Fatwa's Insights - Worship

THE 43RD MEETING OF THE PERLIS STATE FATWA COMMITTEE / 2019

17 SEPTEMBER 2019 / 17 - 18 MUHARRAM 1441H

FATWA ON QURANIC RECITATION AT BURIAL GROUNDS

There is no authentic narration from the Prophet SAW performing or encouraging the ceremony of reciting the Quran at graves after burial. On the contrary, what exists is only the practice of Ibn 'Umar RA who recited the Quran during the burial process. Nevertheless, this narration is disputed in its authenticity by some hadith scholars. Among scholars such as al-Imam al-Shafi'i, Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, and others permit the recitation of Quranic verses during burial. Meanwhile, other scholars such as al-Imam Abu Hanifah, al-Imam Malik, and one narration from al-Imam Ahmad do not permit Quranic recitation at burial grounds; in fact, in one narration, al-Imam Ahmad considered it as bid'ah (innovation).

As for reciting supplications (doa) for the deceased at the grave, this is the Sunnah of the Prophet SAW. A person may recite supplications quoted from the Quran or hadith or from himself to pray for forgiveness and goodness for the deceased. This matter may be done either individually or by saying amen to the supplications of others.

Therefore, there is no evidence whatsoever supporting the ceremony of reciting or completing the Quran after the burial process at the grave has ended. As for during the burial of the deceased, there has been a difference of opinion among scholars. However, for those who wish to recite the Quran during burial, they may not establish specific forms and methods because that constitutes innovating matters that have no textual basis. Instead, he may recite whatever Quranic verses he wishes to recite individually.

Resolved at the Meeting of the Majlis Agama Islam dan Adat Istiadat Melayu Perlis No. 6 of 2019 convened on 22 October 2019.