Is it permissible to transport the body of a deceased person from one country to another for burial?

The questioner : ... from Dammam.

The Shaykh : Yes.

The questioner : She passed away in Iran this morning, so we are asking about the burial. We should bury her in Dammam because the graves there are raised and decorated, and you know about Shiraz in Iran?

The Shaykh : As for transporting her from there to Dammam, it is not permissible.

The questioner : Yes.

The Shaykh : As for the fact that the graves there are raised, that is not something obligatory; rather, it is up to the family of the deceased. This is not an excuse for violating the Shari'ah by transporting the deceased from one country to another. Therefore, we advise you to bury her there and choose the cemetery that is least in violation of the Sunnah. Perhaps you understood me?

The questioner: Yes, I understood.

The Shaykh : Okay, is there anything else?

The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.

The Shaykh : Is there anything else?

The questioner : The cemeteries there are a problem, meaning the family and her relatives do not know about that, meaning...

The Shaykh : They do not know their custom. And you do not bear the responsibility of violating the Shari'ah. If they do it and violate the ruling, and you disavow the violation, then there is no sin on you. But if you agree to the violation, you will be a partner with them in the sin. So beware, and beware.

The questioner : May Allah reward you with good, Shaykh.

The Shaykh : And beware of that.

The questioner: Peace be upon you.

The Shaykh : And upon you be peace, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings.