Attending a Memorial Service

QUESTION:

Our school is hosting a memorial service for a learner who passed away. Is it permissible to attend the service if we do not say or do anything objectionable? If a learner is forced to attend, will it compromise his Imaan?

ANSWER:

The teachings of Islam are most perfect and complete. It is of utmost important that one shows good character to Muslims and Non-Muslims, as this is part of our Deen. It is established from Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, that he visited his Non-Muslim neighbour when he was sick.

وجاز عيادته أي عيادة مسلم ذميا نصرانيا أو يهوديا لأنه نوع بر في حقهم وما نهينا عن ذلك وصح أن النبي الله عاد يهوديا مرض بجواره (الدر المختار و حاشية ابن عابدين 6/388)

However, with regards to participating in a non-Muslim’s memorial or burying procession etc., it will not be permissible as this will be increasing the numbers of those who are involved in sin and disobedience of Allah.

من كثر سواد قوم فهو منهم، ومن رضي عمل قوم كان شريكا في عمله (كنز العمال #24735)

“Whoever increases the number of a gathering, is part of them and whoever is pleased with/approves an action will be a partner of those carrying out the deed.”

قال العلامة المناوي في شرحه أي من كثر سواد قوم بأن ساكنهم وعاشرهم وناصرهم فهو منهم وإن لم يكن من قبيلتهم أو بلدهم.(فيض القدير 6/156)

RE: – FATAWAA MAHMOODIYYA VOL. 13 PG. 301

Furthermore, there will be a host of evils taking place at that ceremony such as chanting, intermingling of sexes, various forms of Haraam worship etc., which are all prohibited in Islam.

وَلَا تُصَلِّ عَلَىٰ أَحَدٍ مِّنْهُم مَّاتَ أَبَدًا وَلَا تَقُمْ عَلَىٰ قَبْرِهِ ۖ إِنَّهُمْ كَفَرُوا بِاللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ وَمَاتُوا وَهُمْ فَاسِقُونَ (التوبة آ :84)

عَنِ النَّوَّاسِ بْنِ سِمْعَانَ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ لَا طَاعَةَ لِمَخْلُوقٍ فِي مَعْصِيَةِ الْخَالِقِ (مشكاة المصابيح 3696)

In conclusion, the students should not attend such a memorial service even if they are coerced, as no respect should be afforded to a non-Muslim upon his or her demise.

ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:

Mufti Abdul Kader Fazlani

Date: 09 Dhul Qa’dah 1446 / 08 May 2025

CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:

Mufti Yacoob Vally Saheb