Non - Muslims Funerals : To attend or Not?

From a shari'ah point of view, I don't know, but on gut feeling I would say go, give the friend suppport and also show respect for the dead.

[quote="Dawud"]From a shari'ah point of view, I don't know, but on gut feeling I would say go, give the friend suppport and also show respect for the dead.[/quote]

Erm fanx but like I dont wana go if later on if I find out that attending was a bad idea......

If that makes sense?

Attending the funeral ceremony of a non-Muslim

It is permitted to attend the funeral of a non-Muslim parent, relative, neighbour, or associate. It is stated in al-Bahr al-Ra’iq:

“And one may follow their (i.e. a kafir’s) funeral from afar...” (al-Bahr al-Ra'iq, 2/205)

However, it will not be permitted to attend a religious funeral ceremony, especially when it entails praying for a non-Muslim after his/her death. Supplicating and praying for a non-Muslim after his/her death, sending him rewards (isal al-Thawab) and other such matters are all unlawful. The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) was prevented from praying for his uncle Abu Talib by Allah Most High. Similar was the case of Sayyiduna Ibrahim (peace be upon him).

Allah Most High says:

“It is not for the Prophet and those who believe to pray for the forgiveness of idolaters even though they may be near of kin after it has become clear that they are people of hell-fire.” (Surah al-Tawba, V: 113)

However, it will be permitted to pray for the guidance of a non-Muslim when he/she is alive, hoping that he/she is guided and accepts Islam. It will also be permitted to pray for the good-health and well-being of a particular non-Muslim. (See: al-Mawsu’a al-Fiqhiyya, Kuwait)

ref: http://www.central-mosque.com/fiqh/fnmuslim1.htm

Sunnipath,advocates the same.

Since it's a friend, I would attend but avoid the religious ceremony. In Christian funerals after the burial service ppl go to the house of the deceased to offer their condolences. Personally I'd go to the house, offer condolences. Help out in the house distributing food, cleaning up after guests if needed.

If it were a non muslim parent or blood relation I'd be at the burial service aswell, that's permitted as I understand it.

Salam

Yes. Islam does not have a problem with Muslims going to funerals of non-muslims.

Jews and Christians are very close to Muslims. Do not listen to Bin Laden.

Christians and Jews are People of the Book.

Omrow

coverred well by Yashmaki.

We must remember that we cannot pray for the forgiveness of non-muslims after their death. That makes it all awkward.

(and following on... what about armistice? the one minurte silence? is that allowed? Its not praying for them, but just remembering...)

Imam Al Ghazaali categorises non-muslims into 3 groups and plaes two of those groups in paradise.

Armistice is legitmate I think, because it shows respect of the dead and comforts some of the living.

[quote="Dawud"]Imam Al Ghazaali categorises non-muslims into 3 groups and places two of those groups in paradise.
[/quote]

Oh aye i remember readin that in one of the Ihya nooks translated by muhtar holland.

1 group is those who receive, or hear the message, but ignore it. they are hellbound. 2nd group is those who hear a distorted message, or do not hear the message of Allah. Whats the other group dude?

The 1 minute silence, if it wasnt allowed, what would u do? u would make noise while evryone else is silent, it would make u look silly n b disrespectful. So u jus stay silent, n not reflect on the dead person, but rather, reflect on ya own death.

yeah but only God knows who's going paradise. So as much as I respect and love the works of Imam Gazalli I find that view hard to swallow. I mean even we can't vouch for where our souls will go :?

Salaam

It is true that Muslims are not allowed to pray for forgiveness for non Muslims.

However it is possible to attend a non Muslim funeral and not join in their prayer.

I spent two years in a catholic girl’s school where every morning in Assembly I was playing snake on my phone/texting someone when collective prayer was going on…

As far as I’ve been taught, Muslims CAN and should attend the funerals of non Muslims.

We should pray that God gives the family of the deceased strength and Sabr to get through this difficult time.

It’s incredibly important to show support and comfort during this time…it’s the least we can do for our fellow human beings.

Wasalaam

lol @ snake - good game.

I don't know if you are aware but there are two parts to a funeral - the service itself and the visitation at the funeral home. I would suggest you go to the funeral home, since that's really more of a time to console the family and whatnot. The funeral service itself is religions, there is lots of praying and it may be awkward for you to not join in - or even say a prayer to your God.

I'm sure your friend would understand... but it would be very awkward for you.

i suggested that first Dave hands off my advice ! 😉

Dave isn't it well a burden entertaining guests when you're trying to mourn? That's the last thing i'd wana do. Do the family of the deceased provide the nik naks or do relatives and close friends prepare it all, and bring it over?

With muslim funerals, at least the only one i can remember (only been to 1, as a kid) relatives bring over food in large quantities to feed guests and the family of the deceased. Whether this is true of muslims in our communities i duno, coz everyone brings their own culture into it.

I think its part of muslim cutom to actually get others to do the normal chores.

[quote="yashmaki"]i suggested that first Dave hands off my advice ! 😉

Dave isn't it well a burden entertaining guests when you're trying to mourn? That's the last thing i'd wana do. Do the family of the deceased provide the nik naks or do relatives and close friends prepare it all, and bring it over?

With muslim funerals, at least the only one i can remember (only been to 1, as a kid) relatives bring over food in large quantities to feed guests and the family of the deceased. Whether this is true of muslims in our communities i duno, coz everyone brings their own culture into it.[/quote]

lol yes it's your advice first! Sorry!

Well... in normal families maybe... mines a little odd. Usually the wake is put on by the funeral parlour or a catering service though so the problem is minimal.

[quote="yashmaki"]
Supplicating and praying for a non-Muslim after his/her death, sending him rewards (isal al-Thawab) and other such matters are all unlawful. The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) was prevented from praying for his uncle Abu Talib by Allah Most High. Similar was the case of Sayyiduna Ibrahim (peace be upon him).

Allah Most High says:

“It is not for the Prophet and those who believe to pray for the forgiveness of idolaters even though they may be near of kin after it has become clear that they are people of hell-fire.” (Surah al-Tawba, V: 113)
[/quote]

that's depressing.
that's really really depressing.

Salaamz broz n sisz,

Jaza-kalla-khair 4 ur help sorry I didn thank you before was kinda held up neways once again thanx.

Wassalaamz

[quote="RuBz"]Salaamz broz n sisz,

Jaza-kalla-khair 4 ur help sorry I didn thank you before was kinda held up neways once again thanx.

Wassalaamz[/quote]

That is ok, It was an interesting subject where it is always nice to know how others think.

I think we should be respectful to the dead, but that does not mean we must pray for them if they are non-muslim. All it is is awkward, but possible.

[quote="Admin"]I think we should be respectful to the dead, but that does not mean we must pray for them if they are non-muslim.[/quote]

🙁 I know, but they'll probably be needing prayers more than muslims!

[quote="aaliya"][quote="Admin"]I think we should be respectful to the dead, but that does not mean we must pray for them if they are non-muslim.[/quote]

🙁 I know, but they'll probably be needing prayers more than muslims![/quote]

No prayer will not make a diference.

They have missed their boat.

If you are in a sinking ship, you can try to repair it.

If you have no ship no amouint of repair will give you a ship.

Unfortunately here the matter is out of our help, and left to Allah (swt) alone.