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

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KUALA LUMPUR: Muslims are not encouraged to say, ‘Rest In Peace’ to a non-Muslim upon the latter’s death.

Malaysia Islamic Development Department (Jakim) director-general, Datuk Othman Mustapha said saying those words had implications on a Muslim’s faith if the real meaning was not understood, as saying ‘Rest In Peace’ was a practice of non-Muslims that should not be followed by Muslims.

“The words ‘Rest In Peace’ is usually uttered by the Christians, especially Catholics, since the 18th century. These words are also often inscribed on the grave stones of demised Christians.

“The full version which originates from the Latin language goes, ‘May his soul and the souls of all the departed faithful by God’s mercy rest in peace’,” he said in a statement, here, yesterday.

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Citing the Quran, Turkish scholar says Muslims can say ‘RIP’ for non-Muslims

PETALING JAYA: Turkish scholar Mustafa Akyol says Muslims can say “rest in peace” when offering their condolences to deceased non-Muslims, adding that God’s mercy is not limited to Muslims.

Akyol said his view, which was shared by other leading theologians, was based on two almost identical Quranic verses – 2:62 and 5:69 – which state that all good people who believe in God will be saved.

These verses explicitly state that “believers (Muslims), Jews, Christians and the Sabians (an extinct religious group)” will be saved in the afterlife, he said.

Verse 2:62 says: “All those who believe in God and the Last Day and do good, will have their rewards with their Lord. No fear for them, nor will they grieve.”

“So, according to the Quran, God’s mercy is not limited to Muslims,” Akyol told FMT.

“Muslims, therefore, can say ‘rest in peace’ for non-Muslims, and pray for their souls, if they are good people.”

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RIP has Christian roots but now a common phrase used by all, says clergyman

PETALING JAYA: While the phrase “Rest in peace” has its roots in the Christian faith, it has since evolved into a common and respectful term used by people of all religions to express condolence for the dead, a senior clergyman said.

Herman Shastri said the phrase, popularly known by its abbreviation “RIP”, has its origins in the Latin “requiescat in pace” used in earlier centuries.

For the Christian community, it was used as a statement of faith, as a farewell awaiting resurrection at the end of time, he said.

“In today’s modern society, it is used by people as a respectful way of expressing condolence for the dead.

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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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