Building a brick-built grave for oneself during one’s lifetime, and attending the funeral of such a deceased

Question

My father’s brick-built grave has been built on the land of my half-brother, and I say that the deceased should not be buried in this brick-built grave but rather in the graveyard. In this situation, should I take part in my father’s janaza or not? My father built the brick-built grave himself during his lifetime, and whatever property there is he has divided among us three brothers and given it as a gift (hiba).

Answer

One should certainly take part in the washing, the shrouding (kafan) and the funeral prayer (salat al-janaza). Building a brick-built grave is not permissible. If someone builds a brick-built grave during his lifetime and leaves a bequest that he be buried in it, the bequest itself is not to be carried out.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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