Ahkam e Mayyat | (احکام میت) | Dr. Muhammad Abdul Hai Arifi

Ahkam e Mayyat (احکام میت) by Dr. Muhammad Abdul Hai Arifi
A Comprehensive Guide to Islamic Rulings on Death, Funeral, and Burial

Introduction

• Author: Dr. Muhammad Abdul Hai Arifi, a modern Hanafi scholar based in Pakistan.
• Focus: In-depth fiqh rulings (ahkam) concerning death, funeral practices (janazah), burial procedures, and mourning customs in Islam.
• Language: Written in Urdu, the text is presented in a clear and scholarly manner, incorporating references from the Quran, Hadith, and traditional Hanafi literature.

Main Topics Addressed

Pre-Death Preparations

• Rights of the dying individual (e.g., talqeen/shahadah reminders, settling of debts).
• Medical considerations (e.g., Do Not Resuscitate orders, organ donation).

After Death

• Ghusl (ritual washing), kafan (shrouding), and janazah (funeral prayer).
• Guidelines for men and women involved in washing the deceased.

Burial (Dafan)

• Specifications for grave dimensions, body positioning, and Quranic recitations.
• Acceptability of grave markers and tombstones.

Mourning & Condolence (Azadari wa Ta'ziyat)

• Duration of iddah for widows and proper mourning etiquette.
• Practices to avoid (bid'ah), such as lavish gatherings.

Inheritance (Mirath)

• Fundamental distribution principles (farāʾiḍ) as outlined in Surah An-Nisa.

Contemporary Issues

• Topics such as autopsies, cremation, cryonics, and death occurring abroad.

Significance of This Book

• Authentic Hanafi Rulings: Based on classical texts like Al-Hidayah, Fath al-Qadir, and Radd al-Muhtar.
• Relevance to Modern Context: Tackles 21st-century challenges (e.g., embalming, repatriation).
• Practical Guidance: Useful for imams, mourners, and healthcare professionals.

Comparison with Similar Books
Book	Author	Focus
Ahkam e Mayyat	Dr. M.A. Hai Arifi	Hanafi fiqh + modern issues
Pardah aur Janazah	Mufti Taqi Usmani	Gender-specific funeral rules
Al-Jana'iz	Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya	Salafi perspective on death

 Target Audience

• Family members who are anticipating the passing of a loved one.
• Imams and volunteers involved in organizing funeral services.
• Healthcare professionals caring for Muslim patients.

Suggested Usage

Utilize as a reference throughout the funeral planning process.
Engage with local scholars to understand customs specific to your region (e.g., South Asian versus Arab traditions).

Final Assessment

An essential guide for Muslims that merges traditional scholarship with contemporary significance. Perfect for:

• Providing practical advice on funerals.
• Preventing innovations (bid'ah).
• Addressing medico-legal inquiries.