Washing, shrouding and carrying the dead

Q 3: What is the view of scholars regarding money that is spent on funerals especially the funerals of the house lord? I have heard from some scholars that spending from the property of the deceased is Haram (prohibited) because it is regarded as the property of the inheritors.

A: It is permissible to pay for the cost of preparing the body of the deceased, meaning, the cost of the shroud, the wages for the person who washes the deceased and transports it, and the person who digs the grave and so on from the property of the deceased because such costs are owed to them and are priorities. (Part No. 8; Page No. 352) On the other hand, it is not permissible to pay for the cost of food which is served to people who come to offer their condolences, as well as the costs of renting large tents, and so on, neither out of the money of the deceased nor out of any other money. Nevertheless, it is commendable that the neighbors or relatives of the deceased's family send food to the latter because When the news of the death of Ja`far ibn Abu Talib who was killed in the Battle of Mu'tah in Sham reached Madinah, the Prophet (peace be upon him) commanded his family to prepare food for the family of Ja`far and he (peace be upon him) said: Today they are busy. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.