Placing a new deceased in an old grave

Question

In cities, owing to the shortage of space in graveyards, is it permissible in the Shari‘a to make a grave again in an old grave whose mark and identification still exist, and to bury in it, or not? Also, would it be permissible to do so when there is no excuse (‘udhr), or not? If it is permissible, then what would be the procedure?

Answer

If the grave has become so old that the deceased has completely turned into earth, then burying another deceased in that grave is correct; otherwise, doing so without necessity is prohibited, and in case of necessity it is permissible. In such a situation, if some bones and the like of the deceased remain in the grave, they should be placed separately to one side in the grave.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

Preview. The full text opens with JavaScript enabled.