Details

Category: Death and the Grave

Towards Your New Home...Underground:

The trees silently bid you farewell as the path opens way for you and your familiar surroundings surrender you to your fate. Your white shroud is being tossed and blown about by the wind, which pushes you towards your destination. Your loved ones carry you along towards your new home with a keen drive and determination to surrender you to your fate in compliance to the command of the Last Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). Tears incessantly flow down their cheeks, in unison with the falling rain from the heavily laden clouds that also bid you farewell and were a witness over you within the life of this world. Yet, the darkness emitting from the clouds is unlike the darkness that will engulf you soon in your grave.

Unlike the clouds, the women of your household and your beloved sisters in faith can not follow you to your burial. This is because, as Umm Atiyyah (may Allah be pleased with her) elucidated,

“…it was forbidden for us to follow funeral processions” (Saheeh al Bukhaari).

All they can do is watch your funeral procession from afar with tears, bidding you farewell for the last time and left with memories which will slowly fade away over time.

Your family will feel for some time the gnawing emptiness that your room and home will emit due to your lack of presence therein. They will remember your laughter, words and mannerisms. But like most people to have walked the face of this earth, you will also soon be forgotten, unless Allah wills otherwise. For Allah (Almighty) gives respect to whomsoever He wills of His slaves, as some good deeds have an ongoing heavy affect upon the balance of an individual’s good deeds.

The men of your family have hurriedly made arrangements to place you within the dark, murky soil as you were being washed and prepared for your burial. Now, you will truly be alone - your only friends the mud, insects and your deeds, be they good or evil. YES! The same soil that if it was placed over you while you were alive, would have filled your heart with fear and disgust, so much so that you would have rushed to clean, wash and rid yourself of it as soon as possible. The same insects that if they were placed in your hand or on your body, you would have reflexively flung, rid and thrown them off of yourself. The same grave that if you had been placed in you would have jumped out of it in fright, and sought shelter with your loved ones.

But now, it’s too late…

From it YOU were Created and to it YOU will Return

No-one can help you; only Allah (the Almighty) can truly help you. Finally you have come to realize that you are indeed in need of His Mercy and Help. If only you had realized before that true friendship is the friendship with the Divine and that true accomplishment is the accomplishment of fear, hope and love for Allah (the Glorious) and that everything will perish, except the Face of your Lord, the Subtle and All-Aware.

When a person dies there is reckoning without action, whereas today, for those of us who are alive, it is action without reckoning. Let’s turn towards Allah, and strive for His Deen before the earth fills our mouths and noses.

NOW the reality of Sajdah (prostration) hits you. Those who had prostrated to Allah in this world, by placing their foreheads upon the very ground in which man will be buried, had in reality openly declared war against satan. The same satan who had disobeyed his Lord in this regard and had as a result been banished; destined to the eternally raging, enormous fires of hell.

The pious Muslimah, whilst prostrating, continuously reminds herself of the fleeting nature of this world and that she is to return to the same earth towards which she prostrated repetitively during her short days in this life given by Allah, the Glorious and Merciful. If Allah had willed, He wouldn’t have created us. He (the Almighty) could have given us non-existence. But instead He (the Creator) gave us life and with that He gave us the opportunity to draw close to Him…truly something that is only gifted to a few. Ah! But man is ungrateful - man is indeed ungrateful.

Now, this very ground, upon which the Muslimah surrenders by way of prostration her very heart, body and mind has now become a new home in which she is to be surrendered. But do our Salawaat (prayers) remind us of this fact? Reality will come to light when we will be surrendered to the earth, from which we have been created and to which we will certainly be returned.

Dear Sisters, today, let’s pick up the earth and imagine being a part of it. Imagine the earth filling our ears and noses. All praise is due to Allah alone, for when we contemplate over this, we will come to realize our true worth and the Great and True Magnanimity of our Lord above.

How many of us have witnessed a death, burial or seen the corpse of another human being? If so, how many of us have been affected and reminded of the hereafter by it? If we were affected, how long did its effect linger in our hearts? Today, when we discuss death, or contemplate over it and remind others of it, we may be accused of having a strange and morbid fascination with death. Even though the Prophet (peace be upon him) said,

“O People! Remember much the destroyer of pleasures, death” (at-Tirmidhi).

