Exhumation

Q: A person passed away 6 months ago and was buried after 3 months by the state as a pauper along with 2 non Muslims in a cemetery. The family only found out now and have obtained permission from the state to exhume the body. 1. Can ghusl…

Q: Are the deceased aware of those who send Isaal-e-thawaab to them? A: Yes, the deceased are aware of all good carried out, with the intention of Isaal-e-thawaab to them. In a hadith it is stated that, the good deeds are presented to them, as gifts. [Aap Ke…

Sudden Death

Q: There seems to two opposing view points in the hadeeth about a sudden death. What is the reconciliation and explanation of these two seemingly opposing points? A: There are two types of narrations regarding sudden death: those that condemn it and those that praise it. Hereunder are…

Q: A lady is 62 years old and her husband dies and she stays at home for 2 months of iddah. Thereafter she says that she wants to move out to see her children (who are married and their houses are nearby), would it be  permissible for her…

Generic Will

Q: I would like to draw up an Islamic will. My query is, is it Islamically permissible to draw up a generic will comprising of only percentages of share to the allowed recipients? The reason for this is to avoid: 1. The state overriding my Islamic obligation; 2.…

Q: We are two sisters. We have no brother. Can we visit our father's grave? if not how we do those activities which are done at a grave? A: The ulama (scholars) have prohibited women from visiting the graveyard because of two reasons: 1. mixing with men and…

Female Shroud

Q: How many metres of fabric does one require for an average lady's Kufun (burial shroud)? And in what mannner should they be cut? Should the fabric be washed or is it OK to wrap one as purchased without washing? Can you describe how to cut the pieces.…

Q: Can a widow who is observing iddatul wafaat (the iddat after her husband passes away) leave the house to visit her father who is very sick? A: No she cannot leave the house for this reason. She may only leave the house when no one is supporting…

Council of Ulama Eastern Cape