THE QABR THE SHAQQ OR THE LAHAD?

A pamphlet was recently published by an association, aiming to illustrate the method of digging a Qabr (grave). Unfortunately, like many other publications by this association, it contains several inaccuracies.

The pamphlet claims that the method of digging a Qabr in Mauritius is entirely contrary to Islamic teachings. Specifically, it asserts that the Shaqq (see drawing) is a method used by non-Muslims. This claim, however, is incorrect for the following reasons:

1. Hadhrat Ubaidah (Radiyallahu anhu), who is one of the Asharah Mubasharah (i.e., one of the ten companions whom Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) explicitly declared to be among the dwellers of Jannah), used to dig the qabrs according to the Shaqq method until the wafaat (passing) of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam). If this method were impermissible, or un-Islamic, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) would certainly have forbidden its use for digging the Qabr.
2. After the wafaat of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam), the Sahabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallahu anhum) were faced with a dilemma: What type of Qabr should be dug for Nabi-e-Karim (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam)? Should it be the Shaqq method, or the Lahad method (see drawing)?

Finally, Hadhrat Umar (Radiyallahu anhu) instructed that both gravediggers—one who practised the Shaqq method and the other who practised the Lahad method—be called, with the intention of adopting the method of the one who arrived first. Meanwhile, the Sahabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallahu anhum) supplicated to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala, seeking His guidance in selecting the best method. Ultimately, the gravedigger who practised the Lahad method arrived first.

This illustrates that both types of graves were practised during the lifetime of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam). Had the Shaqq method been contrary to Islamic principles, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) would not have allowed it to be practised. Furthermore, the fact that the Sahabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallahu anhum) resorted to Istikhara shows that both methods were regarded as permissible and valid. If one of the methods had been impermissible, Istikhara would not have been performed, as it is only appropriate to seek guidance when faced with two permissible options to determine which is preferable. Therefore, the correct ruling is that both methods—Lahad and Shaqq—are permissible, though Lahad is preferred because Allah Ta'ala chose this method for His Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam). However, the Shaqq method is more suited to areas where the earth is soft.

As for the Hadith that states:

"Lahad is for us, and Shaqq is for others besides us,"

it is not necessarily referring to non-Muslims or kaafirs. Hadhrat Ubaidah (Radiyallahu anhu) could not have practised something un-Islamic, and Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) neither permitted nor forbade him from doing so. Therefore, the phrase "others besides us" refers to the Mu'mineen from the Ahle-Kitab (People of the Book) who preceded the Ummah of Hadhrat Muhammad (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam).

[English version of "Le Qabr" – Al Haadi – Vol. 2 No. 7]