Fatawas

Is it permissible to transfer corpses to another cemetery?

The construction of Sûq Telatha’s dam in the district of Tizi-ouzou will supply the regions Tadmait, Tirmitine, Ain Zawia, and Ait yahia with water. But studies proved the existence of a burial ground in the region of Tadmait. This cemetery must be transferred because it hinders the progress and the fulfilment of this project.  So, is it permissible in Islam?  And if yes, what are the conditions and the procedures that must be followed while transferring the corpses?

The Answer:

In fact, the desecration of graves and the transfer of corpses is forbidden. So, digging through a burial ground to construct a road, a railway, a tunnel or something else in not permissible. However, if a general interest is to be fulfilled, it becomes permissible providing the following conditions:

1) To find a permanent and convenient ground to transfer the corpses.

2) To burry the corpses immediately in the new ground.

3) If no ground is available, the authorities are responsible for providing a permanent one.

4- The transfer of the corpses must be done with the presence of the families’ dead to enable them to know the new graves.

5- The use of a bulldozer is definitely forbidden, for it damages the bones of the dead and makes the distinction between the graves difficult.

6- The desecration of the graves must be done by the experts in order to avoid the breaking of the bones.

7- Each corpse must be buried in on grave, and it is not permissible to gather all the bones in one grave.

8) The authorities are responsible before Allah for any neglect while transferring the corpses.

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