Why do people cover mirrors in a house where someone has died?

It is a long-standing tradition that when someone passes away in a house, all the mirrors in the room where the deceased is laid out are covered. Among Kazakhs, there is a belief that "it is not appropriate to leave mirrors uncovered at such times." Of course, there are reasons behind this custom.

1. Some people consider the reflection in a mirror to be like a picture. Devout Muslims have always tried to avoid bringing dogs into their homes and hanging pictures on their walls. This is because the Prophet (ﷺ) said:

"Angels do not enter a house in which there is a dog or a picture," and he forbade it (Bukhari).

Indeed, angels are pure and honored creations of Allah. Where there are angels, there is no danger or fear. Secondly, in Islamic law, it is considered makruh (disliked) to pray in front of or beside a picture, as it is likened to worshipping the image itself ("Fath Bab al-Ghina", 1/445). In the room where the deceased is laid, people may recite dhikr or supplications. Even if prayer is not performed there, the room is treated like a place of prayer. Thirdly, nowadays, people often keep mirrors in their homes for decoration. Covering the mirror in the room with the deceased is meant to remind visitors of the afterlife and turn the space into a place of reflection on death. Fourthly, people usually look in the mirror to check their appearance, spots, makeup, or wrinkles. Seeing a mirror can distract people at such a time, so it is considered inappropriate to leave it uncovered. Fifthly, each time a person looks in a mirror, memories of past appearances may come to mind. In the dark or when glancing suddenly, a reflection in the mirror can startle someone. Such experiences can negatively affect a person's psyche. Therefore, covering mirrors in the room where the deceased is laid is a commendable practice and not contrary to Islamic law.

Hasan AMANKUL

"Munara" newspaper, No.4, 2023