The Messenger (peace be upon him) also said,

"Visit the sick and walk with the Janazah (funeral procession), it will remind you of the hereafter" (Muslim).

Dear Sisters, if we don’t contemplate over our reality and where we are heading, how will we effectuate the command of the Prophet (peace be upon him) when he said,

“Be in this world as a traveler or stranger” (Bukhaari).

What would you think of someone on a train, who needs help towards his destination but hates to mention and think about where he is going? How will his journey be if he does not keep his destination in mind?

SURELY, he will go astray.

***

This day had appeared so far like a dream,

Distant and remote it had truly seemed.

You hated to speak about it, frowned and deemed,

The grave and its’ accountability to be something

far and unseen.

But today you are being taken towards it.

It awaits you: dark, murky, dim and unlit.

By the angels, some within it, will be beaten and hit,

But others…will have for them their graves lit.

So don’t frown when you hear the mention of death,

For the believer awaits their good deeds, their true wealth.

By means of hard work and ignoring the disobedient’s stealth,

Also, by forsaking riches, comfort and health.

Face reality.

Look forward steadily.

Work for that day and don’t be cowardly.

Be as a Muslim should be, towards your Lord turning devotedly.

Tomorrow you may be lying in your grave,

Even if you’ve got the world under your feet and its’ riches saved.

For, the time is close when we will be asked about how we behaved,

In the life of this world, even if we were imprisoned and enslaved,

By the rules of the Kuffaar, dominated and caved.

None will be excluded, but such will be saved,

Who held high the flag of Islaam and it they passionately waved,

Within the transient life of this world…

right until they reached their grave.

Witnesses FOR or AGAINST You.

Today, we see a common trend, especially within our youth that we shouldn’t care about what others say or think about us. This idea of “Do whatever you want” and “It’s my life” and so on. It is true, that the believer should not take to heart what others say about him/her if s/he is on the straight path, in which case s/he should have thick skin and persist in overcoming its arduous struggles. However, if a person is being reprimanded for something which s/he has done against the commands of the Sharee’ah, then s/he should use this censure to change for the best. The Muslimah should have a pro-active attitude towards it and view it as being constructive criticism.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) has clearly explained how the very people around us will be witnesses for or against us on the day of judgement. When a funeral procession passed by the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the people praised the deceased, the Prophet said,

“It has been affirmed (Paradise).”

Then when another funeral procession passed by and the people spoke badly of the deceased, the Prophet said,

“It has been affirmed (hell)”.

Rasoolullah (peace be upon him) was then asked, “O Allah's Apostle! You said it has been affirmed for both?" To which the Prophet (peace be upon him) said,

"The testimony of the people (is accepted), (for) the believers are Allah's witnesses on the earth" (Saheeh al Bukhaari).

So remember, Allah (the Mighty and Glorious) has made the earth and the people within it witnesses for or against you. Take heed of the words a famous poet once said:

“When you were born, you were crying,

While others were very happy.

So make sure that when you die,

You are happy,

While others cry.”{footnote}Authentic Step by Step Illustrated Janazah Guide Compiled By Mohamed Ebrahim Siala{/footnote}

Today, let’s make a change before it’s too late. Let’s be sincere towards our Lord, and not fear the blame of those who falsely blame. Let’s realize our mistakes and be wise in accepting criticism when and if it is due. Let’s work for Allah’s Deen sincerely and though we seek Allah’s countenance, we must remember that He has placed witnesses over us who will speak for us or against us.

Details

Category: Death and the Grave

Imaam Ibn al-Jawzi (rahimahullah) said:

“From the wonders that I see from myself and all other people is inclination towards heedlessness of what is in our hands, despite us knowing how short life is and despite us knowing the fact that increase of reward over there (the Hereafter) is tied to the deeds performed over here.

So, O soul! O you whose life is so short! Take advantage of these days of mine, and wait for the Day when all shall flee, and beware of preoccupying your heart with what it has not been created for. Carry the burdens of your soul over the times of bitterness, and tame it if refuses. Do not let it roam freely for long because indeed you are only within a pasture. Certainly, despicable is the person who lies between two rows and yet preoccupies himself with other than them.”

