The Sunnah Method of Burying the Deceased in Islam

This article is excerpted from the book "Namaz-e-Mustafa ﷺ" by Abu Hamzah Abdul Khaliq Siddiqi.

◈ The Concept of Burial in Islam​

The act of placing the deceased into the earth is referred to as burial. The Islamic method of burial is distinct and superior compared to that of other religions. Just as ghusl (washing), kafan (shrouding), and Salat al-Janazah (funeral prayer) are considered Fard Kifayah (a communal obligation), so too is the act of burial.

❖ Constructing the Grave​

① The grave should be deep, spacious, and clean.
Sunan al-Nasa’i, Book of Funerals, Hadith: 2012, 2013

② The “Lahd” style is preferable.
However, if the ground is soft and there is a risk of collapse, a Shaqq (trench-style) grave may be made. In a Lahd grave, the niche is carved on the side facing the Qiblah, whereas in a Shaqq grave, the body is placed in a central trench. Both methods are permissible.
Al-Muntaqā by Ibn al-Jarud: 143/1, Hadith: 547 – Saheeh Ibn Hibban: 6633 – Sunan Ibn Majah: 1557, 1558

✿ Etiquettes of Burial​

① A pillow made of soft stone or soil may be placed under the head if needed.
Al-Tabaqat by Ibn Sa‘d: 8/110–111

② It is permissible to spread a sheet inside the grave.
Saheeh Muslim, Book of Funerals, Hadith: 967

③ The deceased should be entered into the grave from the feet side.
Sunan Abu Dawood: 3211 – Musnad Ahmad: 1/429, Hadith: 408

④ The body should be laid in the grave facing the Qiblah.
The head should be to the right and the feet to the left of the Qiblah. This has been the practice of the Ummah from the time of the Prophet ﷺ till today.
Mukhtasar Ahkam al-Jana'iz: 183

⑤ This supplication should be recited while lowering the body into the grave:
بسم الله وبالله وعلى سنة رسول الله ﷺ
Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Book of Funerals, Hadith: 1046 – Sunan Abu Dawood: 3213

⑥ It is Sunnah for all present to throw three handfuls of soil into the grave.
Sunan Ibn Majah, Book of Funerals, Hadith: 1565

⑦ Sprinkling water on the grave is Sunnah.
Silsilat al-Ahadith al-Saheehah, Hadith: 3045

⑧ Placing a marker (like a stone) for identification is permissible.
Sunan Abu Dawood, Book of Funerals, Hadith: 3206

Supplication After Burial​

Sayyiduna ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan رضي الله عنه said:
“When the burial was completed, the Prophet ﷺ would stand by the grave and say:
‘Seek forgiveness for your brother and ask that he be made firm, for now he is being questioned.’”
Sunan Abu Dawood, Book of Funerals, Hadith: 1284

🕊 Words of Condolence​

Condolence (Ta‘ziyah) means advising the family of the deceased to be patient, giving them hope of reward in the Hereafter, and participating in their grief to lighten their sorrow. The Prophet ﷺ said while offering condolences:

"Indeed, to Allah belongs what He takes and to Him belongs what He gives, and everything with Him has an appointed time. So be patient and seek reward."
Saheeh Bukhari, Book of Funerals, Hadith: 1224 – Saheeh Muslim, Book of Funerals, Hadith: 923

On the Practices of Qul, Daswan, and Chaliswan​

Feeding people on the third, tenth, or fortieth day for the purpose of conveying reward to the deceased is a Bid‘ah (innovation) and a Hindu-inspired ritual.

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 inhabitants of these dwellings from among the believers and Muslims. Indeed, we are, if Allah wills, to join you. I ask Allah for well-being for us and for you.”
Saheeh Muslim, Book of Funerals, Hadith: 975

② السلام على أهل الديار من المؤمنين والمسلمين ويرحم الله المستقدمين منا والمستأخرين، وإنا إن شاء الله بكم لاحقون
“Peace be upon the inhabitants of these dwellings from among the believers and Muslims. May Allah have mercy on those who have gone ahead of us and those who come later. Indeed, we are, if Allah wills, to join you.”
Saheeh Muslim, Book of Funerals, Hadith: 974/103

❝Perform your prayers before the time comes when others pray over you.❞​

وصلى الله على خير خلقه محمد، وآله، وصحبه وسلم