The Ruling on Lamenting over the Dead, Shouting, and Wailing

Question:
Sister Aamal asks about the ruling on lamentation over the dead. Does it include screaming, wailing, and intense crying?

Answer:
Lamentation is raising the voice in grief over the deceased, saying things like "Oh, my loss," "Oh, my support," "Oh, my head," or "Oh, my back," referring to the deceased. This is a form of excessive grief (jaz'). It can be expressed through words, and also through actions such as slapping the cheeks, tearing clothes, and the claims of the pre-Islamic age of ignorance (jahiliyyah). This is because lamentation indicates dissatisfaction with the divine decree (qadar) and a lack of acceptance of the decree of Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He). Therefore, it is forbidden (muharram) and a major sin among the major sins, and it is one of the matters of the pre-Islamic age of ignorance. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: May Allah protect us from that.