Sheikh Abdul Rahman Olanrewaju Ahmad, National Missioner, Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria speaks with SAKIBU OLOKOJOBI on the position of Islam on cremation. Excerpts:
Lagos State government has just passed a law supporting cremation. What is the position of Islam on cremation?
Allah places a high premium on the sanctity of man in life and in death. The life of man is as sacred and invaluable as his body after death. This is because of the inherent dignity attached to man. Even in death, Islam teaches us to handle the human body with utmost care. Islam does not approve of cremation. Cremation is not acceptable in Islam at all.
Even when it is believed that once a person dies, the soul is gone?
Whatever is done to the body in death is assumed to have been done to the body when alive. That is why mutilation of the body is forbidden in Islam. You can't mutilate anybody. It is not acceptable; it is a major sin in Islam. Fire is a punishment that Allah gives afterlife. Nobody has the right to mete out the punishment of God.
But how do you feel about the government promulgated law?
We engaged the government when the idea was mooted. At a point a public hearing was conducted and the religious communities made presentations. We made it clear that it is unacceptable to Islam. But government's explanation was that it is voluntary.
National Mirror