Details

Category: Death and the Grave

Recall the sensation of choking. You may have first experienced it as a child when your mother forced a tight jumper over your head. Try to remember as clearly as possible how nauseous and suffocated you felt. A human being feels this way at such a time because we need to breathe. We require good ventilation and light to feel comfortable - unlike a corpse.

The raging dark winds which hover around the darkness of the night, the quiet of the living world, the stars which illuminate the way for those who carry you on their shoulders are anything but comforting to you. In fact they are implicitely telling you another story. That you are without hearing, without feeling, without thought, without need, without…life.

The grave has already been dug for you and awaits you to fill its empty, silent and gloomy chamber. This gaping hole in the ground is different from the houses you yearned for in life. It is anything but grand, luxorious and spacious. It is is simple, unmarked and isn’t lifted above the ground. In fact its depth can be measured by the eye. No windows or any kind of ventilation exist  and no doors that can be percieved by the people of this world. It is damp but don’t worry - your corpse will most probably already be emitting a slight odour that can not be concealed by any shower, deodrant or perfume of this world. But with the state that your corpse is now in, it doesn’t matter as you have no one to impress. You won’t feel thirst or hunger, so there’s no need for a fridge full of cold, refreshing drinks and delightful foods that you partook in when you were alive. You won’t need a toilet, as those who performed your ghusl tried to clean your abdomen of excrements by gently massaging your lower back awhile ago… no friend, loved one or even an enemy will want to visit or spend time with you now.

But - O Yes! You will have visitors but they will be special, rare visitors - unlike the ones who visited you when you were living.

***

Your grave is simple in compliance to the words of our dear Messenger (peace be upon him),

“Graves should not be marked or built.” (Saheeh Muslim)

We find in a hadeeth narrated by Ali (may Allah be pleased with him),

“Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) instructed him to destroy all statues, and not to leave a grave raised high without leveling it with the ground.” (Muslim).

The believers intend to place a mark or stone on your grave later on, just so that it can be recognized and distinguished from the graves surrounding it, some of which are in fact centuries old. How quickly your neighbours have changed. How quickly your life has just stopped. If only you could go back in time, but of what use is regret now? Socialization is no longer a need for you.

They have dug your grave so that you are facing towards the Qiblah.

Today is the day when you have been placed before the Qiblah involuntarily. But how many times was the Call for Prayer (Adhaan) announced, only to find you heedless, reluctant and unwilling. You ran away from facing Allah’s home (Baytullah), but now you are in a home from which you can not run. Today you have no choice but to face the Qiblah and Allah’s accountability.

With tears flowing down their cheeks, they slowly place you in your new home on your right side, close to the grave’s wall, so as to give you support from falling back. You are now facing the Qiblah as they read:

Bismilllah wa ala millati rasoolilllah

 

"In the name of Allah and in the faith of the Messenger of Allah".

Now they undo the knots and ties on your head and feet. The time now comes…to cover you with mud.

Covered and Alone

As the mud is thrown over you the reality of your existence and the existence of everything besides Allah (the Mighty and Glorious) becomes apparent. Where is your haughtiness, your self-deluding pride, your worship of your own desires and wants today? All has gone. You are now alone, no friend to support you, no mother or father to comfort you, no siblings to depend on and above all, no time to change your ways. For those who walk on the earth deluded from the purpose of worshipping Allah! Know that the time will draw near when you will be underground, a corpse, unattended, uncared for and after a few generations…maybe altogether forgotten and unknown. Turn back to Allah, repent! Allah, the Mighty, above the heavens hears the cry of his slave that turns back to him with penitence, fear, hope and remorse. Let’s now begin to be the best Slaves of Allah that we can possibly be. Let’s fight our egos, our very desires and passions that go against the Qur’aan and the Sunnah of the Best of Mankind (peace be upon him). Let’s be women who do not fear the blame of the ridiculers. Let’s be women of calibre, conviction and patience. Let’s aim to change the world, by first changing ourselves:

{… Verily! Allâh will not change the good condition of a people until they do not change their state of themselves…} (Ar-Ra’d [13], verse 11)

All of this can be done now, but not when the mud becomes our clothes, clinging to us, filling our mouths and noses.

