Condemning Insult on Deceased in Islam: A Tribute to late Former President Muhammadu Buhari

By Imam Mashood Dagbo

In Islam, respect for human life and dignity is sacrosanct and it extends beyond living. So, making the jest of the dead is considered a serious offense, as it reflects a lack of compassion and empathy for the dead, whom we share friendship, affinity, religion, ethnicity and lots before death. This is also a form of disrespect and insensitivity which Islam prohibits as an evil behaviour, this is a case of abuse on the deceased; former President, late Muhammadu Buhari who became a subject of ridicule in different forms, from northern to southern part of Nigeria in recent time, due to his governance, and style of administration, whereas, no one is perfect from errors either in personal and admnistratuve dealings. While, Islam instead, encourages Muslims to speak well of the deceased or remain silent if they have nothing good to say.

Consequently, abusing the dead is a despicable act that has negative impacts on the dignity of the jesters or abusers, such as; lack of compassion, empathy towards others, damage to personal, ethnic and community relationships that have built for longer years, among others. And if I may ask, who will like his dead father or mother or relative to be abused, cursed or make a jest of, while alive or after death? Definitely, the answer is NO. It is because no one knows what the dead is facing and also what he will end up with. In this regard, the prohibition is a scale of measurement Islam puts in place to caution whoever does that or intends doing or joining others to be involved in such a disrespectful act. Islam further encourages us to be conscious of our friendship and discourages us from abusing or disrespecting one another for its consequences is severe to the extent that such relationships if ruined, may not be mended forever. This is evident as Allah (SWT) says in Suratul-Hujurāt (49:11), thus: O you who believe! (Let) not ridicule a people of people, perhaps that they may be better than them; and (let) not women of women perhaps that they may be better than them. And (do) not insult yourselves and (do) not call each other by nicknames. Wretched is the name (of) disobedience after the faith. And whoever (does) not repent, then those – they (are) the wrongdoers. The verse encourages good human relationships by not abusing one another while alive, even in death, it’s still in force, except if it’s necessary with Sharia’h legal excuse to do otherwise.

In my tradition of linking and liking my Friday’s Wisdom with authentic Hadith to buttress the topic, the piece is evident as related thus: Aishah (RA) reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Do not abuse the dead, for they have reached (ascertained) at what they put forward.” Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 6515. The Hadith as usual is further elaborated with its lessons and jurisprudential implications as follows:

1. The Hadith emphasizes the importance of treating the deceased with dignity and respect.
2. Hadith encourages Muslims to cultivate kindness and compassion towards others, even after they have passed away.
3. Hadith reassures us of giving accounts of all we have done in this life after death by saying: “they have arrived at what they put forward”
4. Hadith discourages abusing the dead for it, can cause harm to their loved ones and reflect poorly on the living, so it’s essential to avoid such behaviour.
5. Hadith encourages Muslims to focus on developing good character and behaviour during their lifetime, as they will be judged based on their deeds.
6. Hadith encourages Muslims to let go of grudges and negative feelings towards others, even after they have passed away.
7. Hadith reminds us to focus on our own actions and deeds in the present, rather than dwelling on past conflicts or grievances, specifically on the dead
8. Hadith emphasizes the importance of respecting the dignity of all individuals, regardless of their circumstances or actions in life.
9. Hadith discourages abusing the dead as it can lead to futile arguments and conflicts, which can be avoided by showing respect and kindness towards the deceased.

Prayer:

Please O Allah! As we are rounding up the sacred month of Muharram 1447AH in good faith, health, wealth and abundance, accept all our acts of worship we put before You in the month and make our living impactful in your mercy, please.

O Allah! With the blessings you accorded the sacred month of Muharram, forgive the soul of our former President, late Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, my father, my teachers, my in-laws, friends and families and the rest of the departed Muslim souls. I also ask you to direct our leaders right to be kind and lenient with the followers in order to take us away from languishing in hardship and corruption.

O Allah! feed us, protect us from indulging in Your prohibition and deliver us safely to Your Care. O Allah, avert us the test of trials, protect us and members of our families from evils of Shaytan and governance, greedy hoarders and protect Muslims from all worrying lands. O Allah; pardon us and bestow paradise on us, save all Muslims from the calamities of our time and restore to the world and Nigeria in particular, back to normal from insecurity, hunger, banditry, kidnapping, war and other social evils rampaging the world. Amin

@ Imam Yusuf Mashood Dagbo, Chief Imam, GGDSS Central Mosque, Okesuna, Ilorin,Kwara State & Director, YUMAD Consults, specializes in educational consultancy, Cultural Orientation, Marriage Counselling, Event Organization, Public Presentation etc. Contact: dagbomashood@gmail.com (08035215264)