Ruling on kissing the deceased on the part of women

Q: We have a custom prevalent in our country, that is: If a man dies, women will ask to enter and kiss him. They say that they are blessed with him: That they do so to bid him farewell. Likewise, if a woman dies, men will get blessed by her; that is to say salam (Islamic greeting of peace) to her. Is this action permissible or prohibited? Give us a Fatwa (legal opinion issued by a qualified Muslim scholar). May Allah reward you with the best!


A: This action has no basis in Islamic Law. Nothing about this has been reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) nor from the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet). This may lead to (Part No. 7; Page No. 225) prohibited or polytheistic matters. However, there is nothing wrong with kissing the deceased for love and not for getting blessed, because it has been authentically reported that Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) kissed the Prophet (peace be upon him) between his eyes after his death. However, this is not permissible for a woman except to a Mahram (spouse or permanently unmarriageable relative) from among men. Likewise, this is not permissible for men except to their Mahram (spouse or permanently unmarriageable relative) from among women.May Allah grant us success. May Allah's peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions!


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