Wailing over the dead

Question: Is it allowed to cry for someone after they die? If the crying includes wailing, slapping the cheeks and tearing the clothes, is the deceased affected by it?

Response: Neither lamenting nor wailing is allowed. Tearing clothing, slapping one's cheeks and similar deeds are also not allowed. It is confirmed in the Saheehs of al-Bukhaaree and Muslim from Ibn Mas'ood that the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said:

((Not from us is the one who slaps the cheeks, tears the front opening of the shirt or makes the calls of the Days of Ignorance)).

It is also confirmed that the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) cursed the wailer and its audience. It is also authentically reported that the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said:

((The deceased is punished in his grave due to the wailing over him)).

In another narration, it states:

((The deceased is punished due to the crying of the family over him)).

And with Allaah lies all the success, and may Allaah send prayers and salutations upon our Prophet Muhammad (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) and his family and his companions.

The Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Fataawa
Fataawa al-Mar.ah