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Muslim being washed and buried with the kuffaar

30-07-2001

Question 22143

A Muslim died in France and it was not possible to bring him to his Arab homeland. In the city where he died there was no graveyard set aside exclusively for the Muslims. Should he be buried in the Christian graveyard or what? Similarly, there is no place to wash the Muslim dead, apart from a room which is for washing the Christian dead. Can the Muslim dead be washed there if it is not possible to wash the dead Muslim in his house?

Answer

Praise be to Allah.

If there is no graveyard for the Muslims, then when a Muslim dies he cannot be buried in the kaafir graveyard. Rather a place should be sought for him in the desert, where he should be buried and then the land leveled over him so that it will not be dug up. If it is possible to bring him to a city where there is a Muslim graveyard without going to too much trouble or expense, then that is preferable. With regard to washing a dead Muslim in a place where kaafirs are also washed, that is OK, if it is too difficult to find another place. 

And Allaah is the Source of strength. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhamamd and his family and companions, and grant them peace.

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