Dagestani Muslims suggest simplifying funeral rite during epidemic

Relatives of the Muslims who died from coronavirus can independently conduct funeral rituals by using protective means, but it is worth abandoning gatherings after burial, the Dagestani believers interviewed by the "Caucasian Knot" believe.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on April 10, the Dagestani Muftiate indicated, in the burial rules of coronavirus casualties, that cremation or other methods that do not comply with Sharia standards "are strictly prohibited in Islam." At the same time, the Russian Spiritual Administration of Muslims (SAM) has called cremation of bodies admissible in exceptional cases.

While performing Muslim funeral rites, all the anti-epidemic norms can be observed, said Zurab, a 32-year-old resident of Makhachkala, who spoke against cremation of deceased Muslims. For example, according to his story, men's and women's gatherings held after burials have a threat of coronavirus infection spread. These gatherings have no religious justification, are based on local customs, and can be abandoned, Zurab has added.

According to his version, regions with Muslim population had earlier faced viral diseases; and Islamic scholars developed certain rules for funerals in such cases.

Umar, a 35-year-old resident of the city of Kaspiysk, agreed with the opinion that cremation of a Muslim is impossible, but it is possible to hold all the funeral rites provided for by Islam with observance of the anti-epidemic hygiene. He believes that if it is necessary to wash the deceased, his closest relatives should use personal protective means: put on special garments and carry out all the necessary procedures in them.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on April 16, 2020 at 00:53 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.