FatwaNationalFunerals & Death
Garis Panduan Pengurusan Jenazah Orang-orang Islam Luar Negeri
What are the guidelines on autopsy, burial in a closed coffin and transfer of the bodies of Muslims from overseas?
Short answer
The 1984 Muzakarah ruled that autopsy on a Muslim body is permitted only in cases of necessity, such as criminal cases requiring a post mortem, the deceased having swallowed something valuable, or a pregnant deceased whose unborn child is still alive.
A reference, not a fatwa. First sentence of the summary below — read the original fatwa and consult your state authority before acting.
- Authority
- National Fatwa Committee (JAKIM)
- Date
- Status
- Fatwa committee decision
- Series
- Kompilasi Pandangan Hukum Muzakarah Jawatankuasa Fatwa MKI (JAKIM, terbitan 2016)
- Topic
- Funerals & Death
No evidence of gazettement in the source — this is not a gazetted fatwa.
Summary
The 1984 Muzakarah ruled that autopsy on a Muslim body is permitted only in cases of necessity, such as criminal cases requiring a post mortem, the deceased having swallowed something valuable, or a pregnant deceased whose unborn child is still alive. Burial in a closed coffin is allowed if the face is uncovered and the body is turned toward the qiblah. Moving a body from one state to another is permissible when necessary, provided the body is transferred in good and complete condition.
Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.
Pembedahan mayat orang Islam hanya boleh dilakukan jika sekiranya keadaan benar-benar memerlukan (darurat) sahaja
Read the full fatwa on the National website (new tab)
How to cite
Cite the original fatwa and its authority. Rujuk Fatwa is only where you found it.
National Fatwa Committee (JAKIM). “Garis Panduan Pengurusan Jenazah Orang-orang Islam Luar Negeri”, 25 September 1984. https://www.islam.gov.my/images/ePenerbitan/KOMPILASI_MUZAKARAH_MKI_2016.pdf#garis-panduan-pengurusan-jenazah-orang-orang-islam-luar-negeri. Found via Rujuk Fatwa: https://rujukfatwa.com/en/fatwa/guidelines-managing-bodies-of-muslims-overseas/