Impermissibility of burying Muslims in non-Muslims graveyards

384

Q: A group of Muslims in Brussels in Belgium are honored to request for a Fatwa (legal opinion issued by a qualified Muslim scholar) from Your Eminence in regard to burying Muslims in Christian or any other graveyards. We have decided to create an Islamic graveyard in this country, and the Belgian government has asked us to obtain a Fatwa. As you exert great effort to spread this religion, we are awaiting your reply on this matter with the greatest respect.

A: It is obligatory that Muslims should be buried in a separate graveyard, as it is not permissible to bury them in non-Muslims graveyards. Imam Al-Shirazy said in "Al-Muhadhab": "Neither a Kafir (disbeliever) should be buried in a graveyard for the Muslims, nor should a Muslim be buried in a graveyard for the Kafirs." Imam Al-Nawawy also said in "Al-Majmu‘": "Our companions (may Allah be merciful to them) agreed that a Muslim should not be buried in a graveyard for the Kafirs nor should a Kafir be buried in a Muslim graveyard." Based on this, it is clear that it is obligatory to allocate a special burial place for Muslims in a graveyard of their own. (Part No. 9; Page No. 7) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.