FatwaPerlisFunerals & Death
Hukum Menghormati Jenazah Bukan Muslim
Is a Muslim permitted to show respect to the body of a non-Muslim?
Short answer
Showing respect to the deceased, whether Muslim or non-Muslim, is in principle encouraged in religion, so a Muslim may respect a non-Muslim's body without performing the rites of another religion.
A reference, not a fatwa. First sentence of the summary below — read the original fatwa and consult your state authority before acting.
- Authority
- Perlis State Mufti Department
- Status
- Fatwa committee decision
- Series
- Himpunan Fatwa Negeri Perlis
- Topic
- Funerals & Death
No evidence of gazettement in the source — this is not a gazetted fatwa.
Summary
Showing respect to the deceased, whether Muslim or non-Muslim, is in principle encouraged in religion, so a Muslim may respect a non-Muslim's body without performing the rites of another religion. Attending is allowed when there is a benefit or need, such as for a relative or community leader, and the form of respect follows local custom, such as standing, being silent or stopping vehicles. Respect accompanied by particular beliefs, such as the dead receiving mercy or fear of bad omens, is forbidden and may harm one's faith. A Muslim attending must avoid rituals and beliefs not recognised by Islam, as well as imitating other religions.
Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.
Pada asalnya menghormati jenazah sama ada muslim atau bukan muslim merupakan tuntutan dalam agama.
Read the full fatwa on the Perlis website (new tab)
How to cite
Cite the original fatwa and its authority. Rujuk Fatwa is only where you found it.
Perlis State Mufti Department. “Hukum Menghormati Jenazah Bukan Muslim”, date not stated. https://muftiperlis.gov.my/index.php/himpunan-fatwa-negeri/1169-hukum-menghormati-jenazah-bukan-muslim. Found via Rujuk Fatwa: https://rujukfatwa.com/en/fatwa/ruling-respecting-non-muslim-deceased-body/