SHAH ALAM - Syariah requires that funeral arrangements prioritise the prompt burial of the deceased without unnecessary delay, as it is the right of the deceased to be laid to rest as soon as possible, even when administrative or payment disputes remain unresolved.
This issue has resurfaced following a recent controversy involving a delayed burial at the Ukay Perdana Muslim Cemetery in Hulu Kelang, which has renewed discussions on the proper execution of fardu kifayah obligations and the extent to which financial or administrative disagreements may affect funeral arrangements, particularly those involving mosque committees and welfare organisations.
Founder of Unit Khas Van Jenazah (UKVJ), Wan Cai, stressed that under Syariah principles, the dignity of the deceased must always take precedence over any outstanding financial or administrative matters.
“From a Syariah perspective, priority must always be given to completing funeral rites without delay. Any disputes related to payment or administrative matters should be addressed separately and must not obstruct the deceased’s right to a timely burial.
“While Islam allows payment for funeral services, such payment should never become a condition that delays or overrides the obligation to manage and bury the deceased.
“The funeral arrangements should proceed first, with any financial issues resolved afterwards, as proper and timely burial is a fundamental obligation under Syariah,” he said in an interview with Sinar Daily.
He added that in cases involving disputed funeral processes, arrangements should continue first, especially when fardu kifayah obligations such as washing, shrouding, funeral prayers and burial remain at stake.
According to Wan Cai, concerns have emerged from a case in which a deceased’s family reportedly faced uncertainty over burial approval and associated charges, despite funeral services already having been partially carried out by a welfare organisation.
Based on accounts shared by Badan Kebajikan Salatulrahim (BKS) representative Ustaz Wan Shahir, the family had approached the mosque with a death permit seeking burial approval at Ukay Perdana Cemetery and was informed of a RM1,400 fee for funeral arrangements.
However, the family reportedly did not receive a clear breakdown of the charges.
It was further reported that BKS had already carried out key funeral rites including washing, shrouding, funeral prayers and provision of a funeral van while burial approval from the mosque was still pending.
“While Islamic law permits charges for funeral services, such payments must reflect reasonable operational costs and must not result in undue burden.
“Excessive or unclear charges could raise concerns if they appear disproportionate or insufficiently justified,” he said.
Masjid Dato Dagang chairman, Muhammad Dzulfahmie Mohd Fareed, also emphasised that funeral management falls under fardu kifayah obligations and should not be delayed unnecessarily.
He stated that from a Syariah perspective, duties such as funeral management and burial must be carried out promptly without avoidable delay.
He further added that it is not appropriate for burial arrangements to be postponed solely due to outstanding payment issues.
“Funeral expenses should first be covered using the deceased’s estate if available. If no assets exist, responsibility then passes to those obliged under Islamic law.
“In cases of financial difficulty, assistance may be sought through Khairat Kematian, Baitulmal or other charitable welfare funds. Mosques are also encouraged to show compassion and flexibility when families are genuinely unable to afford the costs.
“For further reference, guidance can be found in Irsyad Hukum Siri Ke-339: Hukum Membiayai Kos Pengurusan Jenazah Menggunakan Wang Khairat Kematian by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim),” he told Sinar Daily.
Dzulfahmie further stressed the importance of transparency in funeral charges, particularly when fees such as RM1,400 are imposed.
He explained that such fees generally cover operational requirements including transportation, shrouding materials, burial logistics and related expenses, all of which are permissible under Islamic law provided they remain reasonable and clearly explained.
He said lack of clarity in cost breakdowns risks misunderstanding between families and mosque administrators, especially during emotionally sensitive situations.
Both Wan Cai and Dzulfahmie emphasised that if families feel aggrieved by funeral management decisions, Islamic and administrative avenues exist for redress.
“If a family feels that a mosque committee has acted unfairly or refused to proceed with burial arrangements without valid justification, there are both Islamic and administrative remedies available.
“Complaints can be escalated to the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais), which oversees mosque administration and related disciplinary matters,” Wan Cai said.
Dzulfahmie similarly noted that if a family feels that a mosque committee has acted unfairly or refused to proceed with funeral arrangements, the appropriate channel is to lodge a complaint with Jais.
“This allows the matter to be properly investigated and for any necessary corrective action to be taken,” he said.
The statements come in the wake of a controversy involving the burial of a 14-year-old girl on June 28, where her family claimed there was a delay of approximately one hour and twenty minutes at Ukay Perdana Muslim Cemetery in Hulu Kelang.
The family has called for a full and transparent investigation by Jais, disputing official accounts of the incident.
The grandfather denied allegations that the family had pressured any organisation to handle the burial and insisted that mosque officials were not present during key funeral rites. The father of the deceased also denied claims of document falsification or that the mosque had been formally requested to manage the burial.
Jais, however, maintained that the delay stemmed from confusion involving family arrangements and a welfare organisation not formally linked to the mosque, while also rejecting claims that a RM1,400 payment was demanded before burial could proceed.