Islam demands its adherents to follow the Prophet’s guidance in all spheres of life. In their social, political, religious, and daily gatherings, Muslims should abide by a certain code of ethics that is based on the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
As in all matters of our religion, we have perfect role model in Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). He taught us that the natural phenomena run their course and do not change their course whimsically or erratically for an event such as someone’s death. Therefore, we should not try to read some meaning into natural phenomena. We must not exaggerate or make unfounded statements.
Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states: As human beings while grieving our loved ones, we must guard against temptations of indulging in exaggerations or making statements that are unfounded. As in all matters of our religion, we have perfect role model in this matter as well in Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). He has taught us how to express grief and console each other in regard to the loss of our dear ones.
When the Prophet’s son Ibrahim died and the death coincided with an eclipse of the sun, some of the Companions thought that the event had something to do with the death of Ibrahim. They said, “The sun has eclipsed because of the death of Ibrahim!” Upon hearing this the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “The sun and the moon are signs of Allah; they do not eclipse for the death or birth of any mortal!” In other words, the natural phenomena run their course; they do not change their course whimsically or erratically for such events. Therefore, your aunt is definitely going beyond the Islamic limits in expressing her grief while making such statements.
Therefore, I advise us to exercise moderation in grieving over the loss of our loved ones. Let us emulate the example of our beloved Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), who upon the death of his beloved son Ibrahim expressed his feelings of grief by saying “Our eyes are shedding tears, our hearts are grieving, and we are indeed deeply saddened by your departure, Ibrahim! But at the same time, we will never utter a single word in a manner that displeases our Lord!” May Allah grant us sound faith and inspire us with rectitude in words and deeds. Ameen.
Interpreting “Signs” in Nature While Burying the Deceased
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