A Legal Inquiry into the Burial of the Deceased on Private Properties in Islamic Jurisprudence

‌ ∴ Introduction ∴ ‌
The tradition of burying the deceased on private properties, resulting in the formation of family gravesites outside public cemeteries, is a practice driven by a complex mix of emotional, financial, and urban development considerations. This practice, which includes the establishment of family mausoleums by aristocratic families and notables, is historically rooted in various countries, including Islamic religious cities concerning certain esteemed Islamic scholars. While some of these private burial sites have transitioned into public cemeteries, their inception was not intended for public use, underscoring a tradition of proprietary control over such burials. The practice raises significant questions within the framework of Islamic jurisprudence and law, especially concerning absolute legal authority of the owner to exercise dominion or control over property [Taslit] (absolute right of an owner to deal with his property as he wishes) and its implications for burying individuals on private property. This inquiry seeks to explore the stance of Islamic law and jurisprudence, alongside modern legal systems, on the legality and permissibility of such burials amidst contemporary urban and societal challenges.
‌ ∴ Research Question ∴ ‌
The central question guiding this research is whether Islamic law and jurisprudence, alongside national laws in Islamic countries, permit the burial of the deceased on private property, given the broad implications for urban development, public health, and societal norms. This question encompasses the investigation of the extent to which the principle of Dominance within Islamic jurisprudence allows for such practices and how contemporary urban living requirements and societal interests intersect with or diverge from these traditional practices.
‌ ∴ Research Hypothesis ∴ ‌
The hypothesis posited by the authors suggests a potential reconciliation between the Islamic jurisprudential rule of absolute legal authority of the owner to exercise dominion over property [Tasleet] and the no harm principle [La-Za’rar], proposing that it might be permissible to bury the deceased on one's private property under specific circumstances. This hypothesis implies a nuanced understanding of property rights within Islamic law that accommodates the evolving needs of modern urban societies while adhering to Islamic legal principles and societal values.
‌ ∴ Methodology & Framework, if Applicable ∴ ‌
The methodology adopted in this study is descriptive, analytical, and doctrinal, aiming to dissect and understand the multifaceted issue of burial on private properties within the context of Islamic jurisprudence and law. This approach involves an extensive review of primary and secondary sources, including jurisprudential rulings, works of Islamic scholars, and legal texts, to elucidate the foundational Islamic ruling on burial practices. The analysis further extends to the examination of modern positive law, particularly Iranian Civil Law and Islamic Penal Code, and its treatment of such burials considering environmental, social, and urban development aspects. The doctrinal framework is employed to interpret and reconcile traditional Islamic rulings with contemporary legal standards and societal expectations, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and propose viable legal and religious solutions.
     This paper presents a thorough investigation into the complex interplay between religious doctrine, legal principles, and societal needs regarding the burial of the deceased on private properties. By examining the practice through the lenses of Islamic jurisprudence and contemporary law, the study seeks to offer insightful perspectives and potential reconciliations that respect both traditional values and modern realities.
‌ ∴ Results & Discussion ∴ ‌
The comprehensive analysis conducted in this study reveals a nuanced spectrum of perspectives within Islamic jurisprudence and Iranian law regarding the burial of the deceased on private properties. Central to this discourse is the principle of personal ownership and the rights it encompasses, which traditionally include the disposition of property in various manners, burial of the deceased being one such manner. Despite some Islamic scholars' interpretation of narrations from the Prophet of Islam (PBUH) as prohibiting such burials, a closer examination and alternative interpretations suggest that the practice can indeed be permissible. This permissibility is supported by the Sunnah of the Ahl al-Bayt, absence of explicit prohibition by the Islamic legislator, and the overarching principle of dominion over one's possessions.
     However, the discourse does not end with the establishment of permissibility. The study delves deeper into the social jurisprudence perspective, highlighting significant concerns associated with private burials, such as psychological distress, potential for disease transmission, environmental degradation, and harm to others. These concerns present formidable challenges to the outright acceptance of burial on private property as a permissible act. The Iranian legal system's stance, reflecting these concerns, explicitly prohibits such burials, incorporating both criminal penalties and provisions for civil damages in cases where private burials cause harm.
‌ ∴ Conclusion ∴ ‌
The intricate interplay between religious doctrine, legal standards, and social welfare culminates in a complex yet critical conclusion regarding the burial of the deceased on private property. While Islamic jurisprudence provides a foundational permissibility based on property ownership and rights, the practice's potential social, health, and environmental repercussions necessitate a more cautious approach. The study underscores that the absolute prohibition observed in Iranian substantive law, although seemingly at odds with traditional Islamic rulings and historical practices, is primarily justified by the tangible risks associated with private burials.
     However, the study proposes a balanced approach, advocating for legislative reforms that allow for exceptions under stringent conditions. Such conditions include societal acceptance, absence of harm, and cases where the deceased's burial site could serve a broader community interest, such as promoting knowledge or religious devotion, typically applicable to celebrities or scholars. This approach aims to reconcile the initial permissibility with contemporary societal needs and legal frameworks, suggesting a case-by-case evaluation rather than a universal application.
     Furthermore, the discussion on affordability and access to public cemetery spaces opens another dimension to the debate, suggesting economic considerations as a potential justification for private burials in specific scenarios. This perspective highlights the need for a legal and religious framework that accommodates both traditional Islamic principles and the practicalities of modern societal living.
     In conclusion, while the study affirms the foundational permissibility of burial on private property within Islamic jurisprudence, it also acknowledges the multifaceted challenges posed by such practices. The recommendation for a legislative approach that allows for exceptions under carefully defined conditions reflects an attempt to harmonize religious principles with the realities of contemporary urban life, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and consideration for the common good in Islamic law and jurisprudence.