The Book of Funerals - Sunan an-Nasa'i 1863

This narration from Sunan an-Nasa'i presents a profound teaching regarding proper conduct during times of bereavement, as demonstrated through the final moments of Abu Musa al-Ash'ari's life.

Contextual Analysis

The incident occurs as Abu Musa approaches death, and his wife begins wailing loudly - a common pre-Islamic practice known as "niyāḥah."

Despite his weakened state, Abu Musa immediately awakens to correct this behavior, demonstrating his commitment to Islamic teachings even at life's end.

Scholarly Commentary

The Prophet's declaration "I am free from..." indicates complete dissociation from three specific mourning practices: shaving the head, tearing garments, and raising the voice in lamentation.

Classical scholars explain these were customs of jāhiliyyah (pre-Islamic ignorance) that Islam sought to eliminate. Shaving heads and tearing clothes expressed excessive grief bordering on questioning Divine Decree.

Raising the voice in lamentation (niyāḥah) is particularly prohibited as it demonstrates impatience with Allah's decree and encourages emotional excess.

Legal Rulings

The majority of scholars consider these acts prohibited (ḥarām) based on this and similar narrations.

The prohibition applies to both the mourner and those who hire professional wailers, as both participate in the forbidden act.

Permissible mourning includes silent weeping, natural tears, and patient remembrance of Allah - all within the boundaries of Islamic patience (ṣabr).

Spiritual Significance

This teaching emphasizes Islam's balanced approach to grief - acknowledging human emotion while maintaining faith in Divine Wisdom.

Abu Musa's final act of correction serves as eternal testimony to his commitment to Prophetic teachings, making his death a lesson for the living.