Question
A Muslim has purchased a very old disused cemetery. There are no signs of any graves. The graves have long ago been flattened. He wants to convert it into a playground. Is this permissible?
Answer
If the ground is a Muslim cemetery, then it is not permissible to convert it into a playground. There could also perhaps be some Shuhada and Auliya buried there. Since it is known that the ground is a Qabrustaan, it should be cordoned off. People could still make ziyaarat, make dua and remind themselves of their own future abodes underground. A public playground is haraam even on a ground which is not a cemetery. Allah Ta'ala did not create us for idle sport and amusement which are condemned in the Qur'aan and Hadith.
If it is a kuffaar cemetery, a Muslim should not purchase such a ground despite it being permissible. Allah's ghadhab is on the kuffaar. The athr (effect) of Divine Wrath which is on such a place could gravely affect those who utilize the land for whatever purpose they wish to use it.
- Source
- themajlis.co.za
- Published in
- The Majlis Vol 24 No 11
- PDF page
- 3
Verbatim verified against the source PDF
Appears under TAKFEER OF THE BHAM IBLEES. This heading is the nearest headline at or before the page and is approximate. Do not cite it alone.