Question:
Assalamu alaykum.
Please inform me what is the procedure when a person is being buried and sand is thrown on him, what does the Moulana recite, like surah Yaseen etc and where should he stand when reciting the different surahs?
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-Salāmu ‘Alaykum Wa-Rahmatullāhi Wa-Barakātuh.
Firstly, it is important to ensure that the funeral and burial rites are conducted according to Islamic teachings. Certain customs and practices have become prevalent, and therefore, one should adhere to what is established without introducing unnecessary practices.
After giving Ghusl, shrouding the deceased, and performing Salat al-Janazah, the burial should take place.
At the time of burial, it is mustahabb (recommended) that the deceased be entered into the grave from the side of the Qiblah. Those placing the body may recite:
“بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، وَبِاللَّهِ، وَعَلَى مِلَّةِ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ ﷺ”
“Bismillāhi, wa billāh, wa ‘alā millati Rasūlillāh ﷺ”
“In the name of Allah, with the help of Allah, and upon the way of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ”
The deceased is then gently placed in the grave on the right side facing the Qiblah, and the knots of the کفن (shroud) are loosened.
After placing wooden planks or covering over the body, soil is then filled into the grave.
It is mustahabb (recommended) for those present to throw three handfuls of soil while reciting the following verses (from the Qur’an): [1]
- First handful:
“مِنۡهَا خَلَقۡنٰكُمۡ”
“Minhā khalaqnākum”
(From it We created you)
- Second handful:
“وَفِيهَا نُعِيدُكُمۡ”
“Wa fīhā nu‘īdukum”
(And into it We shall return you)
- Third handful:
“وَمِنۡهَا نُخۡرِجُكُمۡ تَارَةً أُخۡرَىٰ”
“Wa minhā nukhrijukum tāratan ukhrā”
(And from it We shall bring you out once again)
(Surah Ṭā-Hā 20:55)
After the grave is filled, it is Sunnah to remain for a while (approximately the time it takes to slaughter a camel and distribute its meat) and make Dua for the deceased, asking Allah to forgive him and grant him steadfastness during the questioning. Nabi ﷺ said:
“اسْتَغْفِرُوا لِأَخِيكُمْ، وَاسْأَلُوا لَهُ بِالتَّثْبِيتِ؛ فَإِنَّهُ الْآنَ يُسْأَلُ.”
“Seek forgiveness for your brother and ask that he be made firm, for he is now being questioned.”
[Abu Dawud, 3221][2]
When making Dua, it is Sunnah to face the Qibla and raise the hands. However, if one is facing the grave, it is better not to raise the hands, so as to avoid any misunderstanding that one is asking from the deceased.[3]
As for reciting the Qur’an after burial, it is permissible to recite and convey the reward (isāl al-thawāb) to the deceased. This is not restricted to a specific person such as the Maulana or the Imam; rather, each individual may recite softly on their own. In fact, the greater the number of people who recite, the greater the reward for the deceased will be.
One may recite softly from the Qur’an whatever is easy for him, such as:
Surah Al-Fatihah, the beginning of Surah Al-Baqarah, Āyat al-Kursī, the ending of Surah al-Baqarah, Surah Yaseen, Surah Al-Mulk, Surah At-Takathur, Surah Kafiroun, Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Falaq, and Surah An-Nas.
It is also reported from ‘Abdullah Ibn Umar رضي الله عنهم that reciting the beginning of Surah al-Baqarah at the head and the ending at the feet is mustahabb (recommended); however, this remains mustahabb and not obligatory.
To consider reading aloud as necessary or compulsory, or to criticize is incorrect.
It is the responsibility of the leaders of the community to educate people about the correct beliefs and practices related to these matters, so that they do not engage in actions that are contrary to Islamic teachings.[4]
And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best.
Abdour-Rahmaan Lim Voon Heek
Student Darul Iftaa
Port-louis, Mauritius
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Muhammad Zakariyya Desai.
