Can muslims attend non-muslim Funerals/ Viewings?

[Sunny123 44]

Hi I really couldn't find a similar post answering this question. I am Christian my husband is Muslim. My family background we are not uber religious. My great uncle on my Dad's side just past away this week. The viewing (wake) is tonight and tomorrow's the funeral (not able to attend tomorrow due I have to work). But plan on going to the viewing tonight hoping my husband will come with me. We got into somewhat of an argument whether or not he actually could do to religious reasons. It's at a funeral home not a church no service will be held tonight. Just going to pay respects to the family. He is really unsure as am I. He really wasn't raised in a family setting where everyone was close and got together for family functions. He sometimes really drags heels going to family get-together's. Sometimes I end up going alone and of course everyone asks where he is. I hate the looks I get from family and all the questions. But I want him there to be by my side supporting me. I am there for him 100% on every thing. I don't want him to do anything that is really forbidden for him to do religiously. Any thoughtful and informative answers are welcomed. Thanks!

[Alaska2012 462]

Of course he can go. If he decides not to its not because of religious beliefs it's because he doesn't want to.

[Boiler 45,488]

Of course he can go. If he decides not to its not because of religious beliefs it's because he doesn't want to.

Nice try though.

Tell him kudos.

[Deagle 508]

I dont know about him but i am a muslim and i attended christian funerals and I go to church with my wife and her family on holidays.

[Kastrs 723]

Hi I really couldn't find a similar post answering this question. I am Christian my husband is Muslim. My family background we are not uber religious. My great uncle on my Dad's side just past away this week. The viewing (wake) is tonight and tomorrow's the funeral (not able to attend tomorrow due I have to work). But plan on going to the viewing tonight hoping my husband will come with me. We got into somewhat of an argument whether or not he actually could do to religious reasons. It's at a funeral home not a church no service will be held tonight. Just going to pay respects to the family. He is really unsure as am I. He really wasn't raised in a family setting where everyone was close and got together for family functions. He sometimes really drags heels going to family get-together's. Sometimes I end up going alone and of course everyone asks where he is. I hate the looks I get from family and all the questions. But I want him there to be by my side supporting me. I am there for him 100% on every thing. I don't want him to do anything that is really forbidden for him to do religiously. Any thoughtful and informative answers are welcomed. Thanks!

I am a Muslim (convert) and my husband is a born Muslim, no issue at all for us to attend the funerals of non Muslims. Even to go to church for a wedding for example is also ok.

[sasafan 3]

Ofcourse he can nothing in islam prevent muslim from attending non muslim event funeral ,wedding even visiting the church as muslim etc , sorry for your loss.

[Cathi 5,748]

Of course they can. I am Catholic, husband is Muslim. he has attended several Christian/Catholic/Jewish funerals and a few Catholic weddings with me. He even goes to church with me from time to time. He especially likes Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. He should know he is allowed to go to a funeral/wedding/church. Did he tell you it's forbidden? Because if he did he is lying.

Edited April 15, 2016 by mimolicious

[LionessDeon 2,060]

So it seems attending family gatherings is really the issue then....

[Boiler 45,488]

So it seems attending family gatherings is really the issue then....

Ohh yes

[aayitrun 66]

As a muslim, my advice is yes he can and should go. He doesn't need to participate in a prayer if he doesn't feel comfortable or if the prayer contains polytheistic connotations, but going is do-able and advisable.

In fact, muslims are rewarded for attending a funeral.

[Transborderwife 4,666]

The only issue that I've seen this happen with be legit was an Orthodox Jew being unable to attend a wedding or funeral in a Christian house of worship on their holy day. That was seen as a sign of disrespect. This person did however stand outside the door of the church and observe from the doorway.

[squareleg 69]

Disclosure: I'm born Hindu and NOT a follower of Islam. I obtained advice from my Islam follower friend. Islam does not recognize any other religion and has strict views towards unbeliever (non-muslim or athiest etc.). Here is the info:

Muslim religious authorities prohibit attending non-Muslim funerals. For instance, Sheikh Sulaymaan ibn Naasir al-‘Alwaan asserts that the Quran teaches that attending a non-Muslim funeral is haram (unlawful) because it shows love, respect or friendship toward an unbeliever, which he argues is forbidden by the Quran (58:22). Similarly, a fatwa, or ruling on Islamic law, published on Islam Web cites the Quran's prohibition on praying for deceased non-believers as grounds for banning attendance at their funerals. The same fatwa notes that attending a Hindu cremation ceremony would be an even greater violation of Islamic law, since it would imply agreement with the burning of a body, which is also haram.

[Merrytooth 5,748]

Disclosure: I'm born Hindu and NOT a follower of Islam. I obtained advice from my Islam follower friend. Islam does not recognize any other religion and has strict views towards unbeliever (non-muslim or athiest etc.). Here is the info:

Muslim religious authorities prohibit attending non-Muslim funerals. For instance, Sheikh Sulaymaan ibn Naasir al-‘Alwaan asserts that the Quran teaches that attending a non-Muslim funeral is haram (unlawful) because it shows love, respect or friendship toward an unbeliever, which he argues is forbidden by the Quran (58:22). Similarly, a fatwa, or ruling on Islamic law, published on Islam Web cites the Quran's prohibition on praying for deceased non-believers as grounds for banning attendance at their funerals. The same fatwa notes that attending a Hindu cremation ceremony would be an even greater violation of Islamic law, since it would imply agreement with the burning of a body, which is also haram.

Geez, then OP's husband probably won't be able to bury her or attend her Christian funeral as well (Touch wood!!!)

Totally BS

[Ebunoluwa 6,136]

Disclosure: I'm born Hindu and NOT a follower of Islam. I obtained advice from my Islam follower friend. Islam does not recognize any other religion and has strict views towards unbeliever (non-muslim or athiest etc.). Here is the info:

Muslim religious authorities prohibit attending non-Muslim funerals. For instance, Sheikh Sulaymaan ibn Naasir al-‘Alwaan asserts that the Quran teaches that attending a non-Muslim funeral is haram (unlawful) because it shows love, respect or friendship toward an unbeliever, which he argues is forbidden by the Quran (58:22). Similarly, a fatwa, or ruling on Islamic law, published on Islam Web cites the Quran's prohibition on praying for deceased non-believers as grounds for banning attendance at their funerals. The same fatwa notes that attending a Hindu cremation ceremony would be an even greater violation of Islamic law, since it would imply agreement with the burning of a body, which is also haram.

Oh please....showing love and respect and support for his wife is not sin.

Ask 5 different religious officials and get 5 different answers.

Ultimately he has to decide himself.

Geez, then OP's husband probably won't be able to bury her or attend her Christian funeral as well (Touch wood!!!)

Totally BS

Good point.

[squareleg 69]

Geez, then OP's husband probably won't be able to bury her or attend her Christian funeral as well (Touch wood!!!)

Totally BS

I'm not a religious Islamic scholar. Based on what I know, he has already committed a sin. Islam and Judaism (Jewish) are strict religions and not open to interpretation (like Hinduism or Buddism etc.)

Oh please....showing love and respect and support for his wife is not sin.

Ask 5 different religious officials and get 5 different answers.

Ultimately he has to decide himself.

Good point.

I'm not a religious Islamic scholar. Based on what I know, he has already committed a sin. Islam and Judaism (Jewish) are strict religions and not open to interpretation (like Hinduism or Buddism etc.)