Is it permissible to place bricks to the right and left of the deceased and above him in the grave?
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The questioner : May Allah reward you, O Shaykh: In some areas, I attended a funeral burial and found them placing bricks to the right and left of the coffin and above it. What is the ruling on this practice?
The Shaykh : Perhaps the ground is soft, and they fear it will collapse on the deceased.
The questioner : The ground is not soft.
The Shaykh : If that is the case, then this is a need, or perhaps there is water around it, such as near the sea. In any case, if there is a need, there is no harm in it. But if there is no need, it is a waste of money, because the bricks placed to the right and left of the grave might be enough for another grave or two, so it is a waste of money.
The questioner : So, is it not permissible to place them?
The Shaykh : No, we do not say it is not permissible, but we say that leaving it out is better.
The Shaykh : Perhaps the ground is soft, and they fear it will collapse on the deceased.
The questioner : The ground is not soft.
The Shaykh : If that is the case, then this is a need, or perhaps there is water around it, such as near the sea. In any case, if there is a need, there is no harm in it. But if there is no need, it is a waste of money, because the bricks placed to the right and left of the grave might be enough for another grave or two, so it is a waste of money.
The questioner : So, is it not permissible to place them?
The Shaykh : No, we do not say it is not permissible, but we say that leaving it out is better.