Q: It was mentioned by
Ibn `Abdul-Hady
in his book "Mughni Dhwi Al-Afham" that (Part No. 7; Page No. 249)
the hands of the dead person should be put on his chest when shrouded,
I have closely looked this issue up in more than twenty books but I had never found such an opinion, not even a reference to it. Moreover, I did not find it in the books of other Madhahib other than Hanbalis, that is why I hopefully wish your Eminence will clarify the validity of this opinion, and to show whether it is supported by verified legal evidence or is it just Ijtihad (juristic effort to infer expert legal rulings) of Ibn `Abdul-Hady (may Allah be merciful to him). May Allah safeguard you, and grant you good health! As-salamu `alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuh (May Allah's Peace, Mercy, and Blessings be upon you!)
A:
It is permissible to put the hands of the dead person when shrouding on either his chest or at his sides, it is open to choice (All praise be to Allah).May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.