They Begin to Walk Away

As they stare down at and towards your newly covered grave, your corpse is no longer visible due to the dark, murky mud which now covers and engulfs your lifeless body.

As they stare down at your newly covered grave, your corpse is no longer visible due to the dark, murky mud that now covers and engulfs your lifeless body.

It is a fact that during the hard times in life, you’ll notice that sometimes the dearest of friends fails to stick by your side. This may not be done intentionally but may be due to some human weaknesses and tendencies, such as their own preoccupations, limited time or health.

The same will happen when they throw mud over us and will have completed their duty towards us in terms of our burial, something that, Allah Willing, they will be rewarded for. But, it makes sense that they will not be able to stand there forever; they’ll tire, remember an errand, or simply want to go home and let their heart heal from the impact of your separation…but the reality and fact of the matter is that they will eventually leave you alone to face your fate and in the few years to come they will only be able to recall snippets of light memories of you.

As they begin to slowly walk away from your grave, you can’t call out, “STOP! I need you! Don’t leave me. Don’t you care for and love me anymore? Have you forgotten me? Won’t you remember me anymore…?” Even if you could call out, it makes no difference… as they are unable to hear you.

Now, although you can’t request them for it, you are in need of their supplications (duas) as you lie underground all alone, without any light or any means of communication. This is because your sins may now turn against you. Therefore, you are in need of sincere supplications from within the hearts of the believers, expressed sincerely towards the Lord above. Yesterday you could have worked to increase your own good deeds, but now you are left to the graciousness of those who may remember to supplicate for you or undertake a good action that may benefit you - IF it is sanctioned by the chronicles of Islamic Law.

Before we proceed, let’s remember to say, “May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon Muhammad” as it is due to his guidance that the believers will, by the Will of Allah, implement this practice. In one Prophetic Narration the Prophet (peace be upon him) said,

“Make dua’ of Istighfaar (Supplicate for Forgiveness) for your brother and request steadfastness for him because he is now being questioned." (Abu Dawood).

This is why, at this time, which is one of the most critical times for you, their supplications will stand to be more significant for you than the fleeting enjoyments of the world, which the people of the world so readily and hastily run after.

Indeed, their supplications may have a significant impact on what is awaiting you in the grave.

Continuous Rewards

In such a lonely place, at such a desperate time, how would it feel if you were told that some of your good deeds in life will continuously benefit and support you after your death? Even in this life, if I told you that your bank account will be continuously deposited with extra, free money - growing and adding to your balance every day, without any additional work from you - how would you feel? But remember, this world’s bank balances won’t last forever, but, Allah Willing, the Hereafter’s will.

There are only a few of your own good deeds that will continuously flow forth reward for you, even after your death. Although these good deeds maybe few in number, their rewards may turn out to be great, far more than you ever anticipated or expected.

Bring to mind the happiness you feel in your heart when you do something small and are repaid many times over for such a small exertion. Indeed, Allah is the Most Merciful, the Gracious and the Bestower. He can do much, much, much more for you - the question is: do you really want it? If so it’s not too late. Now is the chance to sow that which will be reaped by the Most Merciful in the Most Gracious of ways, Allah Willing.

Therefore, even though the life span of a Muslim is short and his/her deeds will stop after death, a Muslim may have carried out certain actions in life that will continue to benefit him/her in their grave. These actions include:

• perpetual charity;
• useful knowledge;
• a good child that prays for him/her;
• a Mosque that s/he built;
• teaching Quran to another person;
• a house s/he built for public use;
• a water fountain or a river that s/he rented and made it free for people;
• a charity that s/he gave during his/her life while s/he was in good health.

All of the above are continuously rewardable good actions even after death.

In this respect the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "After the death of a person his actions stop, except three things that he leaves behind: First, continuous charity; Second, knowledge from which some benefit may be obtained; Third, a virtuous son who makes Dua’ (prays, supplicates) on his behalf." (Muslim).

