Q&A: Is Cremation Halal in Islam?

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.  [Surah Al-Imran 3:185]

As Muslims we believe that death is a departure from this life, but not the end of a person’s existence.

The death of a loved is a very difficult time, when you add the complication of a burial and the cost of it, especially in the West, people might think about cremation which is said to be cheaper and more eco-friendly. Could it become an option for Muslims?

For converts who have non-Muslims family members or who simply do not believe in The Judgment Day and in Paradise, the question regarding their own funeral can leave them without an idea of what should be done.

In this informative video, Dr. Shabir Ally has sought the advice of director of funeral services: Moulana Shiraz of the Madinah Masjid in Toronto, who is a trained scholar in the Islamic faith.

• Buying a plot of land:

Some Muslim funeral services can arrange to have a single grave used twice for members of the same families. (They dig down 9 feet, then when time has come for another member they dig 6 feet down)

• Costs of the burial/funeral:

Muslims can use welfare services that will help financially and Muslims can also rely on some mosques that may have funds on hand to help.

• Eco-friendliness:

Although cremation is more eco-friendly than a classic non-Islamic burial, the cremation burns much more natural gas. It releases CO2 and vaporizes other chemicals that may be present in the body (i.e.: mercury for dental fillings).

Keep in mind that is Islam graves and cemeteries are characterized by simplicity, and humility. Muslims, rich or poor, are all buried following the same procedure. Burying the deceased in the coffin is not allowed unless there is a requirement that must be followed in a particular area or country.

 

• Fire:

In Islam we must bury our brothers and sisters and cover them with earth/soil, and then we should visit the graves and pray for their Muslim occupants. Moreover, Islam forbids us to step, walk or sit on the grave of the deceased as a mark of respect.

Fire is associated with Hell and even at war-times burning the ground and the animals, plants and humans on it, is forbidden.

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source https://aboutislam.net/multimedia/videos/qa-cremation-halal-islam/