“Why Muslim Women Don’t Attend Burials in Nigeria — It’s Not What You Think”

In Nigeria, whether Muslim women attend funerals or not largely depends on regional and cultural practices more than religious rulings alone. While women are active in mourning rituals and janazah (funeral) prayers, their absence at burial sites often sparks curiosity and misunderstanding. This deep dive explores the religious, emotional, and cultural reasons behind this centuries-old tradition. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

1. Religious Reasons: Misunderstood Teachings

The Islamic stance on women attending burials isn’t as black and white as many think. A famous hadith from Umm ‘Atiyyah (RA), a female companion of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), states:

“We were forbidden to follow funeral processions, but it was not made strictly binding on us.”

This narration, found in both Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, suggests a discouragement (makruh) rather than a prohibition (haram). Scholars interpret this as a protective measure to ensure decorum during emotionally intense moments, especially when pre-Islamic mourning practices involved loud wailing, tearing of clothes, and dramatic displays.

Some Islamic schools of thought, like the Shafi’i and Hanafi, allow women to attend burials with conditions: they must remain composed, modest, and respectful. The issue, therefore, isn’t about gender but about maintaining the solemnity of the burial.

2. Emotional Considerations: Grief vs. Decorum

A common argument against women’s presence at burials is emotional vulnerability. Women are culturally perceived to be more expressive in grief, which some scholars fear could disrupt the spiritual focus of the event.

However, this is more a cultural than biological issue. Men, too, grieve openly in different societies. In many liberal Muslim communities, the emotional argument is losing ground, especially when women attend burials in silence and dignity.

3. Cultural Norms: Nigeria’s Diverse Practices

Northern Nigeria (Hausa-Fulani Communities)

In the north, it’s rare to see Muslim women at cemeteries. Influenced by conservative interpretations and the dominant Maliki school of thought, women typically stay home to pray and mourn.

• Even close family members like daughters or wives may not attend.
• This practice aligns with cultural values emphasizing modesty and gender separation during public rituals.

Southwestern Nigeria (Yoruba Muslims)

The Yoruba approach is more flexible:

• Some women attend janazah prayers but not the cemetery.
• In urban areas like Lagos and Ibadan, it’s more common to see women at burials, standing at a respectful distance.
• Cultural exposure and access to broader Islamic scholarship may be influencing this shift.

What Scholars Are Saying Today

Contemporary Islamic scholars increasingly advocate for a balanced interpretation. They argue that the hadiths must be understood contextually. Excessive emotional mourning was the issue, not women’s attendance per se.

They cite examples like Aisha (RA), the Prophet’s wife, who visited her brother’s grave. This shows that the restriction is not universal but dependent on conduct.

Global Comparison

• Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Bangladesh: Women rarely attend burials; often mistaken as a religious rule.
• Egypt, Iran, North Africa: Women attend, though usually from a distance.
• Malaysia, Indonesia: Women attend in segregated sections.
• Western Countries (UK, US, Canada): Increasing presence of Muslim women at burials, reflecting modern interpretations.

Final Word

The absence of Nigerian Muslim women at burials is a complex blend of religious interpretation, cultural values, and emotional sensitivity. While early scholars discouraged it to preserve order and modesty, today’s realities call for a more nuanced understanding.

Muslim women, particularly in Nigeria, are gradually reclaiming space in funeral rites with quiet dignity. The key isn’t just about whether they attend, but how they do — with modesty, respect, and purpose.