Fatwa ID: 09297
Answered by Muftiyah Aisha Qureshi
Question:
السلام علیکم
A convert’s Hindu mother has passed away. The daughter will not be participating in the funeral ceremony or cremation but is asking if she can be present during the washing.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
In Islam, participating in the religious rituals of other faiths is generally prohibited. A Muslim may not take part in any act of worship or ceremony that is part of another religion, as this would imply approval of beliefs contrary to Islam. The Quran warns:
وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا خُطُوَاتِ الشَّيْطَانِ ۚ إِنَّهُ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ مُبِينٌ
(Surah Baqarah v: 208)
At the same time, Islam places great emphasis on maintaining family ties (silat ar-rahm) and showing respect to relatives, even if they are non-Muslim. Allah says:
وَاعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ وَلَا تُشْرِكُوا بِهِ شَيْئًا وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا
(Surah al nisa v:36)
A Muslim daughter whose mother has passed away and who is a non-Muslim may be present during the washing of the body. She must ensure that she does not perform any Hindu religious acts, prayers, or rites. Her presence should be for the purpose of supporting family and showing respect, not participating in religious worship.
Only Allah ﷻ knows best.
Written by Muftiyah Aisha Qureshi
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
References:
وَاعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ وَلَا تُشْرِكُوا بِهِ شَيْئًا وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا
Surah al Nisa verse 36
وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا خُطُوَاتِ الشَّيْطَانِ ۚ إِنَّهُ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ مُبِينٌ
Surah Baqarah verse 208