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What is the explanation of the hadith narrated on the authority of Ibn Shammasah, in which Amr ibn al-Aas is mentioned saying: "Then we governed things about which I do not know what my state will be concerning them, so when I die, let no wailing woman or fire accompany me"?

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Amr ibn al-ʿĀṣ’s statement, "We took on things—I do not know what my state will be regarding them," refers to his governorship of Egypt during the eras of ʿUmar, ʿUthmān, and Muʿāwiyah. He felt that this situation was less significant than his companionship with the Messenger of Allāh, peace and blessings be upon him. As for his statement, "Let no wailing woman accompany me, nor fire," the wailing woman (nāʾiḥah) is a woman who cries over the deceased and enumerates their virtues, and fire is well-known. He forbade them from this in compliance with the prohibition from the Lawgiver, for wailing is unlawful (ḥarām), and following the deceased with fire is disliked (makrūh).

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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