Looking at a non-Mahram’s deceased’s face

Q. In many places, after a person passes away, family members view the face of the deceased. Is it correct for non-Mahram men to view the face of non-Mahram deceased women?

A. It will only be permissible for a Mahram male to view the face of a Mahram female and vice versa. The prohibition of viewing/looking at non-Mahram males/females is general and is applicable to the living and the dead. Accordingly, it will not be permissible for non-Mahram males to view/look at the face of non-Mahram deceased/living women. (Fataawa Raheemiyyah 7/121)

N.B. The burial of the deceased should not be delayed to view the face of the deceased and should take place as expeditiously as possible.

A Mahram refers to one with whom one is prohibited to marry, for e.g. parents, children, siblings etc. A non-Mahram refers to one with whom one is permitted to marry, for e.g. cousins etc.

Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Mufti Ismaeel Bassa

themufti.com