Question:
As Salamu Alaikum,
Is it permissible to bury more than one person in a grave? For example, cemeteries offer an ‘extra deep’ plot (geared towards couples). The first to die would be buried at 12-foot depth, whereas the second to die would be buried at a 6-foot depth (or thereabout).
This is a more cost-effective way and keeps other plots (which are becoming scarce) free for others.
Is this permissible?
Answer: In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,
Assalam’aleykum,I pray this finds you in the best of states.
Jazakum Allah khayr for your question!
It is permissible to bury more than one person in one grave out of necessity. [Nur al-Idah]
The proof for this is that the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) did it during His expeditions. [Bukhari]
It is recommended to separate the body of each deceased with soil. [Tahtawi; Hashiya on Maraqi al-Falah]
We cannot do this if there is no necessity. If there are other graveyards available, the lack of space in one graveyard is not an excuse to bury several persons in one grave in this graveyard. [Tahtawi; Hashiya on Maraqi al-Falah]
And Allah knows best.
May Allah Most High grant you the best of this world and the next. Please keep us in your du’as!
Wassalam
[Ustadh] Sufyan Qufi