What is the ruling on reciting Qur’aan and wailing over graves, and mentioning things that are not appropriate, and on women uncovering their faces with men around them?
Praise be to Allah.Wailing is forbidden for both men and women according to the
well-known imaams. It was reported in al-Saheeh that the Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “If the woman who wails
does not repent before she dies, on the Day of Resurrection she will be wearing
a garment of scabs and pants made of melted tar.” In al-Sunan it
is reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings
of Allaah be upon him) cursed the woman who wails and the one who listens to
her. In al-Saheeh it is reported that he said: “He is not one of
us who strikes his cheeks, rends his garments and says things like the people
of Jaahiliyyah say.” For women to uncover their faces where strangers (i.e.,
men to whom they are not related) can see them is not permitted. The man who
is in charge must enjoin what is good and forbid this evil and others. Whoever
does not refrain from doing this should be punished in such a way as to make
them stop, especially women who wail at gravesides, because this is a sin that
is hated by Allaah and His Messenger, as it involves panic, lamenting and wailing.
It hurts the dead and causes fitnah (trial, temptation) to the living, and consumes
people’s wealth unlawfully. It makes people forget about the patience and
hope for reward enjoined upon them by Allaah, and it may lead to evil deeds.
The Muslims should put a stop to such practices. And Allaah knows best. May
Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions.