Participating in the funeral procession of a Hindu
QUESTION:
My husband’s paternal aunt, who was hindu, passed away. The family have hired the community centre hall, where they will have her coffin available for friends and family to view. Close family will be present to say their goodbyes, thereafter there will be some prayers and the body will be made available for others (outsiders) to pay their respect, place flowers etc. It is unsure whether or not they will have chants playing in the background during all this time-sometimes the ladies present there chant loudly. Thereafter, they will take her to the crematorium. I know we are not permitted to go to the crematorium, nor be present during their prayers, however are we allowed to be present at the community centre just as moral support to the family and to say our final goodbyes to her? Are we allowed to be present in the hall during the procession? Also, as Hindus they dress the deceased into bridal clothing and jewellery etc. Would It be permissible to partake in washing the deceased and assisting in dressing her/applying her make-up etc.?
ANSWER:
The teachings of Islam are most perfect and complete. Islam advocates that one displays good character towards both Muslims and Non-Muslims. It is proven from the Hadith that Nabi Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam visited his non-Muslim neighbour when he had taken ill.
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, it will not be permissible to participate in the “viewing” and procession, as such practices are against the very grain our Deen and Shariah. It is also possible that the Hindus engage in several rituals and customs which are tantamount to Kufr, and we are increasing their numbers by participating in such a gathering. It is also possible that this could be a hall belonging to the Hindus where they engage in their worship, which we are prohibited from entering.
The narration of Kanzul Ummaal states:
من كثر سواد قوم فهو منهم، ومن رضي عمل قوم كان شريكا في عمله (كنز العمال #24735)
Whoever increases the number of a nation will be amongst them, and whoever is pleased with the action of a nation will be a partner in their actions.
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: – Fataawa Mahmoodiyyah Vol. 13 Pg. 301
Furthermore, it seems from the query that there will be a host of evils taking place such as chanting, intermingling of sexes, prayers of Kufr and Shirk, which are all prohibited in Islam. In conclusion, there is no scope for attending the gathering. It will also not be permissible to assist in the washing of the deceased.
Re: – Fataawa Mahmoodiyyah Vol.13 Pg.88
ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Maulana Abdul Kader Fazlani
Date: – 15 Rabi ul Aakhir 1445 / 31 October 2023
CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai Saheb