Therefore, charity will benefit the deceased, as the following Prophetic narrations also clearly illustrates:

"A man came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and asked him, "My father died leaving wealth but no will, would he be pardoned if a charity is given on his behalf?", the Prophet (peace be upon him) answered: "Yes." (Muslim)

Another Hadith: "A man came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and asked him, "My mother has died without making up for missed days of fasting in the month of Ramadan, can I fast for her?”, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said to him, “Would you pay her debt if she owed someone?". The man said: "Yes", then the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Then Allah is more deserving of payment in settlement of his debt." (Bukhari & Muslim).

Ibn Abbas reported that: A woman came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and said, "My mother had vowed to perform Hajj (Pilgrimage), but she died before she could fulfill her vow, should I do it on her behalf?" The Prophet (peace be upon him) said to him, "Yes, perform Hajj on her behalf. Would you not pay the debt of your mother if she had owed someone? Fulfill it. Allah is more deserving of receiving payment for what is due to Allah." (Bukhari & Muslim)

Now, think about the magnanimity of the following verse:

“Everyone shall taste death. And only on the Day of Resurrection shall you be paid your wages in full. And whoever is removed away from the fire and admitted to the Paradise, indeed this person attained success, and this life is only enjoyment and deception.” (Aal-‘Imraan: 175)

***

Today you’re really alone.

You can’t speak, cry or moan.

You can’t articulate your feelings or change your tone,

Forget your worldly abode, which was just a transient home.

And yes, it’s too late to payback any loan.

You just aimed to have a good education, enjoy your life,

And to eventually be a wife.

Then you became a mother, a granny and then reality hit you about this life,

When you fell ill on your death bed,

And then your funeral player was led.

Indeed, your grave is an empty shell,

Either filled with the delights of Paradise or the flames of hell.

Did you lose out in this world, when indeed you did sell,

Yourself to satan, who hates you and works to achieve and do well.

Or did you follow the way of the pious and become the one to warn and tell,

The others of Allah’s wrath and Jahannam’s hell?

Wake up and realize before the mud fills your mouth and ears,

Then you will be alone and you won’t be able to shed any tears.

The reckoning will begin,

And those living in sin,

Surely won’t win.

For Allah created man and Jinn,

To worship him alone.

So atone,

Before it’s too late to even pick up the phone,

When, yes, you’ll truly be alone.

Now’s the time: ask forgiveness from others,

For in Islaam we are all sisters and brothers.

But first and foremost, ask the Creator’s forgiveness,

And adamantly ask Him to widen and graciously bless your grave.

And from now on intend to be his devoted slave,

And to behave

Like a Muslim, so that you’ll be saved,

And your grave widened, for in it…very soon…you will be laid.

And don’t forget, always remember the words of the Noble Messenger,

When he said he was only in this life a traveller

Therefore, you too, also be in it like a mere passenger.

Details

Category: Death and the Grave

Before we look into the life of al-Barzakh (what it entails and what a believer will face therein) I would like to briefly examine the deteriorating effect of the earth on a human corpse. Currently, as you read this sentence, the process of decomposition of once living creatures is occurring all around you. However, many of us are so engrossed and deluded by the life of this world that we hate to contemplate, reflect, talk or even hear anything about the grave and the decomposition of our bodies within it.

Today, when the fear of Allah, His Accountability and Reckoning does not affect our hearts as it should, such reminders will benefit us and push us towards working for our Hereafter. Allah (the Most Gracious) says in the Qur’an: {And remind for Verily, the reminding benefits the believers.} (Adh-Dhaariyaat [51]: 55)

With this exact aim in mind I am writing this article. It is a reality that every second leads us closer to death and our new home…a dark and murky container. Allah (the Almighty) has clearly stated: {Have we not made the earth a container for the living and the dead?} (Al-Mursalaat 25 – 26)

Indeed the earth is a container for many living creatures; nevertheless many dead creatures also fill its emptiness. In this regard, we find the reality of man within the following verse: {Then He (Allah) causes him to die, and puts him in his grave;} (Abasa: 21)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said to the Companions: “Show due bashfulness to Allah”. The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) then said: “O Messenger of Allah! We show bashfulness, thank Allah”. They were obviously taken aback by the Prophet’s statement. The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied: “It is not that (as you think). True bashfulness to Allah is to keep the head and what it contains (i.e. to keep the eyes, ears, tongue, etc away from sins) and to keep the abdomen (away from unlawful foods) and what is related to it (i.e. to keep the private parts and the legs, etc away from committing what is prohibited), and to remember death and decay (in the grave); and whoever seeks the Hereafter should abandon the adornments of the worldly life. Whoever does so will be the one showing due bashfulness to Allah” (At-Tirmidhi and other compilers of Hadeeth).

