Ways of The Prophet (S.A.W)

Burial

Burying the dead is Fard -e- Kifayah. The depth of the grave should be at least half the height of the dead person, but not deeper than his full height, before lowering the body, it should be placed on its edge and the face should be lowered towards the Qiblah.

A baghli grave i.e. digging in the side of a wall is batter than a coffin grave but if the soil is soft and it is not advisable to dig a baghli grave, then it should not be done. [Durri Mukhtar, Madarijun Nubuwah]

While lowering into the grave, those assisting should say:

“In the name of ALLAH and following the religion of ALLAH’s Messenger (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam).”

Then the body should be laid in the grave and turned on its right side facing the QIBLAH. The knots tying the shroud should be undone. The grave should then be closed with planks etc. then the earth should be spread from the side of the head. Every one should throw three handfuls of earth over the grave. While throwing the first handful, one should say:

“From it (the earth) have We (ALLAH) created you.”

With the second handful:

“and unto it will We (ALLAH) return you” and with the third handful:

“and out it will We (ALLAH) bring you forth the second time”.

It should then be raised as high as a camel’s hump and water should be sprinkled on it.

Ayat 1 to 3 of surah al- Baqarah (ii) should then be recited at the head of the grave and Ayat 285 (of the same surah) be recited at its foot. It is not permissible to raise the hands for dua facing the grave. [Bahishti Gauhar]

While burying a woman, it is mustahabb (desirable) to put a screen about it. [Bahishti Gauhar]

Sprinkling water on the grave is mustahabb (desirable). [Durri Mukhtar, Shami]

Staying for a short while on the grave after burial, praying for the departed soul’s forgiveness, reciting the Holy QURAAN (for conveying it reward) is mustahabb.

Raising the grave above the level of a span is makruh. [Durril Mukhtar, Shami]

Placing some object on the grave as a sign is permissible, if it is necessary.

[Durril Mukhtar, Shami]

It was the noble sunnah of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) that he asked people to have a lahd (niche/recess in the side of the grave) and to dig the grave deep enough with the places for head and feet being enough. [Zadul Ma’ad]

It appears in a tradition that when Usman bin Mazun (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu) was buried, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) took up a heavy stone and placed it on his grave. [Madarijun Nubuwah]