Is it permissible to excavate a grave to retrieve valuables?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Funerals
Primary text
If an object of value falls into the grave, it must be exhumed and retrieved. Ahmad permits the digger to exhume the grave to retrieve his tools, such as a hoe, or if dirhams (money) fall in, provided the item has value. The condition is that the object must possess inherent worth. If the heirs of the deceased offer the rightful owner compensation for the item, the retrieval is still permissible.
Supporting text
The permissibility is supported by the narration where Al-Mughirah ibn Shu'bah placed his ring in the grave of the Prophet (PBUH) and later had the spot opened to retrieve it. Al-Mughirah would then state that he was the one closest in recent contact to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH).