Having one’s grave dug or built of brick during one’s lifetime and bequeathing burial in it

Question

(1) What is the ruling on having one’s own grave dug during one’s lifetime, or having it built of brick? (2) Our father, out of obstinacy, had a brick-built grave made. After [his] death, if we bury [him] in the graveyard and demolish the empty brick-built grave, what is the ruling? (3) He has also made a bequest to our stepmother: “Have my janaza buried in this brick-built grave, or else I will seize [you] by the hem on the Day of Resurrection.” (4)

Answer

(1) Having one’s grave dug during one’s lifetime is correct. But a brick-built grave is not permitted. Furthermore, the dead should be buried in the graveyard, apart from inhabited areas. (2) They should not bury [him] in the brick-built grave; they should demolish it, and you will bury [him] in a plain (earthen) grave in the graveyard. (3)

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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