What is the ruling regarding the remains of an old corpse found in the grave in which we wish to bury? Should they be gathered in a bag at the edge of the grave, or should they be left as they are at the edge of the grave?

The questioner: Our Shaykh, when we opened the grave, we...

The Shaykh : Yes.

The questioner: It became apparent after they buried the deceased woman...

The Shaykh: Yes.

The questioner: They had placed something over the body, like wax, of course the wax does not decay, so when we removed the wax, the shroud underneath...

The Shaykh : Yes.

The questioner: And all the flesh, of course, was gone, there was nothing left but bone.

The Shaykh : Yes.

The questioner: So we removed the wax and the bones, and now we were in a dilemma about what to do with them, because the person in charge of the cemetery usually gathers them, puts them in a bag, and places them at the edge of the grave.

The Shaykh : Yes.

The questioner: And we were unsure whether to gather them in a bag like this, or to move them as they are to the edge of the grave and place them there.

The Shaykh: No, there is no need to put them in a bag, but rather on one side of the grave; the grave is narrow.

The questioner: No, by Allah, it was reasonable, meaning there was space.

The Shaykh: Meaning, if the grave has space.

The questioner: Yes.

The Shaykh: Leave the bones as they are and bury the new occupant.

The questioner: As they are? It is of no benefit, our Shaykh, except to gather them at the edge of the grave.

The Shaykh: So, there is no objection, but there is no need to place them in a bag.

The questioner : Yes.

The Shaykh: Yes.

The questioner: With Allah's blessing.

The Shaykh : May Allah reward you.

The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.

The Shaykh : Welcome.

The questioner: Welcome.

The Shaykh: Peace be upon you.

The questioner : And upon you be peace and the mercy of Allah.