Question
In the U.K. we have the practice of putting up the mayyit for display. After ghusl and kafan the mayyit is placed with the face open. Men and women file past to view him/her. They also sit by the body, men and women. Is this a Sunnah custom?
Answer
It is a bid'ah. It is not permissible for ghair mahrams to view the body of the deceased. It is haraam for ghair mahrams to be seated by the mayyit. The custom prevailing in the U.K. is un-Islamic and not permissible.
- Source
- themajlis.co.za
- Published in
- The Majlis Vol 21 No 12
- PDF page
- 4
Appears under Questions and Answers (approximate).