The Ruling on Cremation in Islam

Cremation (from Latin cremare, "to burn") is a method of disposing of the deceased by burning their bodies. It first appeared in the late Neolithic and Bronze Age (3rd–2nd millennium BCE). The ancient Greeks and Romans widely practiced this method. In Japan, India, and other Southeast Asian countries, cremation has been practiced since ancient times and is associated with Buddhist funeral rites. In European countries, the church declared cremation to be a pagan tradition, that is, a custom of "non-believing" peoples.

Furthermore, from the Christian perspective, cremation contradicts biblical teachings about "resurrection" and the "afterlife."

The practice of burning bodies was revived in Europe only in the second half of the 19th century, with special crematoria becoming widespread (the first was built in Milan in 1876). In Europe, cremated ashes are either buried or stored in special urns.

Burning the body of the deceased in a special furnace and burying the ashes is considered "burial by fire" among many ancient peoples, including the ancient Slavs. According to Islamic law, the bodies of Muslims must not be cremated. This contradicts the sanctity of human existence. In the Qur'an, Allah says that He has honored mankind above other creations.

وَلَقَدْ كَرَّمْنَا بَنِي آدَمَ وَحَمَلْنَاهُمْ فِي الْبَرِّ وَالْبَحْرِ وَرَزَقْنَاهُمْ مِنَ الطَّيِّبَاتِ وَفَضَّلْنَاهُمْ عَلَى كَثِيرٍ مِمَّنْ خَلَقْنَا تَفْضِيلا

“We have certainly honored the children of Adam and carried them on land and sea, provided them with good things, and preferred them greatly over many of those We created.” [2]

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) also warned that no creature should be punished with fire. In another hadith, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Breaking the bone of a dead person is like breaking it when he is alive.” [3] This means that a person deserves respect whether alive or dead.

The model for burial in the Qur'an is described in the story of Abel and Cain (Habil and Qabil). According to sharia, the body of the deceased should be buried. Burning the dead contradicts the tenets of our religion.

Department of sharia and fatwa, SAMK

• <p>[1] “Janazah and Funeral Rites,” p.114, Astana 2018</p>

• <p>[2] Surah Al-Isra, verse 70</p>

• <p>[3] Narrated by Ibn Majah</p>