Understanding the Reality of Saying Rest in Peace ( R.I.P)

Understanding the reality of things grants us a better understanding of its application.

The acronym R.I.P. is derived from the burial service of the Catholic Church. Wikipedia provides it definition as, “‘Rest in peace’
(Latin: Requiescat in pace) is a short epitaph or idiomatic expression wishing eternal rest and peace to someone who has died.”

In short, it is a prayer for the deceased. In Islam, praying for the deceased is exclusively for Muslims. This is established from the Quran and demonstrated practically by Rasulullah (صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم ) in his relationship with his dear uncle Abu Talib.

From the age of 8, Abu Talib fathered the orphaned Rasulullah (صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم ). In fact he loved him more than his own children. It was Abu Talib who stood in his father’s place at his first Nikah to Khadijah. It was Abu
Talib who ceaselessly sheltered Rasulullah r from the attacks of the disbelievers. Yet at the time of his death, he refused Islam.
Rasulullah (صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم ) was naturally grieved by this and declared that he would continue seeking forgiveness for his uncle until Divine Prohibition forbade him the same. Shortly after Allah revealed the verse,
(Al-Quran: Surah 9, Verse 113)
From the revelation of the verse neither did Rasulullah (صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم ) nor did any Sahaabi (رضي الله عنه) pray for a non-Muslim after their demise.

There is a place and at times a necessity for condolences and sympathy for the bereaved, but there is no place in Islam for praying for deceased non-Muslims. Let us not confuse these issues.

Jamiat Org