Why Muslims Don’t Take Their Dead To Mortuary

The practice of burying the dead immediately, without delay, is deeply ingrained in Islamic tradition. Muslims prioritize a swift burial, not only as a cultural norm but as an act of devotion that aligns with Qur’anic injunctions, prophetic teachings, and the examples set by early Islamic history. This practice emphasizes respect for the deceased, the sanctity of life and death, and the natural order decreed by Allah.

QUR’ANIC FOUNDATIONS

The Qur’an, while not prescribing an exact timeframe for burial, emphasizes human dignity and the sanctity of life and death. Allah states:  “From the earth We created you, and into it We will return you, and from it We will extract you another time.” (Qur’an 20:55)

This verse highlights the natural cycle of life and death, emphasizing the prompt return of the body to its source. The immediate burial ensures the deceased is treated with respect and fulfills the divine decree of returning to the earth.

PROPHETIC TEACHINGS ON IMMEDIATE BURIAL

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) provided clear guidance on the importance of hastening the burial process. He said:

(1) “Hasten with the funeral, for if it is a righteous person, you are sending it to goodness; and if it is otherwise, then it is an evil that you are removing from your necks.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1315; Sahih Muslim, 944)

This hadith underscores the dual purpose of expediting burials: to honor the righteous by sending them to their reward and to relieve the community of potential hardship associated with retaining the deceased.

(2) “It is not appropriate for the corpse of a Muslim to be kept amongst his family after his death.” (Abu Dawood, 3159)

This saying emphasizes that delaying burial is not just inconvenient but can be spiritually and emotionally burdensome for the grieving family.

EXAMPLES FROM ISLAMIC HISTORY

Historical examples from the lives of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions illustrate the practice of immediate burial:

(1) The Burial of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) passed away, his burial was prioritized despite the deep grief that engulfed his companions. The delay in his burial was only due to ensuring consensus on where he should be buried. Once this was resolved, he was buried without unnecessary delay.

(2) The Martyrs of Uhud: After the Battle of Uhud, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) instructed the companions to bury the martyrs where they had fallen. Despite the large number of casualties, no bodies were transported elsewhere or delayed unnecessarily. This act highlighted the Islamic principle of simplicity and immediacy in burial, even in challenging circumstances.

(3) Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him): The first caliph of Islam, Abu Bakr, instructed his family to bury him immediately upon his death. Following his wishes, his body was prepared and buried on the same day he passed away, reinforcing the Islamic emphasis on swift burials.

SCHOLARLY INSIGHTS ON IMMEDIATE BURIAL

Islamic scholars have consistently upheld the importance of burying the deceased promptly:

(1) Respect for the Body: Scholars like Imam Nawawi have stated that delaying the burial is contrary to the dignity of the deceased, as it exposes the body to the risk of decay and disrespect.

(2) Spiritual Journey: Scholars emphasize that delaying burial may delay the soul’s journey to the afterlife. According to Islamic belief, the soul begins its transition immediately after death, and burial facilitates this process.

(3) A Collective Obligation (Fard Kifayah): Ensuring the burial of a deceased Muslim is a collective duty for the community. Prolonging the process may lead to neglecting this obligation, which could burden the entire community with sin.

PRACTICAL WISDOM IN ISLAMIC BURIAL PRACTICES

Islam’s emphasis on immediate burial aligns with practical and health considerations. In earlier times, preserving the body for extended periods was impossible, leading to natural decay. Even today, Islamic tradition discourages the use of mortuaries or embalming unless absolutely necessary. Instead, the deceased is washed, shrouded in a simple white cloth (kafan), and buried in a timely manner.

LESSONS FROM ISLAMIC TRADITIONS

The swift burial of the deceased is a reminder of the transience of life and the inevitability of death. It also reflects the Islamic values of simplicity, humility, and submission to Allah’s decree. The historical examples set by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions serve as timeless guidance for Muslims to treat the deceased with respect and dignity.

I’m conclusion, the Islamic practice of burying the dead without delay is a deeply spiritual, practical, and historical tradition. Rooted in the Qur’an, the hadith, and the examples of early Muslims, it underscores the sanctity of life and death while ensuring the deceased is honored in the best manner possible. Through this act, Muslims fulfill their collective obligation to the dead, reaffirm their faith in Allah’s decree, and strengthen their connection to the prophetic example.