Forbidden practices regarding death and burial

Some practices which have now begun to gain ground yet unauthentic when it comes to post-burial rites are becoming very serious issues. They should be addressed with the seriousness they deserve in order that the Muslim Ummah are guided aright, especially now that inventions in Islam are becoming commonplace. Here are some common practices that have been invented by Muslims in post-burial activities, which go against the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW).

One of these unbecoming acts is the recitation of the Qur’an over a grave. This is not a Sunnah practice, even as reciting the Qur’an is highly recommended as a rewarding act of Ibadah (worship that is authentic in the Sight of Allah (SWT)) and encouraged.

It is reported in several Hadiths that the Prophet (SAW) forbade building tombstones and mausoleums over graves of Muslims.

Abu Hurairah (R.A.) narrated, “The Prophet (SAW) said, ’Do not build on graves, and do not sit on them’” (Muslim).

Also, Jabir bin Abdullah (R.A.) narrated, “The Prophet (SAW) forbade plastering graves, sitting on them and building over them” (Bukhari and Muslim). And Ibn Abbas (R.A.) narrated, “The Prophet (SAW) said, ‘Allah curses those who build mosques over graves.’” (Ibn Majah).

Furthermore, Ali (R.A.) narrated, “The Prophet (SAW) said, ‘Do not turn your graves into mosques. I have forbidden you from doing so.’” (Muslim). In another report, Aisha (R.A.) narrated, “The Prophet (SAW) said, ‘May Allah curse those who build tombs over graves’”. (Ibn Majah.).

These Hadiths emphasise the Prophet’s (SAW) disapproval of building any form of structures over graves, which can lead Muslims into shirk (polytheism) and excessive veneration of the dead. Some Hadiths equally indicate the Prophet’s (SAW) disapproval of reciting the Glorious Qur’an over graves, as earlier on emphasised.

Abu Hurairah (R.A) narrated: “The Prophet (SAW) said, ’Do not recite the Qur’an over graves, for it is a distraction for the dead’” (Tirimidhi). Also, Ibn Abbas (R.A.) narrated: “The Prophet (SAW) said, ‘Reciting the Qur’an over graves is an innovation (bid’ah)’” (Ibn Majah). Aisha (R.A.) also narrated: “The Prophet (SAW) said, ‘Do not make your graves places of worship, and do not recite the Qur’an over them.’” (Muslim).

In another report, Ibn Umar (R.A.) narrated: “The Prophet (SAW) said, ‘Whoever recites the Qur’an over a grave, it will be a torent for the deceased.’” (Tabarani). Al-Bara ‘bin Azib (R.A.) narrated: “The Prophet (SAW) said, ‘Do not recite the Qur’an over graves for it is a burden on the dead’” (Ahmad).

This collection indicates that the Prophet (SAW) discouraged reciting the Qur’an over graves, as it may become a source of distraction, innovation, or torment for the dead.

However, it is essential to note that some scholars permit reciting the Qur’an near graves, not directly over them, as a means of seeking benefit for the dead.

Other practices in Islam which are alien to the faith include placing flowers or wreaths on graves; visiting graves at specific times or periods like anniversaries; making du’a (funeral prayers) for the dead in loud voices, du’a should be made silently; and reciting specific prayers or supplications which are not found in the Sunnah, there are authentic du’as which could be recited.

Gathering for feasts after burial has no basis in Islam, except for the bereaved family in their own modest form. Burning incense or using fragrances near graves does not have basis in Sunnah. Related to this is illuminating graves with candles or lights. Writing or engraving praises or titles on tombstones was strongly discouraged by the Prophet (SAW). He considered the act a form of vanity (showing off and seeking praise from others). It also amounts to ostentation to display wealth and status. It is an evil innovation known as bid’ah which has no place in Islam. In all, writing and engraving on graves depicts a strong disobedience to Allah (SWT), contravening simplicity and humility as emphasised in Islam.

The Prophet (SAW) even cursed those who write or engrave on graves, as reported in some Hadiths. He encouraged simplicity and humility in funeral practices, focusing on the departed’s spiritual well-being rather than elaborate grave markings. However, some scholars allow writing basic information like the name of the departed, his or her father’s name and the dates of birth and death on the grave, considering it a means of identification without ostentation. But excessive writing or ornate engraving are generally discouraged.

Other unauthentic practices and beliefs considered as bid’ah include seeking blessings or intercession through the dead; believing that the dead can hear or respond to requests and invocations from the living; and holding annual commemorations or celebrations for the departed. These practices were never present during the Prophet’s lifetime and the early Muslim Ummah.

The Prophet (SAW) warned against seeking intercession from the dead, saying, “Do not make your graves places of worship” (Muslim). These acts contradict Quran provisions such as “And those who take protectors besides Him [say], ‘We only worship them so that they may bring us closer to Allah’” (Qur’an 39:3). This can only lead to direct worship of the dead rather than Allah (SWT) alone. It introduces intermediaries between Allah (SWT) and humans, contradicting the Islamic principle of direct communication with Allah (SWT). It has also shifted dependence from Allah (SWT) to mere mortal, Allah’s (SWT) creation which now undermines trust in Allah’s (SWT) power and mercy. Therefore, all this border on shirk (polytheism), as it attributes divine powers to humans.

In Islam, du’a (supplication) should be made directly to Allah (SWT) without intermediaries. The majority of Islamic scholars agree that seeking blessings and intercession through the dead is forbidden.

Holding annual commemorations or celebrations for dead Muslims is equally considered as bid’ah in Islam. It is even particularly distasteful for several reasons. It is an imitation of the tradition of non-Muslims, practices such as birthdays and anniversaries.

The practice disrupts simplicity and humility emphasised in Islamic funeral practices, the Janazah. It does not serve any spiritual benefit and does not aid the departed in any way in the affairs of the afterlife.

The Prophet (SAW) insisted that, “Every innovation is misguidance” (Bukhari). In Islam, the focus should be on remembering Allah (SWT), following the Sunnah and seeking benefit for the deceased through legitimate means such as charity, du’a and recitation of the Qur’an. And Allah (SWT) warns, “So, invoke not with Allah another illah (god) lest you should be among those who receive punishment” (Qur’an 26:213).

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