Islamic Mourning Period: What to Do During the 3-Day Mourning Period

Understanding the 3-Day Mourning Period in Islam: Guidelines for Women and Men

Question: When someone passes away in a household, the family observes mourning for three days. What should be done during these three days, especially considering there are children and elderly in the house? Please explain in detail what the family should do during these three days, and whether women can cook and do household chores.

Answer: If someone passes away in a household, it is permissible for a woman to observe mourning for three days for her close relatives, such as her father, brother, or son. It is important to note that mourning is not prescribed for men; it is only for women.

During mourning, a woman is not given any specific tasks by Shariah. She should continue her life as usual, but without crying loudly, wailing, or using adornments like makeup or perfume. She can continue to cook, do household chores, and move around as she normally would. There is no need for her to perform any special tasks during these three days, as Shariah does not prescribe any.

For other family members, especially men, there is no mourning period. Therefore, they do not need to perform any specific actions during these three days.

 Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi حفظه الله

❪Jeddah Dawah Center – Al-Salama – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia❫