What is the ruling of Islamic law on a son or daughter attending the mourning gatherings held for their deceased parents, in light of the social customs that dictate the establishment of these wakes and the accompanying social pressures? Is it permissible to suffice with placing chairs in front of the house to receive condolences without reciting the Quran? What is the Islamic legal solution for the problem of burying the deceased on the ground inside the cemetery instead of covering them with earth, in addition to burying them on their back with their feet towards the Qibla?

Efforts should be made to change reprehensible practices related to funerals with gentleness and wisdom, to disseminate religious knowledge supported by evidence, and to seek the help of preachers to explain the ruling on these violations. Adherence to the Sharia is not a disgrace; rather, it brings honor and elevation. Gradual change should be observed to avoid fitna (strife). Your attendance or absence depends on what you deem most beneficial for da'wah (inviting to Islam) and for people's acceptance, and you know best the customs of the people of your land.

Preparing the house for condolences is permissible in principle. What is prohibited is their gathering, burdening the relatives of the deceased with preparing food for them, and hiring a reciter. Do not undertake anything that harms you and has no benefit for people, and ask the people of knowledge in your land.

As for preparing underground rooms and placing the dead in them, it is not permissible except out of necessity and need, such as the cemetery being too small. These were called 'al-fasaqi' (underground burial chambers), and scholars have issued fatwas prohibiting burial in them due to the mixing of men and women, and the burial of a new deceased person on top of an old one before the first has decomposed. Directing the deceased towards the Qibla is obligatory.