QUETTA: Maulvi Nooruddin Agha, a prominent religious scholar and spiritual leader from Balochistan, has strongly opposed the practice of using the bodies of martyrs for protest purposes, asserting that Islamic teachings mandate their immediate burial .
Citing blessed hadiths, Maulvi Nooruddin Agha took the position that it is not appropriate to keep deceased bodies for agitation or political demonstrations. Instead, he emphasized that all deceased individuals—including martyrs—must be buried promptly in accordance with Sharia teachings .
The cleric referenced the prophetic tradition recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, wherein the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Hasten the funeral; if it is a good person, you are sending it forth to good; and if it is otherwise, you are putting off an evil thing from your necks” . This hadith underscores Islam’s strong emphasis on swift burial as an act of respect for the deceased and a means of spiritual benefit to the bereaved.
Islamic scholars have long maintained that martyrs in the way of Allah are not washed nor prayed over, but are buried in the garments they were slain in—a practice established as sunnah . However, scholars also recognize that while Islam encourages prompt burial, it does not fix a rigid timeframe, and delays are permissible when valid justifications exist, such as legal identification procedures or exceptional circumstances .
Maulvi Nooruddin Agha’s remarks come amid ongoing debates over the practice of retaining martyrs’ bodies for extended periods to press political or social demands. He urged the public and authorities to adhere strictly to Islamic guidelines, ensuring that the dignity of the deceased is preserved and that their families are not subjected to unnecessary anguish.
The religious scholar is known for his work mentoring youth and providing practical Islamic knowledge through motivational speeches and community engagement, particularly in Balochistan .
