The legislated method of making a grave

Question

What is the sunna way of digging a grave? One way is this: a grave is dug roughly (?) to the size of the deceased or somewhat more, and then in its middle another pit (hafira) is dug half a man’s height deep or more; the body is placed in it, bamboo is laid over the first part and earth is thrown in. This way has been practised in our country for centuries.

Answer

The second way is the sunna: that is, the upper part of the grave should be [as deep as] a man’s height or half a man’s height, after which there should be another pit (hafira) in which the deceased can be laid down with ease; and the plank or bamboo and the like placed over it, which serves as a roof for the deceased, should not touch his body.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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