Burying-Ground in Islam
Definition and Terminology
The term “Burying-Ground” refers to places designated for the interment of the deceased. In Arabic, such a place is called مقبرة (maqbara or maqbarah), which translates to “the place of graves.” In Persian, it is referred to as Qabr-gāh or Qabristān. Some religious Muslims also use the term مرقد (marqad), meaning “cemetery” or “sleeping-place,” however, this particular term has not widely replaced maqbara in common parlance.
Cultural and Religious Significance
In Islamic tradition, cemeteries are generally located outside cities. The graves are simple yet significant:
- Covered often with pebbles and marked by headstones.
- Male graves traditionally have headstones resembling a turban.
Graves in Islamic culture are oriented from north to south to face the Qibla (the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca).
Legal and Communal Considerations
According to Islamic legal texts, such as the Hidāyah:
- Initially, graveyards are private property and only become public when explicitly gifted or bequeathed as such (Hidāyah, vol ii., p. 357).
The Wahhābī perspective places emphasis on simplicity:
- Encourages neglecting elaborate tombs, aligning with the Prophet Muhammad’s injunctions against the ostentation of burial sites (Hidāyah, Arabic ed., vol. i. p. 90).
Etymology
- مقبرة (maqbara or maqbarah): Derived from قبر (qabr), meaning “grave” or “tomb”.
- Persian Qabr-gāh/Qabristān: Qabr (grave) and –stāṅ (place).
Suggested Books for Further Studies
For readers interested in a deeper understanding of Islamic burial practices and their significance, the following books are recommended:
- “The Garden of the Martyrs” by Leor Halevi - Explores the culture of burial rituals in early Islam.
- “The Islamic Funerary Practices: Continuity and Change” by Frederic S. Colby - An analytical approach to the evolution of Islamic funerary traditions.
- “Islamic Monuments in Cairo” by Richard Parker - Delivers insights into historical and religious landmarks in one of the prominent Islamic cities.
Takeaways and Conclusion
Understanding the concept of Burying-Grounds in Islam illuminates the faith’s emphasis on simplicity, respect for the deceased, and the collective memory in the Muslim community. These practices underscore the humility and reverence inherent in the faith, highlighting how life’s final journey is as spiritually enriching as the journey itself.
In closing, Burying-Grounds stand as a testament to the rich tapestry of Islamic cultural and religious identity, where the final resting place mirrors the equality and humility preached in Islamic doctrine.
