Muslims should avoid saying ‘Rest In Peace’ to non-muslims – Jakim

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No hard and fast rule when it comes to RIP, says Penang mufti

PETALING JAYA: Penang mufti Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor said there is no hard and fast rule on the use of the phrase “Rest in peace” or “RIP” when offering condolences to non-Muslims.

He said there is no specific mention in the Quran on the matter.

Wan Salim said it also depends very much on the intention behind the use of the phrase.

“If we are saying ‘Rest in peace’ to mean a person is no longer shouldering the burden of responsibilities, like for instance a leader such as Queen Elizabeth II, it is all right,” he told FMT.

However, he said, Muslims were prohibited from praying for the sins of the deceased to be forgiven or for the soul to be blessed.

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