Whether dead or alive, the human body-created by God in the perfect shape-must be given dignity and respect. Islam grants certain rights to humans before they are even born and others after their death. In Islam, human dignity is a right given by God to all humans-who are referred to in the Qur’ān as God’s vicegerents on earth. Throughout history, religions, traditions and cultural practices have influenced the ways in which the dead are managed both in times of peace and conflict. Burying the dead is one way to ensure that the dead are accorded dignity and respect and that the feelings of their living loved ones are considered. In many civilizations, traditions and religions-both ancient and modern-death is a mere transitional phase between one stage of life and another. This post addresses a few challenges from an Islamic law perspective in the hope that it can provide insights for forensic specialist dealing with the management of the dead in Muslim contexts.
With two thirds of current armed conflicts taking place in Muslim contexts, the importance of Islamic law in these matters cannot be underestimated. During armed conflict, forensic specialists encounter huge challenges in ensuring the proper and dignified management of the dead.
