Is it allowed to cry for someone after he dies? If the crying includes wailing, slapping the cheeks and tearing the clothes, is the deceased affected by it? A – Neither lamenting nor wailing is allowed. Tearing clothes, slapping one's cheeks and similar deeds are also not allowed. It is confirmed in the Sahihs collections of Al-Bukhari and Muslim from Ibn Mas'ood that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “He is not from among us who slaps his cheeks, tears the front opening of the shirt or makes the calls of the Days of Ignorance.” It is also confirmed that the Prophet (peace be upon him) cursed the wailer and its audience. It is also authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The deceased is punished in his grave due to the wailing over him.” In another narration, it is stated: “The deceased is punished due to the crying of the family over him.” The Permanent Committee for Islamic Research and Verdicts, Saudi Arabia Note: It is not permissible to mourn for the death of anyone for more than three days. The only exception is the widow who mourns for four months and 10 days on the death of her husband. Leaving the Masjid after the Adhan is called Q- What is the ruling regarding leaving the Masjid after the Adhan has been called? A – Abu Hurayrah saw a man leave (the Masjid) after the Adhan (had been called) and said (about him): “As for this (one), then he has gone against (the teachings of) Abul-Qasim (peace be upon him).” (Sahih Muslim) And to go against (the teachings) principally is prohibited. Allah says: “It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he has indeed strayed in a plain error.” (Qur'an, 33:36) So, because of this, the people of knowledge have said: Indeed it is not permissible for a person to leave the Masjid after the Adhan (has been called) except for an (Islamically justifiable) reason, such as leaving to make Wudhu. And if he wanted to go to answer the call of nature, then he is permitted to leave, even if he misses the prayer as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “There is no prayer if food has been served or for him who needs to answer the call of nature.” (Sahih Muslim) So, if we say that someone is waiting for the prayer and then felt the need to go and answer the call of nature or even to pass wind, since some people (may be in) need of passing wind, then there is no harm if he left and relieved himself (and) then returned. And if he was able to (catch and) join the congregation, then it is a blessing, and if he was unable to do so, then there is no harm in this. Sheikh Bin Uthaymeen; Majmoo' Fatawa – Volume 12, Page 200. Wudhu breaks in midst of prayer Q- After having joined the first row of the (congregational) prayer, someone broke wind and continued with his prayer as he did not wish to disturb any of the people in the rows behind him, nor ruin their concentration. What is the ruling regarding this? A – We beseech Allah to forgive him. What is required of the one whose Wudhu was nullified (by passing of wind) while in prayer or he remembered that he was not in a state of Wudhu, is that he discontinues his prayer, goes out and makes a fresh Wudhu. Then he returns to re-join whatever remains of the (congregational) prayer. As for the rows of people, then the Sutrah of the Imam suffices all of them. So, there is no harm if he were to pass in front of the people. It is obligatory upon him to leave calmly and silently so as not to disturb those who are (still) praying. Sheikh Bin Baz; Majmoo Al
