What is the ruling on working in a Christian cemetery, bearing in mind that the work is limited to gardening and is not related to Christian rituals or ceremonies?
It is not permissible to work in the landscaping of infidels' graveyards for two reasons:
1. Agriculture and tree planting in graveyards are impermissible acts; they are an innovation (bid'ah) and an imitation of Christians. Scholars have issued a fatwa prohibiting this to preserve graveyards as a source of admonition.
2. Infidels are tormented in their graves, and Islamic law forbids remaining in places of torment except with intense weeping and fear, based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "Do not enter upon these tormented people except that you are weeping."
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/16308