KUALA LUMPUR – Muslims are prohibited from wishing their deceased non-Muslim counterparts “rest in peace”, according to the Federal Territories Mufti’s Office.
In a post on its website, the office explained that this is because Muslims are not allowed to pray for forgiveness for individuals of religious faiths different from theirs, as prescribed in several hadiths.
“‘Rest in peace’ or ‘R.I.P’ is a form of prayer by non-Muslims. As such, Muslims are forbidden from uttering it,” said the office of the mufti, Datuk Luqman Abdullah, on Friday.
The statement was made in response to questions raised by certain quarters on the use of the words in praying for peace among the souls of the departed.
The issue came about following the death of the longest-serving monarch in British history, Queen Elizabeth II, on September 9.
Elaborating on the matter, the mufti’s office cited several hadiths and Quranic verses in noting that Islam does not accept the forgiveness of those who die as non-Muslims.
“Thus, there is no need to seek forgiveness on their behalf,” it said.
It also noted the hard-line views of certain ulama (Islamic scholars) that it is in fact un-Islamic to wish non-Muslims with the phrase.
However the mufti’s office stated that it is fine for Muslims to offer their condolences to non-Muslims, as a sign of respect for another human being.
“Islam allows its followers to offer their condolences to family members, neighbours, and friends who have just lost someone they love, regardless of race and religion,” it said.
“In fact, offering your condolences is encouraged. Hence, such messages are allowed, so long as they are not among the enemies of Islam.
“This proves Islam is a religion of harmony and flexibility in worldly matters, regardless of religion,” it added. – The Vibes, September 18, 2022
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