Assalaamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakaatuh.
Here in the subcontinent, even among Ulema-e-Haq, certain rituals are performed at burial time that, although if performed occasionally would be no issue whatsoever, seem to be made into necessary formalities whereas their source and degree (wajib, sunnah, mustahabb, mubah) are not clarified for the masses. As such the masses take them as necessary practices and frown upon those who do not adhere to them. This has all the hallmarks of bid’aat. I would like their status clarified and also would request ulama to educate the masses in this regard.
1) After salaatul-janaza, lining up to see the face of the deceased. If done with the correct intention, I admit this helps in softening the heart and reminding us of our own demise. But it becomes a carnival sometimes, astaghfirullah.
2) Calling out loudly “Kalima Shahadat!” and reciting it when lifting and carrying the mayyit.
3) Throwing 3 fists of dirt in the grave while reciting “Minha khalaqnakum…” from surah Taha.
4) two reciters standing on either end and reciting the beginning and end of surah al-baqarah. Dr. Abdul Hai (R) mentioned this in his Ahkaam-e-Mayyit, but please elaborate on whether this is sunnah, etc.
5) COLLECTIVELY praying for the deceased again at the grave after burial. Isn’t the salaatul-janazah meant precisely for this? Also, there would seem no harm to do it occasionally, but here in Pakistan it happens without fail and is considered a must. That is my point of contention.
6) Sprinkling rose water or zamzam or otherwise “ruqiya” water over the grave.
7) Making the internal of the grave with baked bricks.
Jazakumullahu khairan
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