Reported by Suprovat Sydney: It is noted in the Fiqh literature that relocating a body from one city to another is considered Makrooh Tahreemi (discouraged to the point of being sinful) (Raddul Muhtaar V6 P388). Transporting a body across international borders is even more objectionable. Such actions are both unnecessary and costly, and expending significant funds on arrangements that contradict Islamic principles constitutes a sin in itself.

The costs associated with this procedure can be covered in two ways:

From the Deceased’s Estate: The assets of the deceased rightfully belong to their heirs after death. It is not permissible to deduct this unnecessary expense from the estate, particularly if there are minors among the heirs.

Paid by Others: If someone else covers the cost, it would be far more beneficial for that money to be donated as charity on behalf of the deceased, allowing them to gain reward in the hereafter.

Ultimately, regardless of who bears the cost, moving the body involves a waste of resources. It is not permissible to relocate the deceased after death, as it is both financially and spiritually unwise.

After death, a wife does not have a legal claim to her husband’s body. It is the duty of the Wali (guardian) of the deceased to handle the funeral arrangements, ensuring adherence to Shari’ah principles. The laws of Shari’ah take precedence over personal emotions, including those of the deceased’s wife.

As a result, the majority of Muslim jurists prohibit the transportation of a corpse from the place of death to another location for burial, except in cases of compelling Shari’ah reasons—such as concerns about grave desecration, violations of the corpse’s dignity due to enmity, or threats from natural disasters.

Historically, the Sunnah during the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and the Sahabah emphasized burying the deceased in the graveyard of the city or land where they passed away, with martyrs laid to rest where they fell. There is no evidence in hadith or historical reports indicating that any Sahabah was relocated to a different graveyard or location after death.

For this reason, the majority of fuqaha state that it is not permissible to move a deceased person to a location other than the place of death before burial, unless there is a valid and compelling reason, such as the fear of desecration or mistreatment of the grave. In such cases, the body may be relocated to a safer burial site.

Transporting a body from one city to another is against the teachings of Allah (SWT) and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Engaging in actions contrary to these teachings can lead to punishment. Often, friends or relatives of the deceased may seek to raise funds for transportation costs, which is inconsistent with Islamic principles. If clarification is needed, it is advisable to consult a qualified A’lem or Mufti for guidance.