How many of us are guilty of immodesty towards Allah (the Almighty) in this regard? How would we feel if someone accused us of having this trait? Maybe we would frown and become troubled by this opinion - although, what really matters is how Allah (the All-Knowing) regards us. Let’s take heed from the following saying:

“Judge yourself before you are judged.”

In truth, a day is soon approaching when we will be judged. Therefore, remember death and decay, as stated in the aforementioned Prophetic narration, even if the people of the world wrongly accuse us of being morbid, strange or mentally unbalanced. Not only will this refine our modesty towards Allah, but we will also come to realize the great stations the Prophets, Shuhadaa’ (Martyrs) and chosen Slaves of Allah enjoy in this respect. Allah (the Almighty) does not allow the earth to eat away at the corpses of His chosen and selected pious slaves, something that we will cover in detail soon, Allah Willing. Such a study will make us realize the Magnanimity and Graciousness of Allah (the Almighty) towards these selected groups; May Allah (the Gracious) make us of them, Aameen.

While keeping the forthcoming information in mind, we should also have good and positive thoughts of Allah (the Almighty). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “None of you should die, except while he is (having) good thought of Allah.” (Saheeh Muslim)

What this means is that we should not give up hope in Allah’s Mercy. We should think well and positively of a Lord who is so Forgiving, Merciful and Gracious. At the same time we should be preparing to meet Him in a good state.

Surely, a bird can only fly with two wings.

***

Despite the fact that this section will include some disturbing images of insects, the purpose of this article is to open our eyes to what may await us in our graves and is not to delve into a deep, scientific study of the decomposition of a human corpse.

After a human being’s death the body is no longer given the same attention that it once enjoyed. This is because it is now an empty shell, devoid of life; hence it is of little benefit to the people. However, there are still some who benefit from the dead corpse … the scavenging insects. These insects will eagerly offer their services and aide to the slow process of decomposition of the entire body. Certain insects are attracted to dead bodies and are referred to as “carrion-eating insects”. This category includes insects such as flies, maggots, beetles and their like.

Although decomposition actually begins straight after a person dies, our aim here is to focus on the decomposition that occurs in the grave. There are five stages of decomposition that the body undergoes in the grave. Let’s begin our journey through them.

1. The Fresh Stage

This is when the body has just been buried and hence is still fresh in its appearance. At this stage no physical appearance of decomposition is present, even though its active change began a while ago when life functions came to an end, causing the beginning of the breakdown of cells and tissues.

After the mud is thrown on the corpse and the body begins to cool to the temperature of its surroundings…the scavenging insects in the soil begin to crawl towards the corpse. Once access to the body is gained they begin to lay their eggs.

2. Putrefaction

At this stage, more obvious signs of decay appear as the corpse changes in color and odour. The body experiences significant bloating due to the chemical processes involved in decomposition, which produce gases. Therefore the face and abdomen swell, forcing fecal matter out of the body. Due to the presence of bacteria in the body, which now enter the veins and interact with the blood, we begin to see red streaking on the skin that will later change into the green marbelization of the skin. In extreme cold, the body’s enzymatic breakdown (autolysis) is inactivated and bacterial activity (putrefaction) slows down.

The following image is of microscopic, intestinal bacteria.

A final process in this stage includes the skin changing from its natural color to orange or black, usually embellished with patches of mold.[1]

Here comes to light the reality of man, his existence and rank. Yet in this world he was so arrogant and boastful, denying the commands of his Lord. Today his true worth and status is evident as a host of insects increasingly invade his body.

3. Black Putrefaction

In the third stage, the body takes on a dark color. The rupture of the abdomen opens the body cavity to a greater variety of insects and scavengers.

