Spouses and Physical Contact After Death (FATWA)

The Question

How is it for the husband to touch the corpse of his wife? Should he or should he not touch the corpse?

How is it for the husband to see the face of his wife after she has been placed in the grave? Should he or should he not see her face?

The Answer

After the passing of the wife, it is permissible for the husband, whether in or out of the grave, to see her face or body. To lower her into the grave is also permissible. The corpse is even lifted by complete strangers. But it is impermissible for the husband to touch her body without any barrier. However, for the wife, so long as she is in `iddah, it is permissible for her to touch the body of the dead husband (without any barrier). It even remains permissible to bathe him. This ruling is in al-Durr al-Mukhtār and others.

Allāh E knows best.

Answered by:

Imām Aḥmad Raḍā Khān V