Mourning in Islam
Definition and Significance
In Islam, the period of mourning (ḥidād - حداد) for the dead is traditionally restricted to three days. This period allows friends and relatives to visit the bereaved family, offer prayers for the deceased (fātiḥah - الفاتحة), and provide words of consolation (taʿziyah - تعزية). However, the customs and duration of mourning can vary slightly among different cultures and regions within the Muslim world.
Extended Mourning for Widows (Iḥdād)
A distinctive aspect of mourning in Islam is the extended period prescribed for widows. A widow must observe mourning for a period of four months and ten days, a period known as iḥdād (إحداد). This extended mourning period is based on Qur’anic injunctions. During iḥdād, widows are expected to refrain from using perfumes, ornaments, and wear simple, unadorned clothes as a sign of respect and reflection.
Cultural and Religious Practices During Mourning
During the mourning period, Muslims are expected to:
- Abstain from using perfumes and adornments.
- Wear plain garments, often those that are deliberately soiled or simple to signify detachment from worldly adornments.
- Refrain from loud lamentation and crying for the deceased, as excessive mourning (
bukā- بكاء) is discouraged in Islam, as illustrated in various Hadith texts like those found in the Mishkāt collection (Book V, Chapter VII).
Despite such restrictions, lamentation for the dead remains a common custom in some parts of the Muslim world, influenced by cultural practices rather than religious prescriptions. For instance, emotional outpourings and public mourning remain prevalent in many Eastern cultures. Examples can be seen in literary works and historical studies such as “Arabian Nights,” Lane’s “Modern Egyptians,” and Shaw’s “Travels in Barbary.”
Etymology and Translations
- Mourning (حداد - ḥidād)
- Consolation (تعزية - taʿziyah)
- Prayers for the deceased (الفاتحة - fātiḥah)
- Lamentation (بكاء - bukā')
Suggested Books for Further Study
- “Islamic Jurisprudence According to The Four Sunni Schools” by Abd al-Rahman Al-Jaziri
- “The Family in Islam” by Mona Siddiqui
- “A Muslim View of Christianity: Essays on Dialogue” by Mahmoud Ayoub
- “Death and Bereavement Among Muslims: A Guide for Professionals” by Yasmin Gunaratnam
Takeaways and Conclusion
Mourning in Islam reflects a balance between emotional grieving and measured, respectful remembrance. The guidelines provided for mourning, while accommodating the natural grief of loss, emphasize dignity and social solidarity. A special provision for widows highlights a nuanced understanding and accommodation of their unique emotional and social context.
Understanding these customs can offer deeper insights into Islamic practices and the interplay of religious doctrine with cultural and regional variations.