The most obvious and abundant insect to arrive in the early stages of decomposition are the flies. They enter the body through natural openings or wounds, eventually feeding over the whole body as the tissues decay. In temperate areas, flies are the first to colonize the body and are responsible for the most dramatic consumption of the organs and tissues. In general, flies deposit their eggs almost immediately after death in the daytime. The adult flies emerge from the pupae in 12–18 days.[2]

Flies lay their eggs or larvae on the actual body, which generates a large number of maggots who live on and feed off of the fluids which exude from the corpse. Juicy maggots provide a plentiful food source for other animals, including other species of flies. At this stage there is considerable competition among the flies for access to the corpse.

The Blowfly, Chrysomya rufifacies, feeds on maggots of other flies as well as consuming decaying flesh. The larvae of the blowfly are covered with protrusions called papillae, which serve as protection against the predatory attacks of other maggots. The adult blowflies use spongy mouth parts to soak up fluids exuded from the body:

A number of wasp species lay their eggs inside the larvae of flies. The wasp larva then feeds on the maggot, eventually killing it and emerging as an adult wasp. One pupa (which is an insect in the inactive stage of development - in between larva and adult) is host to an average of 12 wasps.

Corpse Fauna - Parasitic Wasp, Brachymeria calliphorae

This black putrefaction stage lasts approximately ten to twenty days and then the bones begin to become visible. At this point, beetles arrive at the corpse. In contrast to the flies, beetles have chewing mouthparts and can manage tougher foods than the semi-liquid material that fly larvae are so efficient at exploiting.

Three types of beetle make their living out of corpses. The early arrivals tend to be predatory adults that feed on fly larvae. Some of these species lay their eggs on the corpse and the emerging larvae - which share their parents' powerful jaws - feed on fly larvae. These species include the rove beetles (Staphylinidae), and hister beetles (Histeridae). The following image is a close up of the mouth parts of a beetle.

(Electron micrograph)

Many mites, spiders, ticks, scorpions and harvestmen can feed on a corpse over the full term of its exposure to the elements. Gamasid mites like Macrocheles are common in the early stages of decomposition:

Adult moths lay their eggs on a carcass after all the fly larvae have finished with it. On hatching, their larvae look around for food on any hair that remains. Some of the familiar moth species (Tineidae) feed on hair during their larval stages. Tineid moths are therefore the final animals contributing to the decomposition of a carcass.

Monopis argillacea. Moth - Corpse Fauna.

4. Butyric Fermentation

At this stage the body begins to dry and preserve itself with organs and tissues eventually, reducing and withering away. Odours fade and the body forms an adipocere, or “grave wax” layer. After the organs and tissues are gone, the final stage of decomposition is dry decay, or skeletonization. This is the longest stage as the chemical structure of bones makes them much slower to deteriorate than soft tissue.

Late-arriving beetles tend to be specialist scavengers that feed on tougher parts, like skin and tendons, as the body dries out. The dominant late stage scavengers include the larvae of hide beetles (Dermestidae);

and ham beetles (Cleridae).

Tyroglyphid mites feed on dry skin in the later stages of decomposition.

When the corpse has dried out, two other groups of flies known as the cheese flies (Piophilidae);

and the coffin flies (Phoridae);

join the beetles and mites in cleaning up the skeleton.

The speed of bone decay greatly depends upon the environmental factors present at the burial location, including moisture, temperature and pH of the soil. In hot climates with many scavengers, skeletonization can occur as early as 9-10 days after burial. However, in most cases this process occurs over many years. Therefore, skeletonization is highly variable.

From the above information we can deduce the following:

• The transient nature of this world.
• Shyness from Allah (the Almighty) includes the remembrance of death and decay.
• The importance of asking for Shahaadah (martyrdom) from Allah (the Almighty).
• The importance of asking Allah (the Almighty) to protect us from the torment of the grave.
• The temporary nature of our dominance and supremacy on earth. Today for many of us insects are a small nuisance; we can easily get rid of them whilst they are powerless to stop us. Nevertheless, when we die the insects will be in control of our corpses whilst we will be powerless to do anything.
• We should refrain from beautifying ourselves in ways that are Haraam, for example by plucking the eyebrows, permanent tattooing, haircuts that resemble men etc. Let’s remember that our bodies will be gone and what will remain are our deeds.

_______________

References: