to do so according to the Sharīʿah?
(Asked by: Ḥājī Naẓīr Khān, Dāmān Hazro)
❖ Answer
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd!
Lighting a fire at the head of the grave at night after burying the deceased is not supported by any authentic Sharʿī evidence. Therefore, such a practice is regarded as a bidʿah (innovation).
✦ Evidence from the Tabiʿīn
A narration from the renowned and trustworthy tābiʿī, Imām Saʿīd ibn Abī Saʿīd al-Maqburī (رحمه الله), states:
Sayyidunā Abū Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه) forbade his family and companions from taking fire with his funeral after his death.
Muwaṭṭa’ Imām Mālik 1/226, Ḥadīth No. 532 – Chain is authentic✦ Explanation of the Narration
It means that Abū Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه) made a will to his relatives:
“Do not accompany my body with fire after I die.”
(Al-Ḥadīth Magazine, Issue 61)This shows that the Companions were cautious to avoid imitating non-Islamic rituals or unnecessary practices around graves and burials.
❖ Conclusion
✔ Lighting fire near or around a grave—especially at the head—is a baseless act in Sharīʿah.
✔ It contradicts the simplicity and humility prescribed in Islamic funeral rites.
✔ It should be avoided completely as an act of innovation.
ھٰذَا مَا عِندِي، وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَاب
