If the cemetery land is saline, is it permissible to build on the surface of the ground?

The questioner : Peace be upon you.

The Shaykh : Peace be upon you.

The questioner : Shaykh Muhammad, how are you?

The Shaykh : I am well, praise be to Allah.

The questioner : I have two questions, Shaykh.

The Shaykh : All right, go ahead.

The questioner : Our first question, Shaykh: The cemeteries in the town are far from the town, but this area is all saline and has a very high salt content. Is it permissible to build a grave on the surface of the ground with bricks and cement and write the names and date of death on it?

The Shaykh : I did not understand what you said.

The presenter : Repeat the question, and do not rush, please.

The questioner : We have, Shaykh, the town’s cemeteries; a place is designated for the graves, but this place is saline, meaning there is not a high salt content in the ground.

The presenter : The ground is saline, Shaykh, in the salt.

The questioner : There is a high percentage of salinity. Yes. So is it permissible to build a grave on the surface, meaning above the surface of the ground, with bricks, meaning

The Shaykh : If they dig, as long as the water does not come up, they dig for it. It is not permissible to build a coffin on the surface of the ground.

The questioner : Yes.

The presenter : May Allah reward you with good.

The Shaykh : If they dig and the water comes up, then the coffin is lowered into the ground and buried.